Heel pain has many causes, and oftentimes an injury causing pain in the heel area happens suddenly. As a result, your normal everyday activities such as walking, standing, and exercising can come to a rapid and severe decline. However, you can actually avoid many other foot and ankle surprises when you stay in contact with your foot doctor at Syracuse Podiatry to address your foot and ankle concerns before they become more pronounced.

If you are having a sudden pain in your heel, one of the following conditions may be the cause:

1. Gout—This condition frequently hits the big toe joint, but a gout attack can happen in other parts of the body including the hands, the instep of the foot, the ankle joint, and the heel. A gout attack in the heel can cause swelling and redness and make it difficult or impossible to use footwear. High uric acid content in the blood can cause gout. Limiting your alcohol consumption and avoiding foods high in purines to decrease your blood uric acid levels will help stop gout attacks.
2. Bone fracture—Breaking a bone in the heel is often the result of an accident or fall. When the heel bone hits the ground hard while playing sports such as basketball and tennis, it can fracture from the impact. The result? Severe pain and debilitation.
3. Heel fissures—When calluses on the heel become thick and brittle, they cause cracking and extreme pain while standing and walking. If you get cuts in your heel they can become infected. This is especially true for those people with a lowered immune response caused by cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
4. Plantar fasciitis—This condition is first experienced as a pain in the heel, but it is actually the result of an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. Corporeal shockwave therapy is an excellent treatment for this condition.

Heel pain can be treated at home with proper rest, icing, and elevation. Making adjustments to your footwear for increased cushioning and support can also help.

If you are experiencing heel pain, seeing your podiatrist is the best way to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in Central New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Payel Ghosh, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.