Heel pain can disrupt your daily activities and keep you from doing the things you enjoy. If you are suffering from heel pain, Dr. Gary Driver is here to help. He is a double board-certified, fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialist and can provide you with personalized treatment for fast pain relief and lasting recovery. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Gary Driver at one of his two locations in Fort Worth and Weatherford.
Risk Factors for Heel Pain
People of all ages and activity levels can develop heel pain. However, the risk of developing heel pain increases in correlation with the following habits and lifestyle factors:
- Maintaining an irregular gait
- Running, jumping, or prolonged standing on hard surfaces
- Wearing tight shoes
- Exercising excessively
- Obesity
Medical Conditions that Cause Heel Pain
Heel pain can result from various conditions. Each one requires a different treatment approach. At his Fort Worth and Weatherford clinics, Dr. Gary Driver will assess your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment for a complete recovery. Here are some of the conditions that cause heel pain:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is the inflammation of a thick band of tissue, known as the plantar fascia, that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes. This condition mainly results from high-impact activities like dancing and long-distance running, which place pressure on the plantar fascia and eventually cause small tears in the tissue.
Heel Spurs
A heel spur is a hard protrusion made of calcium deposits on the bottom of the heel bone. It can affect the soft tissue around the heel bone and cause inflammation, leading to heel pain. The protrusion may be visible as a small bump on the heel, or it may only be discovered following an X-ray for a different foot condition.
Achilles Tendinitis
Achillies Tendinitis is a condition caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is common in runners and people who play high-impact sports like tennis or basketball. These activities can strain the tendon, leading to inflammation and heel pain. Mild cases can be treated with simple home remedies. However, more severe cases can lead to a ruptured tendon, which would require surgery.
Bursitis
Bursitis in the heel is a condition that develops when the bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs located near various joints in the body—become inflamed. This may result from repetitive motion, injury, infection, tight shoes, and exercises that put your heel under constant pressure. In most cases, treatment involves simple home remedies, including rest, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medication. If conservative treatment methods are ineffective, you should make an appointment with a doctor.
Calcaneal Apophysitis
Calcaneal apophysitis, also known as Sever’s disease, is a common condition in growing children. It is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel caused by repetitive tension. Children who participate in sports that involve a lot of running and jumping are at a greater risk of developing calcaneal apophysitis. Symptoms can include pain and mild swelling, and treatment generally involves rest, anti-inflammatory medication, heel pads, and strengthening exercises.
Bruises
Bruises on the heel can result from direct impact, which damages the soft tissue and leads to discoloration. This may cause pain and reduce mobility. Most bruises go away on their own, but some may require medical attention if they coincide with a more serious condition or injury.
Pinched Nerves
Bone spurs, tight shoes, and injuries can pinch a nerve in your foot and cause heel pain. Symptoms of a pinched nerve can also include numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Treatment usually involves simple home remedies, but you may need to see a doctor if the symptoms do not go away or get worse.
How is the Cause of Heel Pain Diagnosed?
Dr. Gary Driver will go through a number of steps to diagnose the condition causing your heel pain, including a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and diagnostic tests. During the review of your medical history, you will be asked questions about past and present health conditions and lifestyle habits. This will give the doctor a better idea of the factors that are contributing to your current condition and enable him to provide an accurate diagnosis. Next, he will conduct a thorough physical examination of your foot to check for signs of injury, deformity, or inflammation. He may also apply pressure to different parts of your heel to assess the severity of the pain. Finally, to confirm his diagnosis, Dr. Gary Driver may use an MRI, X-rays, or a CT scan. These tests can detect the underlying problems contributing to your heel pain.
Heel Pain Treatment Options in Fort Worth and Weatherford, TX
Dr. Gary Driver may recommend one or more of the following treatment options depending on your condition and preferences:
Non-Surgical Treatment
Most mild conditions underlying heel pain are treated through non-surgical methods that aim to alleviate the pain and inflammation, including:
- Rest - The doctor may advise you to rest and elevate your heels, which can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Medication - You may receive a prescription for anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications to eliminate the discomfort caused by heel pain.
- Ice - Applying ice can significantly reduce pain and swelling in the heel.
- Stretching - Light stretches can provide effective pain relief.
- Injections - Steroid injections may be necessary to reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy - This can strengthen the muscles surrounding your heel and prevent your condition from deteriorating or recurring.
- Orthotics and splints - This can include inserts in your shoes and night splints for the foot to relieve pain and improve daily performance.
Surgical Treatment
Severe conditions that do not respond to non-surgical treatment methods may require surgery. Surgical procedures that relieve heel pain include:
- Plantar fasciitis surgery - A surgeon will cut part of the affected plantar fascia ligament to release tension and relieve inflammation.
- Heel spur removal surgery - A surgeon will detach the bony outgrowth from your heel bone to alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Achilles tendon repair - This may involve the replacement of your Achilles tendon with another tendon from your foot, or a surgeon may be able to stitch the Achilles tendon back together if it ruptured.
- Bursitis surgery - This involves draining or removing swollen bursae that are causing heel pain.
Why Choose Dr. Gary Driver for Heel Pain Treatment?
Dr. Gary Driver has been dedicated to helping patients in Fort Worth and Weatherford regain their strength and mobility since 2021. With a personalized approach to treatment, he has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional care. In addition to being double board-certified and a multiple-time recipient of the prestigious Fort Worth Top Doctors Award, here are just a few reasons why patients trust Dr. Driver with their health and well-being:
Advanced Treatment Techniques
Using the most recent advances in flatfoot surgery to provide life-changing treatment, Dr. Gary Driver can address your condition in a way that is both effective and adapted to your needs. He relies on specialized equipment and imaging tests to provide accurate diagnoses that enable patients to take the next step in their treatment journey.
Patient-Centered Care
Patients can be sure their needs are prioritized and their preferences are respected when they receive treatment from Dr. Gary Driver. He delivers medical care with an emphasis on honesty, fairness, and integrity. When you choose Dr. Gary Driver, rest assured you are in safe hands.
Convenient Locations
Dr. Gary Driver practices at clinics in both Fort Worth and Weatherford, where patients receive top-quality care for heel pain. You can schedule an appointment at the location that’s most convenient for you.
Fellowship-Trained
Dr. Gary Driver is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon who completed his advanced training at one of the nation’s leading fellowship programs in Roanoke, Virginia.
Flexible Payment Options
Patients can choose from flexible payment options for heel pain treatment so that they don’t have to stress about expenses.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Gary Driver Today
For effective heel pain treatment in Fort Worth and Weatherford, choose Dr. Gary Driver. He will do everything he can to ensure a quick and lasting recovery from heel pain. You can schedule your initial consultation by calling us or using our online booking form. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a doctor about heel pain?
You should should see a doctor if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Severe heel pain
- Inability to carry out daily tasks as a result of the pain
- Pain that persists even after using home remedies
- Severe bruising or swelling in your heel
How long does it take to recover from heel pain?
The recovery time for heel pain may range from a few weeks to several months. It is dependent on various factors, including the cause of your heel pain and the treatment procedure required.
How much does heel pain treatment cost in Fort Worth and Weatherford?
The cost of heel pain treatment depends on the type of treatment needed for your specific condition. With Dr. Gary Driver, you can select from flexible payment options so you can fully focus on recovery. Call us to learn more about treatment costs.