Heel Pain Causes and Heel Pain Treatment

Heel Pain Treatment in Chicago & Wheeling IL

If you’re suffering from minor or severe heel pain, then you’re not alone. The heel is the largest bone in the foot, and there are many conditions and injuries that can affect it, making heel pain a very common problem.

Here at Global Podiatry, we can help you to put an end to your heel pain with advanced treatments that work quickly and effectively to treat heel pain. With safe treatment and advice from the experts, you can get back to enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle – you don’t need to suffer with heel pain alone, we’re here to help!

What Are the Causes of Heel Pain?

Understanding the cause of heel pain is one of the first steps to ensuring that treatment is as effective as possible.

Plantar fasciitis – an inflammation of the plantar fascia – is one of the most common causes of heel pain. There are also a large number of other causes of heel pain, that include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
  
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Bursitis
• Chronic Inflammation
• Fractures
• Gout
• Heel Bumps
• Osteochondrosis
• Osteomyelitis
• Reactive Arthritis
• Ruptured Achilles Tendon
• Severs Disease
• Sprains / Strains
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Along with pain, some conditions and injuries can cause additional symptoms such as swelling, redness, aching, and difficulties walking. Exercising too frequently, wearing unsuitable footwear, and repetitive stress are all common contributors to heel pain.  

How is the Cause of Heel Pain Diagnosed? 

One of the first steps in diagnosing the cause of heel pain is a physical exam. A podiatrist will examine the heel, along with your stance, to understand more about the pain you’re experiencing. As well as performing a physical exam, the podiatrist will review your medical history, ask you about the timeline of your symptoms, and enquire about your footwear and exercise routine.

When an individual is experiencing heel pain, blood tests and x-rays are commonly used to correctly diagnose the cause or confirm a diagnosis.

Does My Heel Pain Require Treatment?

Not all types of heel pain need extensive treatment from a podiatrist in Chicago, but while you may not require specialist treatment to relieve your heel pain, seeking treatment for the pain quickly can be very important. 

Heel pain can affect your ability to walk and move as normal, so it may lead to other injuries. If you’re worried about heel pain, then it’s best to book an appointment with a podiatrist, who’ll be able to examine your heel and give you professional advice on how best to safely speed up your recovery. 

If haven’t been to see a podiatrist and your symptoms don’t ease after one to two weeks, or if you’re experiencing redness, swelling, and severe pain, or are having difficulties walking, then it’s important to book an appointment as soon as possible.

Common Treatments for Heel Pain

The best heel pain treatment for you will depend on different factors, including the cause of the pain and the length of time that the symptoms have been present. Conservative treatments can be very effective in treating heel pain, giving patients complete relief within months of beginning treatment.

Treatment for heel pain can start at home, with remedies such as:

• Resting
• Raising your heel
• Gentle stretches
• Using an ice pack 
• Using night splints 
• Wearing heel Lifts
• Supportive footwear

Before trying certain home remedies, like heel lifts, it’s best to consult a podiatrist who will make sure that any remedies are safe and conducive to a fast and healthy recovery. Depending on the underlying condition causing your heel pain, additional treatment may be required. Common treatments for heel pain, include:

• Custom Fit Orthotics
• Physical Therapy
• Ultrasound Therapy
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
• (RST) – Radial Shockwave Therapy
• Surgery

For more information about treating heel pain treatments in Chicago, get in touch with Global Podiatry. 

What is Radial Shockwave Treatment?

Radial Shock Wave Therapy is a fast, gentle, non-surgical method of reducing heel pain. Our method delivers pressure waves that travel through the skin. As these pressure waves come in contact with the inflamed tissue, they stimulate the body’s natural self-healing process. This treatment is safe and effective and has been evaluated by the FDA with randomized, controlled, double-blinded scientific studies.

Watch the videos below to see how the Radial Shock Wave Therapy works.