When to See a Podiatrist for Foot and Heel Pain

When it comes to health care, our feet often receive less attention than other parts of the body. However, proper foot care is essential to overall health and well-being. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the average American logs over 75,000 miles on their feet by the time they reach the age of 50. Good foot health is crucial for maintaining long-term mobility and improving quality of life with age. Regular visits to a podiatrist are one way to ensure your feet stay healthy.

Podiatrists are health care professionals specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions affecting the feet, ankles and lower legs in patients of all ages. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of conditions, from common ailments like ingrown toenails and broken toes to complex injuries and chronic conditions like diabetes. Foot pain can range from a minor annoyance to a debilitating condition that affects our ability to walk and stay active. Podiatrists help identify foot issues early and provide treatment plans that significantly improve outcomes and reduce pain. Aaron M. Israel, DPM, a podiatrist with Hattiesburg Clinic Podiatry, provides treatment for various conditions affecting the foot and ankle.

“Our feet are the foundation of our mobility,” Dr. Israel said. “We ensure that your feet receive the specialized care they need, preventing problems before they start and addressing any issues that arise with a treatment plan best suited for your individual needs.”

When should I see a podiatrist?

If your heel pain does not improve after two or three weeks of home treatment, it’s essential to contact your doctor. Additionally, seek medical advice if your pain intensifies, becomes sudden and severe, your feet appear red or swollen, or if you find it difficult to bear weight on the affected foot.

Indications to Seek Help from a Podiatrist:

  • Persistent Pain: Pain that remains after a few weeks of self-care measures, such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Worsening Symptoms: Increasing pain or discomfort that doesn’t improve or becomes more intense over time.
  • Sudden Severe Pain: Sharp or acute pain that occurs abruptly, potentially indicating a more serious injury or condition.
  • Redness or Swelling: Visible inflammation, redness, or swelling in the foot or heel, which could be a sign of infection or another underlying issue.
  • Inability to Bear Weight: Difficulty or inability to put weight on the affected foot, suggesting a possible fracture or severe injury​.

These symptoms can signal various conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, or infections, all of which require professional evaluation and treatment​.

What causes heel pain?

One common reason to see a podiatrist is heel pain. As the largest bone in the foot, the heel bone is made up of 33 joints and more than 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments. Injury to any one of these components can affect your ability to walk, stand and perform daily activities. Heel pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and heel spurs. Chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis can also cause pain in the heel and foot. While heel or foot pain is often overlooked until a problem becomes too severe to ignore, it can lead to more serious, long-term consequences when left untreated. Recognizing when to seek help from a podiatrist is key in preventing further complications.

“Identifying the underlying cause of pain is crucial to getting patients back on their feet,” Dr. Israel said. “My focus is to help my patients walk pain-free.”

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs from your toes to your heel, activating every time you walk or stand. It supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock during activities like walking, running or standing. When the plantar fascia experiences excessive stress or strain, tiny tears can develop in the tissue, leading to inflammation and pain. Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, including overuse, improper footwear and obesity. Foot mechanics such as high arches, flat feet or abnormal walking patterns can also increase the risk of plantar fasciitis by altering the distribution of weight and pressure on the feet. Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are sharp, stabbing pains, particularly with first steps in the morning, foot stiffness and tenderness on the bottom of the foot near the heel.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically involves a combination of measures aimed at reducing pain and inflammation, as well as addressing underlying contributing factors. Some treatment approaches can include rest, stretching and strengthening exercises, ice therapy, proper shoes and anti-inflammatory medications. Steroid injections can also be used to decrease inflammation when other treatment approaches are not successful.

Suyon Rhee, DPM, a podiatrist with Hattiesburg Clinic, treats patients suffering from plantar fasciitis and other issues of the feet. “Patients with plantar fasciitis don’t have to live in pain,” Dr. Rhee stressed. “With the proper treatment plan, we can help alleviate your pain and get you back to your daily activities.”

Other common conditions that cause heel pain may include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis: This condition involves inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is often caused by overuse, particularly in athletes or those who engage in a lot of walking or running.
  • Heel Spurs: Heel spurs are small calcium deposits that develop on the heel bone, often due to strain on the foot muscles and ligaments, stretching of the plantar fascia and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs can cause intermittent or chronic pain, especially while walking, jogging or running.
  • Other Causes: Less common causes of heel pain include bursitis, stress fractures, tarsal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. Wearing poorly fitting shoes without proper support can also lead to heel and foot pain over time.

Why do my feet hurt if I have diabetes?

There are certain chronic conditions linked with heel and foot pain, the most common being diabetes. Diabetes significantly affects the body’s ability to process glucose, which leads to high blood sugar levels and causes a variety of complications, including nerve damage and poor circulation, especially in the feet. These complications impair the body’s ability to not only detect injuries but to fight infection and heal. Minor cuts or blisters on the feet may go unnoticed and develop into more serious issues like diabetic ulcers, gangrene or Charcot foot, a condition where nerve damage leads to weakened bones in the foot. A podiatrist can help people with diabetes prevent, monitor and manage any foot-related issues that may arise.

Why choose Hattiesburg Clinic?

For patients dealing with acute foot pain or pain due to a chronic illness, it is important to seek the help of a podiatrist before these issues become more serious. Hattiesburg Clinic is pleased to provide leading foot and ankle care to Hattiesburg, Miss., and the surrounding areas. Our board-certified podiatrists offer a comprehensive approach to managing foot and heel pain through diagnosis, treatment and preventive care. We specialize in customized treatment plans that help to eliminate pain and give you happier, healthier feet. 

“If you are experiencing persistent foot or ankle pain, swelling, redness or difficulty walking, don’t wait until those problems interfere with your daily life,” Rhee said. “We will make your feet a priority.”

To learn more about the podiatry services at Hattiesburg Clinic, including diabetic foot care and treatment for heel and foot pain, call (601) 579-5117 or visit us online at www.hattiesburgclinic.com/podiatry.

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