Learning About Foot Care Methods and Podiatrist Treatments

 If you have started experiencing a lot of heel pain when walking, you will need to see a podiatrist. Heel pain may be caused by a few different issues, such as achilles tendinitis or even a heel spur. Finding out what is going on is necessary because then you can take the right approach to treating the pain and getting some much-needed relief. The podiatrist can examine your feet, perform X-rays if necessary, and talk to you about any of the symptoms you have experienced for some time before providing a diagnosis and then recommending treatment.

Achilles Tendinitis

One of the most common causes of heel pain is achilles tendinitis. It will normally occur when you have walked on your feet too long, stood on your feet too long, or overused the feet while participating in some type of activity, such as running. When something like this occurs, it is still wise to see a podiatrist to receive a full diagnosis. However, achiless tendinitis is often treated at home with different pain-relieving remedies, such as a heating pad, a cold ice-pack, and comforting compression socks. You may need to rest the feet for a few days and attempt to take it easy to relieve some of the foot pain you are experiencing. If you are in a lot of pain, taking over-the-counter pain medication may help.

Heel Spurs

It is possible the pain you are experiencing is associated with a heel spur. The heel spurs occur when the overgrowth develops on the heel bone. It does not cause pain for everyone, but it can cause excruciating pain for others. While surgery is an option, it is usually not offered to a patient unless all other methods of treatment have not worked. At-home treatment methods are often effective and are typically recommended by a podiatrist. Some of these treatment options include:

• Soaking the feet in warm water with Epsom salts or essential oils
• Wearing orthotic sneakers when going outside
• Massaging your feet at home
• Using heel spur gel insoles inside of your sneakers and dress shoes
• Wearing pain-relieving gel pads on the feet

No matter the exact cause of your heel pain, you should make your appointment to see a podiatrist or heel pain service. The podiatrist treats patients with an assortment of different medical conditions relating to the feet and would be able to get to the bottom of your pain while providing recommendations on how to get some relief. In many instances, foot soaks, orthotic sneakers, massages, and other simple and affordable options work best for the feet.