The heels play a crucial role in providing stability, cushioning, and propulsion when you move. If heel pain affects your ability to walk, stand, or engage in daily activities comfortably, board-certified podiatrist Scott Shields, DPM, can help relieve your discomfort at Total Foot and Ankle in Enid, Oklahoma. Dr. Shields takes a patient-centered approach to care focused on treating the underlying cause of heel pain, prioritizing conservative interventions for long-lasting relief. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
Heel pain is a common issue that can affect people of all ages, from young children to seniors. Many conditions and injuries can cause heel pain, including:
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that supports and stabilizes the foot’s arch. It stretches from the heel to the bottom of the toes. This fibrous band flexes when you walk, absorbing pressure to help maintain the arch structure during movement.
Straining the plantar fascia leads to inflammation and tissue tears that can cause persistent heel pain. The repetitive impact from running, standing for long periods, wearing poor-fitting shoes, or having structural foot problems can increase your risk of plantar fasciitis.
This chronic condition causes joint pain in the feet and ankles. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, breaks down the protective cartilage surrounding the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that inflames the synovial lining inside the foot and ankle joints.
Bone breaks, or fractures, can cause persistent foot pain. Overuse, sudden impact, and structural abnormalities can contribute to a fracture.
Other common causes of heel pain include heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis, and tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Several factors can increase your risk of heel pain, including:
Standing for long periods and wearing improper footwear can also put pressure on your heels and cause pain.
Dr. Shields provides comprehensive care for heel pain that prioritizes conservative therapies. He personalizes your care plan by reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. Once he diagnoses the root cause of your heel pain, he may recommend any of the following:
Total Foot and Ankle also offers multiwave locked system (MLS) laser therapy, which uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate deep into the tissues, targeting areas of inflammation and damage.
The synchronized pulsed emissions of the MLS laser stimulate cellular metabolism, increase blood flow, and accelerate tissue repair.
Call Total Foot and Ankle today or schedule an appointment online to find relief from heel pain.