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Heel Pain
Heel pain can make it difficult to bear weight on the affected foot, which could severely limit your mobility. If you develop heel pain, the experienced providers at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County can help. They use a variety of non-surgical treatments to relieve heel pain and advanced surgical techniques where necessary. To find a resolution for your heel pain, call the office in Bloomfield Hills or Clarkston, Michigan, or book an appointment online today.
Heel pain can make it difficult to bear weight on the affected foot, which could severely limit your mobility. If you develop heel pain, the experienced providers at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County can help. They use a variety of non-surgical treatments to relieve heel pain and advanced surgical techniques where necessary. To find a resolution for your heel pain, call the office in Bloomfield Hills or Clarkston, Michigan, or book an appointment online today.
What causes heel pain?
Heel pain can arise from bruising or overuse when you’ve been walking or running for a long time. Bruising is particularly likely to happen if you’re wearing unsupportive footwear, doing a lot more than you’re used to, or walking on hard ground. Pain from bruising should go away after a few days of rest.
More serious or persistent heel pain could be due to conditions like:
Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most likely causes of heel pain on the bottom of your heel. It develops when the plantar fascia connective tissue that runs the length of your sole becomes inflamed. Overuse and carrying excess weight are common triggers for plantar fasciitis.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve comes under pressure as it passes through the bony tarsal tunnel in your ankle.
Stress fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones that develop over time.
Heel spurs
Heel spurs are bony growths that can press on the nerves and soft tissues.
Haglund’s syndrome
Haglund’s syndrome is where a bony lump at the back of the heel causes irritation and inflammation in the soft tissues.
Achilles tendinitis
The Achilles tendon at the back of your heel may develop tiny tears that cause inflammation and pain.
Heel bursitis
The bursae in your heel are sacs of fluid that protect the joint. Bursitis is inflammation that affects overused bursae.
How is heel pain treated?
The treatment you need for your heel pain can vary depending on what’s causing your condition. Your provider at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County prepares a treatment program for you personalized to your needs, but potential treatments for heel pain include:
- Rest
- Activity modification
- Ice packs
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications)
- Taping the foot
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Splints
- Heel wedges
These conservative approaches are often successful in relieving heel pain. If your pain persists, you might benefit from cortisone injections, which have powerful, long-lasting anti-inflammatory effects.
Would I need surgery for heel pain?
In most cases, Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County finds non-surgical treatments are effective in relieving heel pain. If, after several months of therapy, your heel pain continues to cause problems and is affecting your mobility, surgery might be an option.
The form of surgery you require depends on the cause of your heel pain. Wherever possible, the surgeons at Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County use minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to perform surgery. That approach minimizes tissue damage, doesn’t cause as much pain, and promotes a faster recovery than open surgery.
To find out what’s causing your heel pain and get the treatment you need, call Orthopedic Specialists of Oakland County or book an appointment online today.