How a Podiatrist Can Help You Heal Your Heel

How a Podiatrist Can Help You Heal Your Heel

Do you find yourself struggling to walk after standing all day, or do you struggle to even stand at the end of your workday? If so, there’s a good chance that you have aches in your heel, and it might be time to see a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a specialist who focuses on diagnosing and healing problems with your feet. They can diagnose why you’re in pain and help heal any wounds or inflammation you have. Let’s take a look at how a Podiatrist St Kilda can help relieve your heel pain and get you back on track with your life.

Overview of Heel Pain

Many of us have experienced heel pain at some point in our lives. You may not have known what it was at the time, but you likely felt a deep ache in your heel that made standing and walking very painful. Heel pain can come from a variety of sources. Although there are certain underlying causes that are more common in certain individuals, it can be difficult to diagnose the root cause. Some of the many causes of heel pain include: 

  • Tendonitis: An irritation of the lining of your Achilles tendon that can cause pain and swelling in your heel. This is a very common cause of heel pain and is often linked to overuse. For example, if you have a job that requires you to stand for long hours, you may have Achilles tendonitis. 
  • Plantar Fasciitis: This is a condition in which the connective tissue under your foot becomes inflamed, causing pain in your heel and sole of your foot. This condition is more common in athletes and obese individuals. Anyone can get plantar fasciitis, though.
  • Metatarsalgia: This is a very painful and common foot condition that often affects the ball of your foot, including the area around your heel.

How Can a Podiatrist Help You Heal?

If you visit a podiatrist, they’ll likely do a detailed examination of your feet. This may include an X-ray, depending on the issues you’re experiencing. Your podiatrist will also take a look at your gait to determine if your stride is causing any undue pressure on your heel. Depending on your findings, your podiatrist will likely suggest a few things you can do at home to reduce inflammation and ease the pain. For example, you may want to ice your heel to reduce inflammation. You may also want to wear a heel pad or even use crutches for a few days to take some pressure off your heel and allow it to heal. 

If your doctor finds something that could be a long-term or even permanent issue, they may refer you to a specialist. For example, if you have a hammer toe that is causing you pain or affecting the way you walk, your podiatrist may be able to fix it. On the other hand, if you have something that is likely to be long-term, like arthritis, your podiatrist can help you find the right shoes to relieve pain and allow you to keep moving.

Things To Do Before Buying New Shoes

Exercises You Can Do With a Podiatrist

If your doctor finds that you have an imbalance in your feet or you’re dealing with foot pain, they’ll likely recommend a few exercises to help you improve your foot health. If you have plantar fasciitis, your Podiatrist St Kilda may want you to do a few exercises to help stretch and strengthen your foot. Here are a few that you might want to try: 

  • Heel Drop: Stand with your feet hip-width distance apart. Then, slowly lower your heels as if you were going to sit in a chair. Then, bring your heels back up and repeat for a few sets. This exercise can help stretch your calves and strengthen your arches. 
  • Standing Arch Stretch: Stand facing away from a wall with one foot about two to three feet away from the wall. Then, take your other foot and bring it up the wall. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat with the other foot. This can help stretch your arch and improve your posture. 
  • Ball Squeeze: Place a tennis ball or a golf ball on the ground and then place your forefoot on the ball. Hold for 30 seconds and then switch feet. This can help stretch your arch muscles.

The Importance of a Good Shoe Fit

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they’re dealing with heel pain is not buying the right shoes. After all, shoes are what keep your feet on the ground and support your heel. If you don’t have the right shoes, you could be putting your heel in an awkward position that could be causing you pain. If you visit a podiatrist, they’ll likely take a look at your current shoe selection and recommend a few shoes that may be better for you. They may even recommend custom shoes that are made to fit you perfectly and relieve any pain you may be experiencing.

Conclusion

Heel pain is common among people, especially those who stand for long hours. It can be difficult to diagnose the problem, but a Podiatrist St Kilda can help diagnose the cause and recommend exercises to relieve pain and heal your heel. If you visit a podiatrist, you may be recommended a few exercises to help ease pain and strengthen your foot. Your podiatrist may also suggest a few changes to your daily routine, like wearing better shoes and taking more breaks, to ease your pain.