Foot and Heel Pain
Many people develop foot and heel pain at some point in their lives. If you are experiencing persisting foot and heel pain, or pain continues when you are not standing, you should contact us for an appointment.
Other types of common pain we treat include, bunions, flat feet, hammertoes, tendonitis, diabetic nerve pain, and swelling.
What is causing my foot pain?
Foot pain can be caused by a range of things, from everyday strain of physical activity to something more severe. If pain is chronic, it could be caused by:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Bone spurs
- Broken bones and toes
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Corns and calluses
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Flatfeet
- Gout
- Poor shoes
- Ingrown toenails
- Nerve Damage
- Plantar fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Stress Fractures
- Tendinitis
When should I see a doctor?
You should schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists if:
- You have trouble walking or moving around
- Your foot problem does not improve with time
- You notice a foot deformity
- You have numbness or tingling sensations
- You have persistent bruising, swelling, or soreness
...or you're just not sure! A comprehensive foot evaluation is always the best way to diagnose the right treatment options for relieving foot pain.
Treatment Options:
Orthotics, steroid injection therapy, physical therapy, stretching, immobilization, NSAIDS, oral steroids, ice, strapping and taping techniques, night splints, shoe analysis and modifications are often incorporated with the therapies below:
Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Therapy is strongly recommended for heel pain that has failed to respond to conventional therapies. Anesthesia in not required and you don’t need to refrain from participating in sports-related activities during treatment. It’s an excellent alternative to surgery.
The Diowave 15-30 Class IV laser provides low-level laser therapy that has been effective in treating soft tissue pain and also requires no anesthesia. This treatment has proven success, and is often combined with low-energy shock wave therapy.
Surgical Options:
The Topaz™ Microdebrider is an innovative technique that uses a minimally invasive approach to preserve and restore the normal anatomic structure of the plantar fascia, by delivering a precise amount of radiofrequency energy to stimulate an immediate healing response. Open surgical excision of a large heel spur is always a last resort, and is only considered when conservative options have failed.