Medical Treatments for Chronic Heel Pain

The heels provide much-needed support and stability for your feet and ankles. When they are constantly hurting, swollen, or tender, it can be a major distraction during your day. Fortunately, heel pain can be corrected with treatments administered by Dr. Angelo Pace, a podiatrist at Advanced Pace Foot and Ankle Center in Alexandria, VA.

Reasons for Heel Pain

People who work on their feet a lot or athletes are most likely to develop heel pain due to the time they spend doing physical activity. The type of shoewear or wearing shoes that are too tight can also be a cause. The heels also constantly rub up against the back of the shoes, so over time they can become irritated. A condition called plantar fasciitis is a common cause of chronic heel pain.

Treatments for Heel Pain

The first method that your Alexandria, VA foot doctor will try for heel pain is a non-invasive treatment. That may include ice therapy to control swelling, corticosteroid injections for inflammation and pain, or customized orthotics. For plantar fasciitis, you may have to consider another option like surgery to repair tissue or extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

Additional Advice for Heel Pain

One of the best ways to get healing for heel pain is to take better care of your feet at home in addition to recommended podiatry treatments. That includes nightly foot soaks, icing the feet after activity, and getting more rest. It is also best to change the type of shoes you wear, opting for open-toed shoes that don’t press on your heels. Obese patients can be more prone to heel pain, so your doctor may recommend a weight loss regimen.

Are Your Heels Hurting?

If you have chronic heel pain, know that there are solutions you can explore with your podiatrist. Call today to set an appointment with Dr. Angelo Pace at Advanced Pace Foot and Ankle Center in Alexandria, VA for heel pain treatment. Call for more information today at (703) 971-7100 for the office on Walker and (703) 360-9292 for the office on Sherwood.