Our Vancouver Podiatrists Offer Complete Care to Help Washington Patients Conquer Heel Pain
Do your heels hurt? You’re not alone. Heel pain is a common podiatric complaint, accounting for more than 1 million visits each year to primary care providers and podiatrists in the United States. Whether you're an active runner sidelined by plantar fasciitis or someone who stands all day at work, persistent heel pain can significantly impact your quality of life.
Fortunately, you don’t have to accept life with painful heels. When your first step in the morning feels like walking on broken glass or pain throughout the day makes simple daily tasks seem impossible, Clover Podiatry can help. Our trusted Vancouver podiatrists, led by Tek Fish, DPM, offer comprehensive care and advanced solutions to help our Washington patients conquer heel pain. Discover how our podiatry team can provide relief and help you prevent future injuries.
Understanding Common Heel Pain Causes
From lifestyle factors to athletic injuries, heel pain can have numerous causes. Athletes and people with active lifestyles may have heel pain that develops gradually, while others might experience a sudden onset of pain after a specific activity. A physical exam and discussion of these patterns with a Vancouver podiatrist at Clover Podiatry can help them identify what’s causing your heel pain and recommend appropriate care.
We frequently treat patients for heel pain stemming from the following:
- Plantar fasciitis. Repetitive stress can inflame the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. The resulting condition, plantar fasciitis, causes sharp heel pain when you wake up (or after rest periods) that improves with activity.
- Heel fat pad atrophy. Prolonged standing, walking, or high-impact activities can gradually thin the fat pads on your heels, leading to heel pain and discomfort.
- Stress fractures. Sports with repetitive running or jumping—or increasing the duration or intensity of play too quickly—can cause a tiny crack (or cracks) to form on the surface of your heel bone. A calcaneal or heel stress fracture can cause swelling, tenderness, and dull, achy pain during weight-bearing activity.
- Lifestyle factors. Wearing unsupportive shoes or working a job that requires standing for long periods or on hard surfaces can also cause heel pain.
Effective Heel Pain Treatments and a Personalized Approach That Makes Patients Feel Like Family
At Clover Podiatry, we understand that heel pain can negatively impact every aspect of your day, forcing you to cut back on the activities you enjoy. Our team of experienced Vancouver podiatrists takes a refreshingly personal approach to patient care.
We don’t just want to know about your heel pain; we take the time to get to know our patients, allowing us to recommend effective solutions that align with your goals and lifestyle. Depending on the source of your pain, your customized care plan could include the following interventions:
- Ice. Applying an ice pack to the bottom of your foot for up to 20 minutes at a time can help reduce heel pain and inflammation.
- Medication. Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide temporary pain relief.
- Rest. Modifying your activity gives the inflamed plantar fascia time to heal, helping relieve heel pain.
- Stretching exercises. Our custom exercise programs promote flexibility and strength in your feet and ankles, reducing pain and the risk of future injury.
- Shockwave therapy. Harnessing the healing power of sound waves, this revolutionary, non-invasive treatment decreases inflammation, stimulates recovery, and provides lasting heel pain relief.
Take the First Step Toward Heel Pain Relief With the Help of Our Vancouver, Washington, Podiatry Team
Don’t let heel pain dictate your day. Give your feet the friendly, customized, and compassionate support they deserve at Clover Podiatry. Patients throughout southeastern Washington State trust their feet to our exceptional Vancouver podiatric team.