Is heel pain making it difficult for you to walk and move the way you want to? When we use our feet all day every day, we can put a lot of pressure and strain on our heels. Without the right amount of rest or treatment, this heel pain could quickly develop into a more serious concern.
If you’re not sure if you need to see a Podiatrist, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll outline different signs and symptoms you should look out for, so you can better understand your needs and when you should be seeking professional support.
We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive, tailored care for all your foot health needs. For personalised advice, contact our team at Talaria Podiatrist today.
What is Podiatry?
Podiatry is a profession that focuses on the care and health of our feet and lower limbs. A trained Podiatrist has in-depth knowledge of how the feet and lower limbs function. This allows them to diagnose and treat a variety of foot conditions, whether that be different types of injury, infection, gait concerns and much more.
Usually, a Podiatrist will assess your feet and how you move to help identify the cause of your concern. With this assessment, they can then develop a tailored treatment based on your needs.
Why do I Have Heel Pain?
There are many different reasons you may be experiencing heel pain. Likewise, depending on the cause of your heel pain you may experience different types of painful sensations. Here we’ll outline several different conditions that may cause heel pain and what that may feel like.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition many people develop because of overstraining their feet. This strain causes their plantar fascia to become inflamed which causes a stabbing pain at the bottom of their foot and heel after activity.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is when the Achilles tendon is strained or injured significantly. It usually presents as an aching pain, that can spike, and stiffness along the back of your calf. Many people also experience swelling and tenderness around the area.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bony growths that develop around your heel bone. They naturally occur if your feet have been under significant strain. The body tries to protect against the pain and sends calcium to the area to reinforce it. This results in bone spikes developing under the skin which are painful to walk on.
Many people with plantar fasciitis can also develop heel spurs.
Injury
There are many different lower limb injuries that can cause heel pain. These can range from stress fractures to muscle tears and sprains. If these injuries are left untreated they can worsen significantly, and cause long-term damage.
When Should I See a Podiatrist?
If you are experiencing any kind of pain in your lower limbs or feet, and it has persisted for more than a week it is recommended that you seek professional advice. Likewise, if the pain you are feeling suddenly increases in intensity you should consider seeing a Podiatrist to assess the cause.
Symptoms to Look Out For
There are many different conditions or injuries that can quickly worsen without early intervention. Here, we’ll outline several key symptoms to look out for.
Numbness
If your feet are numb or you are experiencing a pins and needles sensation you should seek help. This could be caused by a variety of concerns such as poor circulation or injury.
Nail Fungus
Nail fungus can alter your toenails, changing their shape, thickness and colouring. If you’ve noticed discolouration on your toenails, especially if it has spread, you should see a Podiatrist.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails cause pain and discomfort, sometimes leading to infection. If you’ve noticed your toenail growing against or into your skin you should seek treatment.
Difficulty Moving
If you have noticed you are having difficulty walking, you will likely need professional support. You may be struggling to balance or move your feet in certain directions.
Get The Support You Need
Heel pain and other issues with your feet can worsen if left untreated and cause serious problems. This can affect your overall health and your ability to function. At Talaria Podiatry, we offer tailored health services so you know you are getting the personalised support you need.
With an in-depth assessment, we can identify the cause of your concerns and treat them accordingly. Healthy feet are happy feet, reach out to our team today to ensure yours are at the top of their game.