Heel pain is one of the most common problems that bring patients into our office and we are pretty sure that there are many other people who have dealt with heel pain but have never had to turn to a podiatrist for treatment. Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, which is both inflammatory conditions caused by overuse. While many people may choose to treat minor heel pain through rest and home care it’s also important to recognize when you may need to see a podiatrist. Dr. Michael Dershowitz of Southwest Foot Institute can help you at his offices in Phoenix and Glendale, AZ.

It’s important that you visit your Phoenix, AZ, heel pain expert right away if you are dealing with any of these issues:

• Severe pain and swelling around the heel
• Heel pain even when you are at rest
• Numbness and tingling in the heel
• Trouble walking or bending your foot
• Intense heel pain caused by an injury

While it would require immediate attention, you should still schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you are dealing with:

• Heel pain that isn’t responding to home care after five days
• Heel pain that is getting worse
• Heel pain for the first time
• Heel pain that goes away and then returns

While plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis tend to be the two most common causes of heel pain they aren’t the only causes. This is why it’s important to see a podiatrist and find out what the underlying cause may be, as different conditions require a different set of treatments. Other causes of heel pain include:

• Heel spurs
• Bursitis
• Stress fracture
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Arthritis
• Nerve problems
• Cysts

If your heel pain is minor, you may choose to treat the problem at home first. Here are some ways to do that:

• Rest as much as possible and avoid exercise or standing for long periods of time
• Ice your heel up to 20 minutes at a time, 2-3 times a day
• Wear shoes that are supportive and provide ample cushioning (do not wear shoes that are old and worn out)
• Do not walk around barefoot, even in the house
• Wear custom shoe inserts or place heel cups in the shoes
• Take pain relievers like ibuprofen to alleviate pain and inflammation

Dealing with persistent or recurring heel pain? Is foot pain keeping you from living the life you deserve? If so, then it’s time you got answers. Call Dr. Michael Dershowitz of Southwest Foot Institute at (602) 340-8686 to schedule an evaluation with our podiatrist in Glendale or Phoenix, AZ.

Don’t let heel pain become the new norm for you. Find out what’s going on.
 
Are you dealing with heel pain? If so, you aren’t alone. In fact, heel pain is one of the most common issues that our Phoenix, AZ podiatrists diagnose and treat. If heel pain is bugging you, or if it’s the first time you’re dealing with heel pain, then it’s time to visit a foot specialist to learn the best way to handle your symptoms.
 
More about heel pain

No matter whether you are just experiencing heel pain for the first time or it's a recurring issue, one thing is certain: you need to figure out the cause in order to prevent it from happening again in the future. Let us shed some light on this symptom.
 
The two most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis (which causes pain under the heel) and Achilles tendinitis (which causes pain behind the heel). So, how do you know whether you have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis? Well, you may not be able to tell from symptoms alone, meaning you should turn to a foot doctor in Phoenix, AZ, who can properly diagnose the problem, figure out what’s going on, and determine how to best treat it.
 
When should I see a doctor?

Often times, healthy individuals can get away with caring for their symptoms and letting the problem heal itself without having to come in for evaluation; however, if you are dealing with diabetes or nerve damage in your feet, it’s important that you seek medical attention right away if you are dealing with foot pain or other symptoms.
 
You should also schedule an appointment with a foot specialist if the heel pain makes it difficult or painful to stand on the foot or to walk. If your heel pain doesn’t respond to at-home care, gets worse, or lasts more than a couple of weeks, then it’s time to see one of our podiatrists for a consultation.
 
How can I care for my heel pain?

Heel pain can often go away all by itself; however, it’s important that you are giving your feet the proper TLC they need to heal properly. This includes,

• Resting and avoiding high-impact activities (e.g. running)
• Icing the heel 15-20 minutes at a time, 2-3 times a day
• Wearing supportive and properly fitted shoes
• Wearing arch supports or other supportive devices within the shoes
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce pain and swelling
• Stretching and performing foot exercises to improve mobility and range of motion

Concerned? Call our office today!

Are you dealing with heel pain that is getting worse or not responding to at-home care? If so, then it’s time to call the experts at Southwest Foot Institute. Schedule a consultation with us today and nip your pain in the bud.

Find out how your Phoenix and Glendale, AZ, podiatrist can help you with your heel pain with laser treatment

Your podiatrist Dr. Michael Dershowitz in Phoenix and Glendale, AZ, is equipped with years of experience and knowledge of how to examine your feet and prescribe the proper course of treatment when it comes to resolving issues and problems, like heel pain.

Heel Pain

The heel is the largest bone in your foot and, and is subject to damage by external forces, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.

When the fascia, a connective tissue that extends from the heel of the foot to the toes, is irritated or inflamed, you may feel pain. Other causes of heel pain include:

• Heel spurs
• Painless growth on the bone that may result in chronic pain
• Arthritis, swelling of cartilage and lining of joints

There are also other disorders and issues such as:

• Collagen disorders
• Nerve injuries
• Heel bone abnormalities

Treatments

There are surgical treatments to get rid of heel pain, such as the removal of connective tissue and heel spurs, but before going down that road, consider:

• Wearing comfortable shoes made of soft rubber
• Avoid rigorous sports and exercises
• Stretch feet daily
• Take medication prescribed by your podiatrist that helps reduce inflammation

Another option is MLS Laser Therapy. It is a quick and safe treatment for people suffering from plantar fasciitis. With MLS therapy there is no recovery time as this is a non-invasive and painless treatment. An additional advantage is that it has a high success rate.

For more information regarding your heel pain and laser treatment options, contact Dr. Michael Dershowitz at (602) 340-8686. His offices are conveniently located in Phoenix and Glendale, AZ, for when you're ready to schedule an appointment with him.

Have you stopped exercising, going to the mall or enjoying long leisurely walks after dinner because of heel pain? Phoenix and Glendale, AZ, podiatrist Dr. Michael Dershowitz discusses several common causes of painful heels and explains how you can relieve your pain.

Stone Bruises

Have you recently stepped on a stone or hard object or worn shoes that don't provide enough cushioning for your heels? You may have a stone bruise in the fat pad that covers the bottom of your heel bone. The bruises can make walking painful for a few weeks. In fact, it may feel as if you're walking on a stone even though you can't find any pebbles in your shoe. The good news is that stone bruises go away after a week or two. Until then, use ice packs and take over-the-counter pain medicine to relieve your pain.

Plantar Fasciitis

When heel pain is worse when you first wake up or worsens after you resume activity after sitting or standing, suspect plantar fasciitis. The condition occurs when your plantar fascia, the band of connective tissue that connects your heel and your toes, becomes inflamed.

Activities that stress your heel, such as running, playing basketball or ballet dancing, can cause plantar fasciitis. It's more common after age 40 and may be more likely to occur if you're overweight or have flat feet. Treatments for plantar fasciitis include physical therapy, night splints to stretch your fascia, orthotics, corticosteroid injections or laser treatment.

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis and Achilles Tendinitis

Because both of these conditions have similar symptoms, it's hard to tell which one you have without a visit to our Phoenix or Glendale office. Your Achilles tendon is the long, thin tendon you can feel at the back of your heel. The retrocalcaneal bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac on the back of your heel that allows the Achilles tendon to glide effortlessly over the bone. When either of these structures become inflamed, heel pain can occur.

The conditions are more likely to occur if you are a runner or a walker, wear poorly fitting shoes, push yourself too hard when you workout, have tight calf muscles or spend long periods of time on your feet. Physical therapy, orthotics, pain medications and laser therapy can be helpful in reducing pain.

If heel pain has stopped you for doing the things you enjoy, schedule an appointment with podiatrist Dr. Michael Dershowitz. Schedule an appointment with his Phoeniz or Glendale, AZ office by calling (602) 340-8686.

Heel pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. If you don't get on top of it, the pain can become excruciating and begin to interfere with your daily activities. The tips below will help you resolve your heel pain through simple lifestyle adjustments and get you on the path to healing.

While self-care techniques can go a long way, sometimes they simply aren't enough. If you have persistent or debilitating heel pain, it's time to visit your Phoenix, AZ podiatrist at Southwest Foot Institute.

How to Ease Heel Pain at Home

1. Stretch and massage: A common cause of heel pain is chronically tight muscles in the calves and feet. Stretching for just a few minutes every morning and evening can go a long way in resolving this type of pain.

To loosen up these muscles, stretch the back of your legs and soles of your feet. Then massage the large calf muscles and the small muscles of your foot using your fingers, a tennis ball, or a foam roller. This will help relax the muscles further and release any trigger points that may be causing your pain.

2. Adjust your workload: Sometimes heel pain is caused by a sudden increase in physical activity, such as a new job or exercise routine. If the start of your heel pain correlates with one of these things, it’s likely that your feet simply need a little time to adjust.

The first step is to provide support for your feet so they can handle your new workload. Consider getting new shoes with better arch support and heel padding, or add insoles to your existing shoes. If this doesn't work, you may need to consider lightening your physical activity.

3. Check your shoes: Many cases of heel pain are related to improper footwear--both new shoes and old, worn-out shoes can be a culprit.

If you've been wearing the same shoes for years, it’s time to get new ones. You'll be surprised at how soft and supportive your new shoes feel. If you’re trying to adjust to new shoes, consider wearing them for limited amounts of time as your feet adjust to the transition. If your pain doesn’t go away after a few weeks, it might be a sign that these shoes just aren’t right for you.

Podiatrist in Phoenix, AZ

Sometimes your heel pain may have a simple solution--but other times, you need a little extra care to get your feet feeling their best. One way we can help is through laser treatment. Laser treatment is an exciting, new, non-invasive and painless method to treat chronic heel pain that we perform at Southwest Foot Institute

For expert heel pain treatment in Phoenix, call Southwest Foot Institute at (602) 340-8686 or request your appointment now.