Dr. Zahid Ladha of Foot First Podiatry helps many patients with heel pain in Albany, IN. Most people experience heel pain at some point, and it is a common complaint at our practice. So when should you be concerned if you are having heel pain? Read more about heel pain and contact us for an appointment today.
What Causes Heel Pain?
Your plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue that runs along the base of your foot. When this becomes inflamed it is called plantar fasciitis and causes heel pain. Experiencing heel pain in Albany, IN, is common when you spend a lot of time on your feet at work. It occurs in many athletes who engage in intense activity often, and is also common when someone has flat feet.
When Should I Be Concerned?
It is normal for plantar fasciitis pain to be worse when you first wake up or stand up, and it starts to subside as you move around more and your foot stretches out. For this reason, many patients continue to limp around every morning and do not make an appointment. But without treatment, heel pain in Albany, IN, will only get worse over time.
Treating Your Heel Pain
If you have been dealing with your heel pain for a while it may take some time to see improvement, so you need to start treatment now and form better habits to keep your feet healthy. Custom shoe orthotics fit inside your shoes and help a lot of patients with heel pain. They absorb impact with extra cushioning and help realign the bones in your foot. The extra support for your heel helps relieve pain as you walk.
Physical therapy and stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve pain and form healthy habits. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications for pain, and if you have more severe pain and swelling, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EWST). Surgery to release the plantar fascia is only considered when other measures haven't improved heel pain.
Get Back on Your Feet Now
Foot First Podiatry is here for you if you are dealing with heel pain in Albany, IN. We can develop a treatment plan to get you feeling better and back on your feet! To make an appointment with Dr. Zahid Ladha, call (812) 945-9221 today.