Heel Pain
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Stephanie Carter-Robin, DPM, PC
Podiatrist & Foot Surgeon located in Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, NY
Your feet support the entire weight of your upper body. They’re also incredibly hardworking, so it’s no wonder millions of Americans suffer from heel pain. If you regularly return home from a day at the office and your heels ache, it’s important to seek professional medical help. At her self-titled New York City-based practice in Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Stephanie Carter-Robin, DPM, PC, has more than 25 years of experience diagnosing and treating heel pain. Request your consultation today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.
Heel Pain Q & A
What is heel pain?
Heel pain is a common podiatric complaint characterized by soreness, burning, or general discomfort that affects the bottom or back of your heel. The two most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Other common causes of heel pain include strains and strains, sports-related injuries, and trauma. Heel pain affects everyone differently; sometimes it’s mild, and other times it’s debilitating. Whatever type of foot pain you’re experiencing––whether heel pain or pain in the ball of your foot–– if it doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, make an appointment with Dr. Carter-Robin today.
When should I contact a doctor about heel pain?
Most of the time, heel pain responds to conservative, at-home measures of care like rest, ice, and light physical activity. However, if your heel pain doesn’t get better within a week or two, or your symptoms get worse, make an appointment with Dr. Carter-Robin.
You should call Dr. Carter-Robin immediately if you experience:
- Severe heel pain
- Swelling in your heel
- Redness in your heel
- Heel pain that starts suddenly
If your heel pain affects your mobility, it’s also crucial you seek professional help.
How is heel pain diagnosed?
To diagnose heel pain, Dr. Carter-Robin physically examines your foot, heel, and ankle. She also reviews your medical history and asks you questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Dr. Carter-Robin might also ask you to stand up, sit down, or walk around the exam room so that she can observe your gait and posture. If these tests don’t provide adequate information, she uses state-of-the-art digital X-rays to get a closer look at the bones and joints in your foot.
How is heel pain treated?
Dr. Carter-Robin usually recommends conservative, integrative treatments to address heel pain. For example, she might recommend participating in a series of at-home stretching exercises to improve circulation or taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to ease swelling. If these methods of care don’t relieve your symptoms, you might benefit from injection therapy or custom orthotics. In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
For heel pain caused by Achilles tendonitis, Dr. Carter-Robin also recommends integrative methods of care. Depending on your symptoms, she might recommend prescription medications, heel splints, or physical therapy.
If heel pain is keeping you sidelined from participating in daily activities, make an appointment at Stephanie Carter-Robin, DPM, PC, by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.
