Heel Pain Treatment in Los Angeles
Overview
Heel pain that bites on your first steps out of bed can stop a normal day cold. Whether it’s plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or heel bone spurs, Dr. Pegah Panirian, DPM, one of the top heel pain doctors in Los Angeles, finds the cause and builds the treatment around it, so you can get back on your feet.
The symptoms of heel pain may vary depending on the underlying cause but often include:
- Pain or tenderness in the heel, particularly upon waking or after periods of rest
- Stiffness or limited range of motion in the affected foot or ankle
- Swelling or inflammation around the heel or Achilles tendon
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot
- Sharp or stabbing pain with activity, such as walking or running
Conditions that can cause heel pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Achilles Tendonitis
Heel Bone Spurs
Treatment Options for Heel Pain
Treatment for heel pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Through consultation with Dr. Panirian at The Feet Institute in Los Angeles, you can explore a range of treatment avenues. Common treatment options include:
- Conservative Measures: Initial treatment for heel pain often involves rest, ice therapy, over-the-counter pain medications, and stretching exercises to reduce inflammation and improve flexibility.
- Orthotic Devices: Custom orthotic inserts or heel cups may help provide support and cushioning to relieve pressure on the heel and promote proper foot alignment.
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches prescribed by a physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles and tendons surrounding the heel and improve mobility.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): This non-invasive treatment involves delivering shock waves to the affected area to stimulate healing and reduce pain.
- Corticosteroid Injections: In cases of severe or persistent heel pain, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
Surgical Options for Heel Pain
For cases of chronic or severe heel pain that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options may include:
- Plantar Fascia Release: During this procedure, the plantar fascia is partially or completely released to relieve tension and reduce pain.
- Achilles Tendon Repair: Surgical repair of the Achilles tendon may be performed to address severe tendonitis or tears.
- Heel Bone Spur Removal: In cases where heel bone spurs are causing significant pain or impeding mobility, surgical removal of the spur may be necessary.
As a foot and ankle surgeon practising in Los Angeles, Dr. Panirian can guide you through the potential surgical options, explaining the procedures in detail and addressing any concerns or questions you may have to ensure you feel confident in your decision-making process.
Recovery and Prognosis
