Suffering With Heel Pain? A Podiatrist Can Help

Heel pain can have a variety of causes, and it will sometimes disappear as suddenly as it appeared. However, persistent heel pain that lasts longer than a couple of weeks should be treated. It's a relatively common complaint that can interfere with your ability to get around and get on with your daily tasks, and leaving it untreated can lead to the surrounding muscles and ligaments being damaged. A podiatrist can diagnose and treat heel pain, and you can utilise podiatric treatment as a sole treatment for your heel pain, or you can combine it with other forms of treatment, such as prescription medication.

What Can Cause Heel Pain?

Excess strain on your heel can lead to heel pain, and there are a number of potential causes to consider. If you have flat feet and exercise while wearing footwear that doesn't provide appropriate support or have a poor running technique, you risk developing heel pain. Some foot conditions also cause heel pain to develop, such as Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. These conditions cause inflammation around the heel, which impairs blood flow and limits the range of movement in your foot, which can lead to muscle tightness and pain.

How Can A Podiatrist Help?

When you visit a podiatrist with heel pain, they will try to establish the cause of the pain. To do this, they will take details of your symptoms and carry out a foot assessment. This may involve observing you walking and gently moving your foot in different directions to establish how the range of motion in your foot has been affected. Once the podiatrist understands what's causing your heel pain, they will be able to recommend a treatment approach.

Treatment for heel pain may include rest and elevation, which will help reduce inflammation and allow your body's natural healing process to begin. Targeted foot exercises can also be effective, and your podiatrist will show you appropriate exercises for easing muscle tension and building strength in your feet. You may also benefit from custom-made orthotic insoles. They slip into your shoes and can be made to take pressure off your heels, which can support recovery. Those with flat feet can benefit greatly from orthotic insoles, as they can be made to lift the foot arches, which can reduce stress on the muscles and ligaments in your feet and lower legs.

Contact a clinic like Plympton Podiatry Centre to learn more. 

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