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Heel Pain

Heel Pain

Heel Pain services offered in Richardson, Wadley Tower, Dallas and Garland, TX

Heel pain is one of the most common concerns of Metroplex Foot and Ankle, LLP patients. If you’re experiencing heel pain, expert care from the specialists at the Dallas, Garland, and Richardson, Texas, offices can provide relief and improve your quality of life. Call today to schedule an appointment or book using the online portal.

Heel Pain Q&A

What causes heel pain?

You may experience heel pain for many reasons; however, the biggest culprit is plantar fasciitis. Many people notice sharp pains when taking their first steps in the morning. Sitting or standing for extended periods tends to increase symptoms of plantar fasciitis. It’s not well-known what causes plantar fasciitis, but it’s more prevalent in runners and overweight individuals.

Other sources of heel pain include:

Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition where sacs of fluid swell to an uncomfortable level and result in heel pain. These sacs often help cushion joints and aid in movement.

Achilles tendinitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon results in heel discomfort. Individuals who overuse this tendon, commonly seen in athletes who frequently run and jump, often experience this form of heel pain.

Heel spurs

If chronic plantar fasciitis lingers too long, you may develop heel spurs. A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel that can make walking and standing painful.

What are the symptoms of heel pain?

Aside from localized pain and discomfort, you may experience stiffness and swelling. When you apply pressure to the area, you may experience tenderness too. 

Bruising and discoloration are also common in people that experience heel pain regularly. It’s important not to sit or stand for too long to reduce the onset of uncomfortable symptoms.

How does a specialist diagnose heel pain?

Your provider will assess your symptoms and ask several questions about the location and severity of your discomfort. In some cases, they may recommend X-rays to provide more insight into the structure of your foot. X-rays can allow the team to create more precise treatments that reduce your recovery time and maximize effectiveness.

What are common heel pain treatments?

The Metroplex Foot and Ankle, LLP experts may use a combination of traditional medicine and therapeutic methods to relieve your symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections reduce swelling quickly. The team will pair this with exercise and physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve their flexibility. 

To reduce your risk of further heel pain, the foot experts may recommend you stretch regularly before exercise and wear shoes that fit properly. If you run frequently, seeking running paths with softer surfaces helps reduce the impact on joints and tissues. Losing weight may also help reduce heel-related pain.

To schedule a consultation with the foot experts, call the Dallas, Garland, or Richardson, Texas, office today or book online through the reservation portal.