If heel pain prevents you from staying active and performing simple everyday tasks, podiatric physician and surgeon Elliott Perel, DPM, FACFAS, and his expert team offer solutions at Monroe Foot & Ankle Care in Jamesburg, New Jersey, serving patients in the Monroe Township area. They provide conservative and surgical options for long-lasting relief. If you experience heel pain, schedule an appointment with Monroe Foot & Ankle Care by phone or online today.
request an appointmentWhat is heel pain?
Heel pain, commonly caused by plantar fasciitis, is discomfort you feel in the back part of your foot. It’s often caused by the tightening of your plantar fascia ligament. Plantar fasciitis might feel like:
- Dull, aching pain
- Stabbing or shooting pain
- Pain that comes and goes
- Discomfort that occurs when you stand up
- Long-lasting pain
- Pain that worsens after exercise
- Discomfort when you wake up in the morning
- Numbness
- Burning pain
If heel pain doesn’t subside on its own or is severe, see the expert team at Monroe Foot & Ankle Care for an evaluation.
What are the risk factors for heel pain?
A variety of factors can contribute to heel pain. Examples include:
- Older age
- Repetitive stress
- Distance running
- Aerobic dancing or ballet
- Flat feet
- Walking on hard surfaces
- Obesity
- Foot trauma
- Overexertion
- Poor foot alignment
- Ill-fitting shoes
Heel pain commonly occurs between ages 40 and 60. The cause isn’t always clear. Complications that can develop from untreated heel pain include chronic discomfort and knee, foot, back, or hip problems.
How is heel pain diagnosed?
To diagnose heel pain and its cause and develop an effective treatment plan, the expert podiatry team at Monroe Foot & Ankle Care reviews your medical history and symptoms. They complete a comprehensive foot exam and might recommend X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging procedures to detect or rule out fractures and other injuries.
How is heel pain treated?
The Monroe Foot & Ankle Care specialists don’t just treat symptoms, they find solutions for the root cause of your condition. Your provider recommends conservative heel pain treatment first, such as:
- MLS laser therapy
- Plantar fascia exercises
- Cortisone injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Stem cell injections
- Functional orthoses
- Anti-inflammatory medications
Getting proper foot support can drastically relieve heel pain and prevent complications. Monroe Foot & Ankle Care often prescribes custom shoe inserts to help you achieve the best outcome.
If heel pain doesn’t respond to traditional treatments, your provider might recommend surgery to repair an injury and offer long-lasting relief.
Don’t live with heel pain that diminishes your quality of life and prevents you from staying active. Schedule an appointment with Monroe Foot & Ankle Care by phone or online today for relief.