What causes heel pain?
There are many potential sources of heel pain. Heel pain may not necessarily be caused by a problem with the bone itself.
Common causes of heel pain include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Heel spurs
- Stress fractures
- Athletic Injuries
- Bursitis
- Neuropathy
Because there’s a range of potential causes, it’s important to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Rubenstein for heel pain that doesn’t respond to rest.
What are the symptoms of heel pain?
The main symptom is the pain in the heel of the foot. However, depending on the underlying cause of the heel pain, other signs and symptoms may include:
- Stabbing or sharp pain
- Difficulty bearing weight on the foot
- Swelling or inflammation
- Redness or warmth in the heel
Any discomfort in the heel can severely impact a patients mobility making it difficult to perform normal daily tasks.
How is heel pain treated?
Dr. Rubenstein first diagnoses the cause of the heel pain with a physical evaluation and discussion of the patient’s health history. He’s also likely to take X-rays or use ultrasound imaging to help confirm his diagnosis. Depending on the cause of the heel pain, Dr. Rubenstein may recommend:
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
- Custom foot orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Individualized stretches
Dr. Rubenstein has a shock wave therapy machine (ESWT) in his office which is an excellent non-invasive treatment for many types of heel pain.
For heel pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, Dr. Rubenstein might suggest surgery. This personalized procedure may involve releasing soft tissues around the heel such as the plantar fascia but can also include treating other structures.
No matter which type of treatment he recommends, Dr. Rubenstein makes sure that his patients are involved in every step of their care. Before living another day with agonizing heel pain, schedule a consultation at the office of Dr. Scott Rubenstein. Book online or call the office directly at 212-674-1120.
