Helping Commerce Twp, MI Find Relief from Heel Pain
Whether you’ve recently developed heel pain or have been struggling with it for years, one thing is certain: it can be debilitating. Fortunately, no matter how frustrating your experience to this point has been, there is hope. With the latest advancements in technology, an expert podiatrist who truly cares, and a heel pain treatment plan tailored to your body and goals, you can get back to an active, pain-free lifestyle once and for all.
The heel pain management program at Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates is a proven, step-by-step, methodical approach to eliminating heel pain using advanced technologies. If you’re ready to get back on your feet, we can help.
What Causes Heel Pain? Your Guide to Relief
We understand that you are unique, and therefore your heel pain is unique. In fact, your pain is quite literally unique to you, as there is not one singular cause—heel pain is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Several conditions or injuries can affect the heel, the most common of which is plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation and tearing in the plantar fascia ligament, which is a band of connective tissue that spans most of the bottom of your foot. This inflammation tends to be localized near the bottom of the heel and often hurts worst in the early morning or after you first stand from a long rest.
However, just because plantar fasciitis is the most common cause, that doesn’t mean you have it. Other common conditions that can cause heel pain include Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, Haglund’s deformity, stress fractures, and compressed nerves. Because the list of causes is so long, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis before treatment begins. That way, we can tailor treatment, focusing on the most effective methods for your situation.
Most Common Causes of Heel Pain
- Active hobbies that place a lot of stress on the feet (running, high-impact sports, dance, etc.)
- Wearing poor-quality shoes that don’t properly support or cushion the heels
- Structural anomalies in the feet, such as flat feet or high arches
- Occupations that keep you on your feet most of the day
- Being overweight
What to Do for Heel Pain: Your Personalized Treatment Plan
We see many patients with heel pain who have tried at-home stretching and massage exercises recommended online. Unfortunately, while these kinds of exercises can help in some cases, it’s important to do them at the right time and in the right sequence. If not, they may end up hurting more than they help!
At Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates, we’ll put together a simple, easy-to-follow, step-by-step treatment plan that’s personalized to your condition, your needs, and your goals. And because our office is committed to keeping up with the latest evidence-based techniques and treatment technologies, we are almost always able to provide fast, effective, and non-surgical relief for heel pain—even for cases that have been chronic for a long time.
Heel Pain FAQs
Only in extremely rare cases is heel pain a symptom of cancer. Most likely, your heel pain is the result of another condition, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, Haglund’s deformity, etc. Heel tumors are also rare and typically benign. At Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates, we will perform a thorough diagnostic to seek the true cause of your heel pain.
The most important first step is getting an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause from a trusted podiatrist. Your personalized treatment plan may include options such as:
- Modern custom orthotics created with the latest medical research on biomechanics and foot function
- MLS laser therapy, an FDA-cleared, proven technology that has revolutionized heel pain management
- Proper shoe education to find the best shoes for heel pain, sports medicine taping techniques, and/or injection therapy
- Stretching exercises that are specific, focused, and tailored to your needs
If your heel pain is adversely affecting your day-to-day life, you have sudden heel pain without injury, or your pain just isn’t getting any better after more than a week, it’s best to see a podiatrist. We strongly recommend you come in to see us at Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates for a complete evaluation and accurate diagnosis!
Get Your Free Guide to Heel Pain & See Us Today!
At Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates, we believe in helping those in our community who suffer from heel pain. To that end, we’re here to provide you with the most useful and comprehensive information available so that you can make the best possible decision about your own health. Download our free guide, written by our own expert Dr. Shanahan, to learn more about the causes of heel pain and the many ways we can treat this condition.
When you’re ready, come and see us to get your personalized plan! Call us at (248) 360-3888 or contact us online to schedule your appointment and say goodbye to heel pain for good.