If you experience heel pain and it doesn’t improve with at-home treatments, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Early intervention can provide lasting relief and prevent the problem from worsening. At Alpine Foot & Ankle, double board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Scott Shelton, DPM, provides minimally invasive and surgical treatment for heel pain. To make an appointment, call the office in Highland, Utah, or book online today.

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What is heel pain?

Heel pain is discomfort or stiffness that occurs at the back of your foot, beneath your heel bone. Often, it occurs due to general wear-and-tear, but it can also point to a more serious issue, like a fracture or a ruptured ligament.

If you experience heel pain and it doesn’t improve with ice and anti-inflammatory medication, contact Dr. Shelton at Alpine Foot & Ankle immediately.

What are some common causes of heel pain?

At Alpine Foot & Ankle, Dr. Shelton treats a wide range of conditions that cause heel pain, including:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Strains
  • Sprains
  • Fractures
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Osteochondrosis
  • Arthritis

You might also experience heel pain if you develop a diabetic ulcer or another slow-healing wound on the back or bottom of your heel.

When should I see a foot and ankle specialist about heel pain?

Make an appointment with Dr. Shelton at Alpine Foot & Ankle if you experience heel pain that lasts for more than a week. That’s especially true if the pain is severe, occurs alongside swelling, or makes it difficult to walk or exercise.

How is heel pain diagnosed?

At Alpine Foot & Ankle, Dr. Shelton diagnoses heel pain during an in-office visit.

Dr. Shelton reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, if it’s worse at certain times of the day, and if it responds to at-home treatment, like ice or rest. Next, Dr. Shelton examines your heel and the bottom of your foot, looking for bruising, swelling, or redness.

Dr. Shelton presses on your heel to identify sensitive areas. He also orders X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to get a closer look at the hard and soft tissues in your feet.

How is heel pain treated?

Treatment of heel pain depends on several factors, including the underlying cause and the intensity of your symptoms. Dr. Shelton might recommend:

  • Ice
  • Rest
  • Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
  • Wearing comfortable and supportive shoes
  • Wearing a night splint
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery

If your pain occurs due to a slow-healing wound or a diabetic ulcer, Dr. Shelton might recommend wound care. He offers various treatments, including debridement, alginate dressings, and tissue grafts.

To learn more about the treatment options for heel pain, make an appointment at Alpine Foot & Ankle by calling the office or booking online today.