Your heel bone is at the back of the foot beneath the ankle. The heel bone, in conjunction with surrounding tissues and a tiny talus bone, works to equip balance and side-to-side movement of the back of the foot. Heel pain is a persistent foot problem that affects anyone of all ages. It's a frequent complaint among our patients at Tola Foot and Ankle Center, but Dr. Pamela Tola can provide relief depending on the cause. Common causes include injury, excess weight distribution to the heel, gait abnormalities (walking issues), improper footwear, and overuse of the feet, ankles, hips, and knees. Below are a few things to know when suffering from heel pain in Hamilton, NJ. First, don't wait until inflammation becomes so chronic it interferes with your daily life—seek a medical evaluation from our podiatrist immediately.
What to Know When Suffering From Heel Pain
The connective tissues that attach the heel to the base of the foot or the bottom of the calf muscle are the two most common causes of heel pain, also called plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Heel pain in Hamilton, NJ, can also result from stress fractures, of which athletes are at increased risk. Bursitis, or inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac between joints, may also generate pain in various areas of the heel. If you don't know what's causing your heel pain, don't be unsure of your symptoms. Consult with Dr. Tola if you experience heel pain at night or while resting, pain persisting beyond a few days, swelling or discoloration around the back of the foot, or signs of infection.
Dr. Tola may recommend more aggressive options, such as a night splint, or corticosteroid injections, to treat more severe pain and swelling if conservative methods don't manage your symptoms and facilitate healing. Dr. Tola will determine the cause of your heel pain based on your medical history and physical examination. Dr. Tola may require additional tests such as imaging studies or blood tests in some cases. If you're experiencing heel pain in Hamilton, NJ, and want to learn more about how Tola Foot & Ankle Center can assist you, contact us at (609) 588-5474.