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Heel Pain
Any kind of pain or injury that affects the foot affects the whole body . Our feet are what connect us to the ground and provide a solid foundation for the rest of the body . When you experience heel pain or injury it it ’ ’ s always important to see your doctor if the pain persists .
We asked Dr .. Alissa Parker , a podiatrist for Washington Health System Foot and Ankle Specialists , when you should contact a doctor about heel pain .
“ Heel pain resulting from injury , persistent heel pain , or heel pain that is is worse with activity should be examined by a professional ,” she says .
If If the pain is is the result of a minor injury , there are a few things you can try at at home to see if if the pain will go away on its own .
“ Patients can try rest ,, ice , supportive shoe gear and over the counter anti-inflammatory medications if if they are able to do so based on their primary care doctor ’ ’ s recommendations ,” says Dr . Parker .
There are several conditions that are associated with heel pain . The most common cause is is plantar fasciitis . Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of of the ligament that attaches to the bottom of the heel bone and supports the arch of the foot . Another common cause is insertional Achilles tendinitis . This causes pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to to the back of of the heel bone .
Though these are the most common causes of heel pain , Dr . Parker also sees patients with rarer conditions .
“ Less common conditions include stress fractures of the heel bone ,
bone bone cysts ,, bone tumors and infections or or skin issues ,” says Dr .
Parker ..
Dr Dr .. Parker Parker stresses the the importance of of being proactive about heel pain and and not not taking taking a “ wait wait and and see see ” approach .
“ A delay in treatment can , in some cases , cause scarring and thickening of soft tissue structures , making conservative treatments less likely to be effective ,” says Dr . Parker . “ There are also less common causes of heel pain that should not be missed .. Proper x-rays of the foot may be necessary .”
Some people are more at risk for heel pain than others .. Highly active people , individuals who work on their feet and individuals who work on hard floors generally have more heel impact daily .. People who are overweight are more likely to experience heel pain because of the additional weight that their feet need to support .
If you fall into one of these risk categories , or just want to be proactive about preventing heel injury , there are some ways to minimize risk .. “ Daily calf stretching up to three times per day is a great way to try and prevent heel pain due to plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis ,” ,” says Dr . Parker . She also urges those at risk of injury to always wear supportive shoes and take advantage of special inserts and other supportive shoe gear . She also advises against walking barefoot ,, even at home , for extra protection .
Dr . Alissa Parker is a foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Washington Health Systems .
If you are suffering from heel pain or or other foot and ankle issues , talk with your primary care physician about a referral to to Washington Health Systems Foot & Ankle Specialists or or schedule an appointment at one of of our convenient locations by calling ( 724 ) 222-5635 or or visit visit whs . org / footandankle .
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