The foot has 26 bones, and the largest is the heel bone. Because your heel supports all your body weight, your ability to walk, run, and stand depends on its stability. When you have heel pain, you begin to understand just how critical the heel is for your mobility and proper support, as well as for your ability to carry out everyday tasks. That’s why it’s important to see an Idaho podiatrist for heel pain because heel pain can lead to an inactive lifestyle. .jpeg)
When to See an Idaho Podiatrist for Heel Pain
If you're dealing with persistent heel pain, seeking medical attention is crucial. The intricate anatomy of the foot requires the expertise of a skilled podiatrist who can assess what’s causing the pain and how to treat it. By thoroughly examining your bones, soft tissues, nerves, and skin of the entire foot and ankle, a podiatrist will determine the underlying cause of your discomfort and create a personalized treatment plan to help set you on the path to recovery. It's important to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, as they may indicate a need for a heel evaluation and specialized care.
Heel Pain Symptoms: When You May Need a Podiatrist
- Impaired walking ability or difficulty walking normally
- Heel pain that occurs during periods of rest or at night
- Persistent heel pain that lasts beyond a few days
- Sharp pain in the heel when first stepping out of bed or after resting
- Altered sensations in the feet, such as tingling or pins and needles
- Swelling or discoloration observed at the back of the foot
- Signs of infection, such as fever, redness, and warmth
- Difficulty bending the foot downward or standing on tiptoes
How a Podiatrist May Diagnose Heel Pain
The team at Canyon Foot + Ankle can determine the cause of your heel pain by first evaluating your symptoms, such as pain, discomfort, and sensitivity in any part of your heel. Our podiatrists might also want to know when your pain started and ask you to describe it—if it feels like a burning or tingling sensation or if the pain is sharp or a dull ache. They might also ask what makes the pain better or worse. Knowing when your heel hurts can also be an important clue for determining what's wrong. There are other ways a podiatrist will help determine the source of your heel pain, including:
Reviewing Your Medical History
Our podiatrist will ask about your health history and what you do in your daily life, such as your job and hobbies. Some jobs that require you to stand for a long time can make your heel hurt more. Be sure to tell your podiatrist about everything you do at work that might be causing your heel pain.
Performing a Physical Exam of Your Foot and Ankle
The exact location of your heel pain can provide clues to its cause, so your podiatrist will closely examine your foot when you're both resting and standing. This physical check-up includes looking at the joints of your foot and ankle, where tendons attach, and searching for any unusual bumps on your heels. They may also take note of any abnormalities, sensitivity, and differences between the two sides of your heel.
Ordering Diagnostic Imaging Tests
A podiatrist may order an X-ray, a CT scan, an MRI, or an ultrasound depending on the findings in their initial evaluation. These tests can help with diagnosing and differentiating the causes of your heel pain.
Canyon Foot + Ankle Offers Customized Treatment Plans
After determining the cause of your foot pain, we can develop a personalized treatment plan specifically designed for you and your unique condition. We offer MLS laser therapy, custom orthotics, and other advanced therapies for our clients throughout the Magic Valley.
Getting Correct Answers to Your Heel Pain Questions
There is a lot of misleading and often incorrect information on the internet about heel pain, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and other foot conditions. Because so much of this information is not accurate or factual, we offer solid, substantial answers on our website to many of the questions people have about heel pain. At Canyon Foot + Ankle, we address all your inquiries regarding heel pain, our modern treatment methods, state-of-the-art technology, and any other details you might be curious about concerning our practice during your appointment.
Providing the Highest Standard of Podiatric Care for Magic Valley Families
If you're experiencing heel pain or dealing with a foot, ankle, or toenail issue that affects your ability to work and makes it difficult to do what you love, Canyon Foot + Ankle is your first choice for skilled, experienced podiatric care. Our knowledgeable and well-trained podiatrists, Dr. Cory Pilling and Dr. DeVries, understand that a podiatric problem can disrupt your life and limit your mobility. They use the latest research and cutting-edge technology to give you the necessary treatment and therapy for your individual condition to get you back on your feet.
Whether you’re suffering from an athletic injury, dealing with a diabetic foot wound, or worried about a condition that hasn’t resolved with conservative measures, come to Canyon Foot + Ankle. We have everything you need at two convenient locations. Complete our contact form, or call our Twin Falls office at 208-733-0436 or our Burley location at 208-678-2727 to schedule an appointment to discuss your podiatric issue and treatment options.