Posterior heel pain refers to the pain behind the ankle. While it is usually mild, the pain can interfere with your daily activities, such as walking and exercising. The symptoms you experience may fade away on their own, but it’s best to get your heel pain checked before it worsens.
Read on to get a better idea of the symptoms of posterior heel pain and some treatment options. If you would like to know where to find heel pain treatment, The Bone & Joint Center can assist you!
Symptoms of Posterior Heel Pain
The leading sign of posterior heel pain is a sharp pain that develops after standing up. Here are other symptoms that may accompany heel pain:
- Swelling or inflammation
- Stiffness
- Discoloration or bruising
- Tenderness
- Bony growth or bump
There is no single cause of posterior heel pain. But after getting a diagnosis and heel pain treatment, you may find one of these three as the culprit:
- Achilles’ tendinitis
- Heel spur
- Bursitis
Treatments for Posterior Heel Pain
Rest
If you search for heel pain treatment near me online, you might find you can readily address this condition at home. For example, Achilles tendinitis is relatively easy to treat through proper self-care. You’ll need to take time off to give the tendon time to heal. During this time, ensure you avoid activities that may worsen the pain.
You can also apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling and discomfort. Additionally, you can elevate the affected foot. But if you continue to feel pain after resting, it’s time to seek professional help, and look up the nearest heel pain treatment.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is also an effective heel pain treatment. Instead of relying on drugs to relieve pain, it uses the following to improve your condition:
- Joint mobilization
- Massage
- Guided stretching
- Exercises
Physical therapy is also beneficial for individuals that have undergone surgery. The treatment plan will vary based on your condition. Ultimately, physical therapy aims to improve muscle strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and flexibility.
Pain Medications
If simple home fixes aren’t effective, your orthopedic doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain medications. These medicines can reduce swelling and ease your discomfort.
Make sure to follow the recommended dosage, as you don’t want to be too reliant on pain relievers. Often, your orthopedic doctor will recommend other treatments to complement medication.
Surgery
Rest, over-the-counter pain medicine, and cold compresses are the known methods to relieve posterior heel pain. These home remedies usually do the trick and heel pain should calm down after a few days or weeks. However, it is advisable to visit your nearest care provider to determine the root cause of the pain if symptoms persist.
For severe cases that do not respond to conservative treatments, your orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery. The type of surgery will depend on the extent of the injury. You may also have to undergo physical therapy, as part of your rehabilitation.
Heel Pain Treatment Near Me in North Dakota
Home care strategies are usually an effective treatment for posterior heel pain. Nevertheless, it may still progress to chronic pain and worsen, if left as is. For cases that last even after conservative treatments, it’s time to search for the heel pain treatment physician near me.
At The Bone & Joint Center, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic doctors can diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions. We provide both surgical and nonsurgical care for posterior heel pain. We take pride in delivering high-quality orthopedic care up until our patients get discharged.
To schedule a consultation with our orthopedic doctors, call (800) 424-2663 or use our online appointment request form. We have several locations across North Dakota to serve you. Give us a call today and let us help you lead a pain-free life!
