Don't Ignore Your Heel Pain

Don't Ignore Your Heel Pain

How long have you been waiting for your heel pain to go away? If it's been a few weeks and your symptoms haven't improved, it's time toheel pain schedule a visit with your Carmel, Greenwood and Indianapolis, IN, podiatrist, Dr. Jeffrey Agricola. Here's why you shouldn't ignore your pain as well as several common heel pain causes.

Pain, pain, go away

Our bodies are remarkably resilient. After an injury, they often repair themselves with a little rest. Unfortunately, sometimes problems are too severe to benefit from rest and ice packs. Ignoring your heel pain can increase the chance that your problem will become chronic or may even worsen your condition. For example, if you ignore Achilles tendon pain and follow your normal work and exercise routine, the tendon may eventually tear.

Why do I have heel pain?

If you stepped on a misplaced Lego early one morning, it's probably no surprise that your heel hurts. Although some causes of heel pain are obvious, you may not always be able to link your pain to a particular incident. Heel pain can occur if you have:

  • A Fracture: A fracture may be a possibility if you've fallen or been in an accident in the Carmel, Greenwood and Indianapolis area and are suffering from heel pain. Fractures don't just occur after traumatic events. Stress fractures, small cracks in your bone, can happen if you regularly spend hours on your feet or overdo your athletic training regimen.
  • Plantar Fasciitis: When the plantar fascia that joins your toes to your heels becomes inflamed, you'll feel pain in your heel. Your risk of developing the condition rises if you work in an occupation that requires you to stand for long periods of time or if you participate in activities that involve jumping, running or dancing. Plantar fasciitis is more common in people who have gait abnormalities, flat feet or high arches.
  • An Inflammation: Retrocalcaneal bursitis and Achilles tendinitis occur when an inflammation develops in the bursa or tendon at the back of your heel.
  • Heel Spurs: Heel spurs are actually calcium deposits that tend to grow on the bottom of your heel bone, causing pain every time you take a step. They can occur if you've recently had plantar fasciitis, are a runner or wear shoes that don't fit properly.

Prompt treatment can help you avoid lingering heel problems. Call your Indianapolis, IN, area podiatrist, Dr. Jeffrey Agricola, at his Carmel office (317) 846-4111 or Greenwood office (317) 881-0070 to schedule your appointment.