Heel Pain Specialist

What is heel pain?

Heel pain refers to aching, stiffness, or sensitivity that affects one or both of your heels (the largest bones in your feet). It responds to conservative treatments, like ice, rest, and stretching in most cases. Still, if your symptoms last for more than a week or affect your mobility, it’s important to contact Dr. Oexeman right away.

What are some common causes of heel pain?

At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman treats heel pain caused by:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bone spurs
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Haglund’s deformity
• Bone bruise

You might also benefit from treatment if you experience heel pain due to an inflamed tendon.

Who is at risk of experiencing heel pain?

Almost everyone experiences heel pain at least once. Still, several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being overweight
• Having an underlying medical problem, like arthritis, flat feet, or high arches
• Playing sports
• Standing for extended periods on hard surfaces (like concrete)

You’re also more likely to experience heel pain if you wear shoes without proper arch or heel support.

How is heel pain diagnosed?

At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman diagnoses heel pain during an in-office visit.

First, Dr. Oexeman reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, if it extends to other parts of your body, and if certain activities, like work or exercise, make it worse.

Next, Dr. Oexeman has you take off your shoes and socks and examines your feet, heels, and ankles. Then, she presses on your heel to identify areas of warmth, tenderness, or sensitivity. If Dr. Oexeman suspects an underlying problem, like a fracture or a bone spur, she might also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.

How is heel pain treated?

At Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, Dr. Oexeman offers several types of treatment for heel pain, including conservative and surgical treatments. Depending on the underlying cause, she might recommend:

• Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics
• Stretching exercises
• Taping
• Activity modification

If your heel pain persists or worsens, you might be a candidate for surgery. Dr. Oexeman performs traditional open surgery as well as minimally invasive endoscopic procedures.

Don’t let heel pain affect your quality of life. Make an appointment at Oexeman Foot and Ankle, PLLC, by calling the office or booking online today.