Whether you are dealing with heel pain from the heels or from the ankles, there are many treatment options to choose from. These include exercises, massages, and a variety of different products.
Achilles tendonitis
Whether you are suffering from a calf strain, plantar heel pain, or Achilles tendonitis, there are steps you can take to minimize your pain. These steps include modifying your shoe routine and taking certain pain medications.
If your Achilles tendonitis is not improving after a few months of nonsurgical treatment, you may need surgery. Surgery can be an effective way to repair or rebuild your Achilles tendon, but it takes a significant amount of time off from your daily activities.
Nonsurgical treatment for Achilles tendonitis involves resting, alternating ice and heat therapy, and wearing walking boots. After a period of about 10 weeks, you can resume normal activities.
Plantar fasciitis
Getting Plantar fasciitis heel pain treatment can help you manage your condition. It’s important to determine the cause of your pain so you can avoid recurring pain in the future.
The condition usually results from repetitive microtrauma. This occurs during normal activity, like standing or walking. These microtraumas result in small tears in the fascia, which eventually become inflamed.
In the early stages of the condition, plantar fasciitis heel pain treatment may involve stretching or wearing shoes with good arch support. A custom orthotic device may also be helpful.
Plantar fasciitis heel pain treatment can also include massage or Trigger Point Therapy. These therapies reduce inflammation and improve blood flow.
Neuroma
Having a neuroma can be a very painful condition. It can cause numbness, burning, and even tingling in the toes. The pain can be very similar to pain in the toes associated with arthritis or stress fractures.
It’s important to treat neuromas as soon as possible. Without treatment, neuromas tend to get worse. They can cause permanent damage to the nerve.
Neuromas usually develop from compression or trauma. They can be caused by tight shoes, gait abnormalities, or biomechanical deformities.
Neuromas are not cancerous and can be treated with conservative treatments. These treatments include arch supports, custom orthotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They may also include corticosteroid injections. These injections can provide pain relief for many months.
Calcaneal bursitis
Whether you are suffering from a heel lump, swelling, or other symptoms, a calcaneal bursitis treatment can help. This condition usually occurs due to a repetitive injury or overuse. While it is rare, it can cause painful symptoms and take several months to heal. It may require steroid injections, surgery, or both.
Often, a cortisone injection can relieve the pain associated with calcaneal bursitis. This treatment can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of rupturing the Achilles tendon. However, it is not recommended for all patients.
Other calcaneal bursitis treatment options include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stretching, and orthotics. Although they may not be right for everyone, they can reduce pain and inflammation and help prevent the condition from returning.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome include burning pain and numbness on the sole of the foot and tingling in the heel. These symptoms can be treated with medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
A physical exam is important to diagnose Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. It may reveal flat feet, over-pronation, a flat tibial plateau, or bone spurs. A X-ray can also rule out fractures. Some patients will have a tender area on the inside of the ankle. The doctor may also use an electromyogram to examine the nerve. This test will show whether the nerve is functioning properly or not.
If a diagnosis of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is confirmed, the doctor may prescribe a CAM (controlled ankle motion) walker or orthotic brace to help control the symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also be prescribed to help reduce pain and swelling.
Heel spurs
Those suffering from chronic heel pain may want to consider heel spurs as a treatment option. Heel spurs are small, bony growths on the heel, typically near the heel-ball junction. They’re generally harmless, but can cause great discomfort and damage.
Heel spurs are a condition in which the plantar fascia ligament, which is located at the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. The inflammatory response results in a small bone spur. X-rays can detect heel spurs.
Heel spurs can be caused by several factors, including obesity, aging, and athletic activities. In general, older adults are more likely to develop heel spurs.
It’s possible to treat heel spurs on your own without surgery. There are several treatment options, including stretching exercises for the plantar fascia, cushioned sports shoes, and cold therapy.
Visit Gold Coast Foot Centres for consultation and therapy.