Heel Pain Specialist Near Me in Northern Indiana

Why Do I Have Heel Pain?

Experiencing heel pain? You're not alone. This common discomfort, often felt at the back of the foot near the heel bone, can stem from various causes. At Orthopedic Sports and Medicine Center (OSMC), we specialize in diagnosing and treating heel pain, whether it's due to overuse, a medical condition, or other factors. Our expert team understands that heel pain primarily occurs when the plantar fascia, the ligament connecting your heel to your toes, becomes inflamed. This inflammation leads to a sharp, stabbing sensation in your heel and foot.

Are you noticing any of these heel pain symptoms?

Pain from the foot's arch to the heel
Stiffness and reduced foot mobility
Swelling or tenderness in the heel
Sharp pain after periods of inactivity
Soreness even while resting
Increased pain during weight-bearing activities like walking or running

What Causes Your Heel Pain?

Lifestyle habits and underlying health conditions can lead to heel pain. Some common causes include:

Achilles tendonitis
Foot fractures or injuries
Heel spurs
Effects of wearing high heels
Plantar fasciitis
Overuse injuries
Arthritis and Bursitis
Infections

Effective Heel Pain Treatments at OSMC

We offer various treatments to alleviate your heel pain, ranging from simple remedies to advanced therapies:

Rest and elevation strategies
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Orthotic footwear and inserts for biomechanical support
Night splints for stretching the plantar fascia
Customized physical therapy programs
Specialized care for heel fractures
Surgical interventions for persistent plantar fasciitis or bone spurs

When Should I See a Doctor for Heel Pain?

You should consider seeing a doctor for heel pain in the following situations:

Persistent Pain: If your heel pain lasts longer than a few days and does not improve with rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, or other home remedies.

Severe Pain: If you experience severe pain in your heel that hinders your ability to walk, bear weight, or perform daily activities.

Swelling and Redness: If there is significant swelling, redness, or heat around the heel area, especially if a fever accompanies these symptoms.

Pain at Night or While Resting: If you experience heel pain during rest or at night, it could indicate a more serious condition.

Numbness or Tingling: The presence of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the heel or foot area can be a sign of nerve issues.

After an Injury: If your heel pain began after an injury, especially if you heard a pop or snap at the time of injury, it’s important to seek medical attention.

In any of these cases, consulting with a healthcare professional, ideally one specializing in orthopedics or podiatry, is advisable for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Untreated pain can become a life-long chronic issue.

Diagnosing Heel Pain: Start Your Journey to Relief

Don't let heel pain hinder your lifestyle. At OSMC, our orthopedic specialists are dedicated to diagnosing and effectively treating your heel pain. We conduct comprehensive examinations and balance assessments and review your medical history, including recent injuries. Advanced imaging, like X-rays or MRIs, may be employed to identify fractures, ligament damage, or bone spurs. With a precise diagnosis, we tailor a treatment plan to get you back on your feet.

Visit OSMC for Expert Heel Pain Care

We prioritize your heel health at OSMC at Elkhart, Granger, Goshen, Middlebury, and Nappanee, IN. Experiencing heel pain symptoms? Contact us to consult with our skilled physicians and explore your treatment options. Let us help you stride towards a pain-free life. We also offer two walk-in orthopedic clinics so we can help address your pain at the moment.