Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment, Achilles tendonitis…
The above diagnoses can all imply heel pain, however you may also experience pain radiating along the bottom of your arch or even the sides and back of your heel. You should see a specialist for a proper diagnosis as treatment may vary depending on the cause and location of the pain.
The longer the pain persists you may compensate by walking differently and other areas of pain (ball of the foot, knee, legs, hip, back) may complicate finding relief. Treatments may include PT exercises, ice, massage, rest, change in type of activity, cushioned insoles, custom orthotics, cushioned and supportive footwear, heel lifts, compression socks, arch taping, Strassburg socks, night splints, cortisone/PRP injections, dry needling, shock wave therapy, fascia release surgery, etc, etc. As you can see, it may be a daunting task to find relief and walk without pain!
With a proper diagnosis, you may start to find relief in a short span of time if you follow a protocol of treatment. At Feet First we see on the average of 10 people a week with current or past symptoms of heel pain. We also see many failed attempts at relief by some of the above treatments, however we have great success in relieving pain symptoms in the heel and other areas of the body due to compensations of trying to stand and walk differently.
Achilles tendonitis may cause pain along the back part of the heel and relief may be as simple as a heel lift. Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment pain typically along the inside edge of the heel may be relieved by arch supports, and footwear modifications. Plantar Fasciitis pain may be relieved by cushioning, heel elevation, arch supports, stretching including rolling the bottom of the arch to gently stretch the fascia, and calf stretching, properly designed footwear support and cushioning for your feet.
At Feet First we are passionate about finding solutions that work for you!! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.