One of the most urgent things to consider if you have heel pain is this: there is no reason to put up with heel pain! Get some help! As the podiatrists here at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists in Montgomery, AL will tell you, heel pain is extremely common, and there are a number of options for treatment.

Heel pain is widespread in our patients who participate in strenuous exercise. It makes sense that athletes put a lot of stress on their heels. But others are susceptible as well. Think about how you walk: you lift your foot and place it down where? On the heel. That heel is the first thing to make contact with the ground when you’re walking or running. Since most of us walk around every day, we’re prone to stress or overuse injuries of this vulnerable part, and largest bone, of the foot.

Besides athletes, patients who tend to experience heel pain include those who

• have sustained a foot injury
• are over 40 years old
• carry extra weight
• have a bio-mechanical abnormality, or a problem with their gait.

When conservative treatments fail

Conservative treatments will include oral anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, rest, ice, stretching, physical therapy, and orthotics. But we’re also proud to offer the residents of our tri-county area the latest therapies for chronic heel pain.

Both of the skilled podiatrists in our practice, Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Christie, offer advanced foot laser treatment and shockwave therapy for heel pain if more conservative treatments have failed. Depending on the cause of your pain, the doctor can aim a low-level laser or light energy at the damaged tissue to stimulate healing. Shockwave therapy uses local anesthesia and sound waves to promote increased blood flow to the injured area. After only about 30 minutes of this in-office procedure, the patient will be free and able to walk out of the office.

Don’t suffer in silence — learn more about the latest, hi-tech, and safe treatments for heel pain by calling us at (334) 396-3668 or make an appointment online.