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Heel Pain Specialist

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL CONSULTANTS Our Services Heel Pain
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL CONSULTANTS - - Orthopedics

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL CONSULTANTS

Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, & Podiatry located in Merrillville, IN

Heel pain is a common musculoskeletal problem that affects millions of Americans. Though it usually isn’t serious, if your heel pain lasts for more than a few days, it’s important to seek professional medical assistance. At Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants, the board-certified orthopaedic surgeons boast years of experience diagnosing and treating heel pain. To make an appointment, call the practice in Merrillville, Indiana, or book online today.

Heel Pain Q & A

What is heel pain?

Heel pain is any discomfort or stiffness that affects your heel or the area around it. Most types of heel pain respond to conservative treatments like ice, rest, and activity modification. Still, if your symptoms persist or affect your ability to work or exercise, contact Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants.

What causes heel pain?

Heel pain occurs for various reasons, including:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Bone spurs
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendonosis
  • Sever's disease (a condition that affects children ages 8-14)
  • Fractures
  • Bursitis

You might also experience heel pain if you play sports and experience an inflamed tendon.

Who is at risk of experiencing heel pain?

Heel pain affects people of all ages and backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

  • Being overweight
  • Having arthritis of the foot or ankle
  • Playing sports or exercising regularly
  • Working a job that requires lots of standing

You’re also more likely to experience heel pain if you wear uncomfortable shoes that don’t provide adequate cushion or support.

How is heel pain diagnosed?

To diagnose heel pain, your provider at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, if it extends to other parts of your body, and whether certain activities, like working, make it worse.

Next, they have you remove your shoes and socks and carefully examine your feet. Your provider gently presses on your heel to identify areas of swelling and sensitivity. They also have you walk around the exam room to assess your foot mechanics and gait. 

If these steps aren’t enough to pinpoint the source of your symptoms, your provider might also order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. These diagnostic imaging procedures can rule out issues invisible to the eye, like fractures, dislocated joints, or torn ligaments.

How is heel pain treated?

Treatment of heel pain depends on various factors, including the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Usually, Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants recommends conservative therapies, such as:

  • Steroid injections
  • Custom orthotics
  • Physical therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Activity modification
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Stretching exercises
  • Taping

If your heel pain persists or fails to improve, surgical intervention might be necessary. Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants offers several types of traditional and minimally invasive surgery that can provide long-lasting relief. 

To explore the treatment options for heel pain, make an appointment at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today.