Heel pain is a common issue for adults of all ages, especially when you consider that your feet withstand 60 tons of stress for every mile you walk. Understand the cause of your heel pain and get treatment from the podiatrists at The Methodist Physician Group Specialists so you can walk comfortably again. Located in Merrillville, Indiana, you can schedule an appointment where it’s most convenient for you. To book a visit, call or use the online tool today.
Heel pain can be a consequence of your daily walking habits, footwear, exercise, or trauma to your foot or heel. If you’ve been experiencing heel pain for more than three days and it’s not getting better — or even getting worse — it may be due to:
If your pain isn’t improving with a few days of rest or your pain keeps returning when you do your favorite activities — like running, wearing high heels, or playing sports — it’s best to be evaluated by the team for one of these conditions.
If you regularly experience heel pain, your physician performs a thorough podiatric exam to identify the cause of your pain. They can provide you with personalized strategies to prevent your heel pain from returning, including:
In most cases, these conservative measures can reduce the severity of heel pain caused by soft tissue problems.
Diagnosing heel pain involves a physical exam of your feet and in some cases X-rays. X-rays are used to identify stress fractures, heel spurs, and other bony changes that require specialized care. Most soft tissue-related problems can be diagnosed through a physical exam and consultation, though complex cases may require an MRI to confirm your diagnosis.
Conservative treatments for heel pain can be used to reduce the severity of pain and discomfort, though if you have a more complex case, the team may recommend one of the following treatment options:
The team uses a mix of conservative and interventional strategies as appropriate when approaching heel pain. By integrating therapies, you can get the most benefit through the least invasive methods possible.
Find out what’s causing your heel pain and get relief from the team at The Methodist Physician Group Specialists. Just call or click to schedule your visit now.