Do you ever find yourself sliding your feet back out of your shoes during the day to get some relief or grabbing your heels for a quick massage because of sharp pains? You are certainly not alone as about 2 million Americans complain about discomfort in their heels each year according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. To better understand heel pain and the ways it can be treated successfully, talk to Dr. Chirag Patel, and Dr. Scott Hudzinski at New Horizons Foot and Ankle Associates in Louisville, KY.

Heel Pain Causes

One of the first foot conditions that podiatrists look at when a patient reports heel pain is called plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammation of the large tendon that runs from your toes to your heel under each foot. Other common causes of foot pain include:

• Heel spurs (which are usually a side effect of plantar fasciitis).
• Wearing enclosed shoes that are too tight.
• Walking improperly.
• Spending long hours standing up or walking.
• Obesity.
• Age (older adults are more prone to heel problems).
• Arthritis or bursitis.

Heel Pain Symptoms

Your heels provide much of the support and balance that your feet need when walking, which is why heel pain is so difficult to ignore. Some of the symptoms that heel pain sufferers report when they visit a Louisville, KY, podiatrist at New Horizons Foot and Ankle Associates include:

• Sharp intermittent pain in the back of the feet, even when not standing.
• Hardened, dry, or callused heels.
• Walking on the balls of the feet or “pigeon-toed” to avoid allowing the heel to make contact with the floor.

Risk Factors for Heel Pain

There are certain risk factors that you should look out for if you want to avoid heel pain in the future:

• Not wearing proper foot inserts (talk to your doctor about getting customized devices created to put in your shoes).
• Wear high heels or inexpensive shoes.
• Walking barefoot, especially outside.
• Not washing and moisturizing the feet regularly.
• Spending more than five hours on your feet without rest.

Help for Your Heels

The heels are a vulnerable part of the feet that need to be handled with care and attention by both you and your podiatrist. Get help with heel pain from Dr. Chirag Patel, and Dr. Scott Hudzinski at New Horizons Foot and Ankle Associates in Louisville, KY. Call (502) 808-3668 today to schedule a foot examination.