Most people will experience heel pain at some point in their lifetime, and this is even more likely if you lead an active lifestyle. Heel pain can come on suddenly, but it is more likely to develop slowly due to various factors – such as ill-fitting footwear, intense physical activity, and structural issues of the foot.
Your first instinct is to wait and see if it gets better. You may even ice the foot area and apply compression to it. If the heel pain goes away after a few days, great. If the symptoms persist, it may be time to see a doctor.
Many people are unsure of when to see a doctor for heel pain – no one likes to go to the doctor every time something occurs. But pain is your body’s way of sending you a message that something is indeed wrong.
Symptoms of Heel Injury
If your foot pain gets worse (not better) after resting and applying home treatments, or if the pain is so severe that it limits mobility, schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor. You may have sustained damage to your foot and ankle that requires proper medical treatment.
Signs that you need to see a physician include:
- Heel pain even while at rest
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Tingling
- Fever
- Inability to walk
- Limited range of motion of the foot
If you’ve had a history of foot and ankle issues and you develop pain in your heel, it could indicate something serious or an underlying health condition. It is in your best interest to visit an orthopedic doctor right away.
What Causes Heel Pain?
Oftentimes, heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis. This is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue that stretches across the bottom of your foot between your toes and your heel. When this tissue has been injured or irritated, the pain is reflected to your heel.
Heel pain can also be caused by bone spurs. These are calcified growths on the heel bone that can rub against adjacent bone or tissue, causing radiating pain.
These conditions will only get worse if left untreated. Eventually, these issues can cause damage to the inner structures of your foot, which may require surgical intervention. Early treatment can prevent the need for surgery later on.
Relief from Heel Pain with Urgent Orthopedic Care
There is no need to allow your heel pain to get worse and turn into a debilitating condition. The skilled doctors and medical staff here at the Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland will determine the cause of your heel pain and make sure you get much-needed relief.
We understand how heel pain can feel like it controls your life, which is why we recommend the most innovative treatments for quick and effective relief. Treatments range from noninvasive physical therapy to minimally invasive injection treatment to surgical intervention.
Come and visit our orthopedic urgent care clinic in Columbia, Maryland, and you may call ahead at (443) 524-2577 to let us know you’re coming. We look forward to serving you!
