Podiatrists are foot doctors, which means they are experts at understanding feet, especially foot pain. Heel pain can interfere with your ability to do the activities you love and become chronic, making simple tasks such as standing or walking uncomfortable or impossible. While each individual is different and may experience heel pain for various reasons, some common reasons may be contributing to your pain. A visit to the podiatrist may help you resolve it before it becomes chronic and debilitating. 

Seeing a Podiatrist for Heel Pain

Whether the pain is excruciating or just annoying, if it’s persistent you should seek medical attention. Due to the complex anatomy of the foot, your podiatrist will consider issues relating to bones, soft tissues, nerves, and skin that comprise your entire foot and ankle, even your full lower leg and the way it functions when working to find the reason behind your discomfort, you will then be given a treatment plan to start you on the road to improvement.

If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, you should see a podiatrist and have your heel evaluated:

• Difficulty walking normally.
• Heel pain that occurs at night or while resting
• Heel pain that persists beyond a few days
• Sharp pain when getting out of bed or after rest.
• Altered sensation of feet like pins and needles
• Swelling or discoloration of the back of the foot
• Signs of an infection, including fever, redness, warmth
• Difficulty bending the foot downward or standing on tiptoes.

Heel Pain Prevention

Reducing stress on the feet is the best way to prevent heel injury and pain. You can do this by:

• Wearing shoes when walking or standing on hard ground – avoid going barefoot.
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Ensuring shoes are properly fitted and are the correct shoes for the activity.
• Stretching and exercises can help strengthen the feet to stabilize your feet.
• Warming up properly before engaging in sports and activities
• Wearing the appropriate footwear for physical activity and sports

To schedule an appointment at our Cromwell, Connecticut office call (860)-632-5499 or visit our website for more information.