We stay on our feet for many hours every day. We use them for walking, running, and playing sports, so it’s no wonder our feet sometimes hurt. The heel is the largest bone in the foot and bears most of our body’s weight. That’s why heel pain can be so debilitating.
Heel pain is a common problem resulting from various conditions and activities. Treatment typically begins with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. If these measures don’t work, your doctor may recommend more aggressive treatment, such as corticosteroid injections or surgery.
Let’s learn more about these treatment options and where you can go in Naples, FL, for effective heel pain treatment.
Non-Surgical Options
Doctors typically recommend non-surgical options first to treat heel pain. These may include:
Resting
Resting is the most important thing you can do for your heel pain. Avoid activities that stress your heels, such as running or jogging. Moving can worsen your heel pain because it doesn’t give your body enough time to heal.
Applying Ice
Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Try this for 20-30 minutes several times a day. You should use a cloth to protect your skin from direct contact with the ice.
Exercising
Some specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles and tendons around your heel. These can help take the strain off your heel and ease the pain.
Stretching
Stretching the muscles and tendons around the heel can also be helpful. Ask your doctor or physical therapist if you’re unsure what to do.
Wearing Orthotics
Custom-made shoe inserts can help support your heel and relieve pain. You may need them if you have a high arch or flat feet.
You can get them from specialty stores, pharmacies, or your doctor. But note that custom orthotics fit your feet better than over-the-counter arch supports.
Taking Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce inflammation and pain. If those don’t work, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication.
Getting Corticosteroid Injections
Injecting a steroid into the area around your heel can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Using Night Splints
Wearing a night splint while you sleep can stretch your Achilles tendon and calf muscles. It can help reduce the pain in the morning.
Surgical Options
If non-surgical options don’t relieve your pain, you may need surgery. The type of surgery you have will depend on the cause of your heel pain.
Your surgeon will carefully consider all your options and recommend the best one for you. Some common types of heel surgery are:
Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair
This surgery helps treat a tear in the Achilles tendon. The tendon is the rope-like structure that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.
Achilles Tendonitis Debridement and Repair
Surgeons perform this surgery to remove damaged tissue from the Achilles tendon. They often perform it along with other procedures, such as repairing a tear in the tendon.
Bone Spur Removal
This surgery removes bony growths, or spurs, from your heel bone.
Calcaneal Fracture Repair
Your surgeon will use this surgery to treat a broken heel bone.
Heel Fat Pad Augmentation
This surgery helps treat a condition called fat pad atrophy. It is when the fatty cushion that protects your heel bone starts to shrink.
Heel pain can be a real nuisance, but there are treatments available that can help. Talk to your doctor about all your options and which is best for you. With the correct treatment, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
Effective Heel Pain Treatment in Naples, FL
If you are looking for effective heel pain treatment in Naples, FL, look no further than the Joint Replacement Institute. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained providers, like Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs and Dr. Brian Wallace, can give you the care you deserve. You can call us at (239) 261-2663 or use our convenient appointment request form to book a consultation with us.
We look forward to serving you!
