Heel Pain

Heel Pain in St. George, Utah, Ely, Nevada, and Caliente, Nevada

Your heel bone is the largest of the 26 bones in each of your feet. Heel pain can stem from injury to the bone itself or to damage to any surrounding structures, which is why David Magnesen, DPM, and Quinten Rowley, DPM, at Southwest Foot & Ankle, provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment care. Before your heel pain progresses, call our office today to request an appointment.

Heel Pain Q & A

What causes heel pain?

Your heel is truly the anchor of your foot. It supports your everyday bodyweight and absorbs shock with each and every step. Needless to say, wear-and-tear can certainly cause your heels to hurt from time to time. But ongoing or worsening heel pain may be a sign of a medical condition, such as:

Excessive pronation
Stress fractures
Plantar fasciitis
Sprains or strains
Achilles tendinitis
Heel spurs
Bursitis
Arthritis
Gout

Whether your heel pain is occasional or a daily life-altering issue, the podiatrists at Southwest Foot & Ankle can help you.

How does a podiatrist diagnose heel pain?

To get to the root of why you have heel pain, your podiatrist talks with you about your symptoms. They need to know if you experience:

Severe pain with your first steps after getting out of bed
Difficulty bearing weight on your foot
Swelling or tenderness
Redness or bruising
Burning or numbness

After learning about your issues, your podiatrist will perform a physical exam, evaluate your range of motion, and try to recreate your symptoms to better understand your diagnosis.

On-site digital x-ray may also be necessary. In most cases, your podiatrist at Southwest Foot & Ankle can diagnose you on the spot and get you started on heel pain treatment right away.

What is the treatment for heel pain?

Treating heel pain usually requires patience and dedication to a conservative treatment plan, as it takes time for injured tissues and bones to heal. Your podiatrist at Southwest Foot & Ankle might recommend:

Footwear changes
Injection therapy
Custom orthotic inserts
Bracing or night splints
Anti-inflammatory medications
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Laser therapy

Of course, conservative heel pain treatments aren’t for everyone, and sometimes, surgical correction is necessary. Your podiatrist at Southwest Foot & Ankle can use minimally invasive measures and advanced techniques to make any necessary repairs, including releasing your plantar fascia, removing bone spurs, or removing damaged tissues, so your heel pain will soon become a thing of your past.

With Southwest Foot & Ankle's help, heel pain won’t have to take over your life another day. Request your heel pain exam through the website or over the phone with the office nearest you today.