It’s nearly summertime, and you may be looking forward to bare feet and fun in the sun. One thing you’re probably not looking forward to — or even thinking about — is a fungal infection. Follow these tips and enjoy healthy, happy feet all summer.
Although there are numerous potential causes of heel pain, the most common is plantar fasciitis. Whatever the reason behind your foot discomfort Svetlana Malinsky, DPM, PC, can help you understand the cause and offer solutions to ease the pain so you can do the things you enjoy without suffering.
Depending on the cause of your heel pain, you may be able take some steps at home to lessen it. However, it’s important for you to see a professional for an evaluation before embarking on a program at home. That’s because if you think you have plantar fasciitis but you actually have a stress fracture, your efforts won’t address the cause of your pain.
An evaluation to determine your heel pain is simple. Dr. Malinsky asks lots of questions about when it hurts, what type of pain you feel, and how long the problem has bothered you, along with additional questions about your medical history and lifestyle. She also performs a physical exam and may order diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray.
This evaluation helps Dr. Malinsky and her team understand your problem. And that helps them understand what’s most likely to help you so they can offer the right solution for your heel pain.
A few things may help no matter the cause of your pain. For example, an ice pack on a painful, inflamed heel isn’t going to cause any damage whether you have tendonitis or a stress fracture.
Depending on other medications you take or conditions you have, taking over-the-counter pain relievers may also help. Rest, or activity moderation, is generally a good idea until you find out why your heel hurts.
If you have plantar fasciitis, physical therapy and certain stretches may help. Rolling a tennis ball or a frozen bottle of water under your heel can also give you some relief. Custom-designed prescription orthotics relieve foot pain for many patients. Dr. Malinsky may also recommend a special boot to wear at night, taping, or surgery.
Some causes of heel pain can take a long time to heal. It’s important to be patient and to continue following Dr. Malinsky’s instructions. You may even need to lose weight in order to help your foot heal completely.
You don’t have to just live with heel pain. Effective treatments are available, even if they sometimes take time to work. If you’d like to learn more about common causes of heel pain and what’s involved in an evaluation to correct your problem, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Malinsky and her team.
You can book online, or you can call our office in College Park, Maryland, at 301-232-3358. We’re happy to help you.
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