Are You Dealing With Heel Pain?

Has heel pain become a part of your daily routine? Change how you feel and improve your mobility by consulting Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels. Drs. Brandon and Sarah James see many cases of heel pain in their New Braunfels office.

What causes heel pain?

Something as simple as being on your feet too much can cause heel pain. However, other physical and biomechanical issues play roles, too. They include:

1. An overstretching of the plantar fascia, the broad ligament between the toes and heel bone (this condition is called plantar fasciitis)
2. A heel spur off the front of the calcaneus, or heel bone
3. Pronation issues, a movement of the arch of the foot up and down and to the right and left as you walk or run (overpronation contributes to plantar fasciitis)
4. Heel pain syndrome related to the reduction of the fat pad on the bottom of the foot
5. A cyst
6. A stress fracture or traumatic injury
7. Arthritis
8. Tendinitis (especially of the Achilles tendon between the heel and calf muscle)
9. Going barefoot
10. Wearing poorly supportive shoes
11. Carrying too much body weight

Who gets heel pain?

Athletes are particularly prone to heel pain as are those with weight issues or jobs which require a lot of standing. Age plays something of a role, but heel pain may plague anyone at any age.

Can it be treated and how?

The team at Foot & Ankle Surgery in New Braunfels has great success in treating heel pain. Your podiatrist will look at your foot, watch you walk, take X-rays as needed, and ask you about your symptoms. Treatment plans are relatively simple and rarely require surgery.

Your care plan will be completely individualized and may include:

• Shoe orthotics, including heel cups
• Pain medications, such as ibuprofen or cortisone injections
• Stretching exercises and physical therapy
• Night splints
• Shoe padding

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says your heels take 60 tons of pressure with each and every mile you walk. Running exerts even more. No wonder your heels hurt!

Erase that heel pain

Don't continue to suffer. Please call Foot & Ankle Surgery of New Braunfels for a consultation with Dr. Brandon James and Dr. Sarah James in New Braunfels, TX. They want their patients to feel comfortable and to keep as active as possible. Phone (830) 387-4427.