Walking and Running With Heel Pain

Why Do I Have Heel Pain While Walking or Running?

Heel pain while walking or running can be caused by several different things.

One common cause is plantar fasciitis, which is a condition that results when the plantar fascia (a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot) becomes inflamed. This can happen due to overuse, injury, or age-related wear and tear.

Another common cause of heel pain is Achilles tendinitis, which is inflammation of the Achilles tendon (the large tendon that attaches your calf muscle to your heel bone). This condition is often caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon.

Other causes of heel pain can include heel/bone spurs, stress fractures, arthritis, and nerve problems.

The good news is that these common causes of heel pain are treatable.

What Can I Do to Help Relieve the Pain so I Can Get Back to Walking and Running Without Heel Pain?

If you are suffering from heel pain, there are many things you can do to help relieve the pain.

The first and most important is rest. Avoid activities that aggravate the pain, such as running or walking.

Try icing the area for 20 minutes several times a day. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

If the pain is severe or does not go away with home treatment, you may need to come in for an appointment with our team of trained professionals who can find the best treatment for your heel pain.

Dr. Foster can diagnose the cause of your heel pain and recommend the right treatment options.

Do I Need to See a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in foot and ankle care. If you are still experiencing heel pain after trying at-home treatments, it’s time to make an appointment with Dr. Foster.

At your appointment, Dr. Foster will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He will also do a physical examination of your feet. Based on his findings, he may order additional tests, such as x-rays or an MRI.

After diagnosing your condition, Dr. Foster will develop a treatment plan. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and help you return to your normal activities.

Treatment Options In Lee's Summit

There are several treatment options available for heel pain. Dr. Foster will choose the best option for you based on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your heel pain.

EPAT

EPAT, or extracorporeal pulse activation technology, is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared technology that uses sound waves to treat heel pain. EPAT is an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.

EPAT works by delivering pulses of energy to the affected area. These pulses increase blood flow and help to reduce inflammation. EPAT is a safe and effective treatment option with minimal side effects.

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts that are specifically made for your feet. They can be used to treat heel pain by providing support for the arch of your foot and helping to distribute your weight evenly.

The creation of custom orthotics is a process that begins with a thorough evaluation of your feet. Our staff will take measurements and impressions of your feet to create a custom orthotic that is specifically designed for you.

From there, the orthotic will be created and you will be able to pick it up from our office. It is important to make sure that the orthotic fits well in your shoe and that you are comfortable with it before you begin using it.

Aquaroll Therapy

Aquaroll therapy is a treatment that uses a rolling device to massage the foot and provide relief from heel pain. Aquaroll therapy is a very effective treatment for plantar fasciitis.

The therapy works by breaking up the scar tissue that has formed in the plantar fascia. This scar tissue can build up over time and cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed and painful.

Aquaroll therapy is a safe and effective treatment for heel pain. The therapy is typically done in a series of treatments, with each treatment lasting about 20 minutes.