Heel pain can come from a variety of conditions and causes. In some cases, it is just the fact that the heel pad is thin and there is a lot of stress on a small area. In other cases, it is caused by inflammation of a connective tissue in the foot that may be aggravated by a heel spur or flat feet. Dr. Donald Carlson of Hermiston Family Foot Clinic offers heel pain treatments in Hermiston, OR, for all the heel conditions that cause you pain.
Conservative heel pain treatments
The first treatments for heel pain are normally ones you can do at home, although it may be a good idea to go to a podiatrist for a diagnosis if you don’t know why your heel hurts. Some at-home remedies include:
- Getting off your feet and resting
- Doing simple stretching exercises
- Putting bagged ice against your heel for fifteen-minute intervals
- Over the counter (OTC) pain medication
- Heel pads from the drug store
- Making sure that your shoes are well-fitting and supportive
If there is no improvement in your situation and your pain level, it is time to go to your podiatrist for some more advanced treatment options.
Custom orthotics
Custom orthotics are fitted to provide the exact type of cushion your foot needs. Store-bought orthotics are made to fit everyone's foot and can't provide the individual support of a custom orthotic.
Steroid injections
Ultrasound-guided steroid injections can be placed exactly where the pain is and are effective at helping with bursitis and arthritis. The result provides pain relief for several months and can be a huge help when pain is limiting your activity.
Regenerative amniotic injections
Regenerative amniotic injections are also given using ultrasound guidance, and they help provide relief for conditions such as plantar fasciitis. The amniotic fluid helps the damaged cells to regenerate. This helps to reduce the inflammation and the pain that is often associated with a tight plantar fascia. It is minimally invasive and is done under local anesthesia.
Surgery
Surgery is for emergencies or the last option when all the more conservative options have been tried and failed. If the Achilles tendon needs to be repaired or the plantar fascia needs to be released, then it may be the best choice for heel pain treatments in Hermiston, OR.
Contact Dr. Carlson of Hermiston Family Foot Clinic when you need heel pain treatments in Hermiston, OR. Give the office a call at 541-567-8750 for an appointment today.