Hey everyone, my name is Belinda. When I was a young girl, I injured the muscles in my legs performing complex gymnastic moves. I was under the care of an orthopedist for several months during the recovery period. I had to complete a number of strengthening exercises to regain my range of motion and mobility. The orthopedist performed regular examinations to determine if the given treatment was working. I will use this site to talk about different orthopedic treatments. I hope you will visit my site often to learn about this fascinating subject.
Depending on the cause of your heel pain, your doctor may either recommend surgery or conservative, non-surgical methods of treatment. Before your heel pain doctor can determine which treatment protocol is best for you, they will need to perform a comprehensive physical examination and view your x-rays. While surgery may be the treatment of choice for bone spur-related heel pain and bunions, other causes of heel pain such as arthritis and plantar fasciitis may respond well to the following non-surgical approaches.
Shoe Inserts
Shoe inserts, also known as orthotics, can distribute your weight evenly and act as excellent shock absorbers while walking and running. When your foot is cushioned by your shoe insert, you may be less likely to experience pain and inflammation of the heel and its surrounding structures.
Shoe inserts can be purchased at sporting goods stores and pharmacies, however, your orthopedist may recommend custom-made orthotics to help ensure a precise fit. Your heel pain doctor will advise you on the type of shoe insert that is best for you based upon your examination, diagnosis, and financial situation.
Naproxen Sodium and Ibuprofen
One of the most effective treatment options in the management of heel pain is taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Both of these medications are available without a prescription and are highly effective against foot pain and swelling, especially if caused by arthritic conditions.
If you experience an upset stomach from taking anti-inflammatory drugs, you can take acetaminophen. While not effective in suppressing inflammation, it is an excellent pain reliever and an appropriate choice for people who have peptic ulcer disease or gastroesophageal reflux.
Even though naproxen sodium and ibuprofen are available over-the-counter, your doctor may recommend a prescription-strength medication if you are suffering from severe pain and loss of mobility. To augment the effects of your pain medication, you can place an ice pack on your heel to numb your pain and reduce inflammation. After the inflammation has subsided, a heating pad set to the lowest setting may soothe your pain while promoting blood flow to the sore joints, muscles, and ligaments of your foot.
If you develop pain, stiffness, or swelling of your foot, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. When the source of heel and foot pain is diagnosed and treated early on, you may be less likely to develop further pain, balance problems, and diminished foot flexibility.
For more information about heel pain, contact an orthopedist.
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