Heel pain can be unbearable and impact your daily life. If you are an avid runner, you could be more prone to developing heel pain. This is why you should make it a habit to stretch properly, run properly and also see a podiatrist on a regular basis.

What is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist is a medical professional that specializes in treating foot and ankle conditions. An experienced podiatrist will offer treatment options, surgery and regenerative medicine options as well as help you find relief. You will be evaluated, discuss your symptoms, and be provided with a treatment plan to help you on your road to recovery.

Common Heel Conditions

When suffering from heel conditions, you need to be aware of the symptoms you are experiencing. As a runner, if you are experiencing any heel pain, you should see a heel pain doctor Scottsdale right away before it worsens.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common heel pain experienced by runners. First, try to rest and apply ice at any first signs of plantar fasciitis. These symptoms include a stabbing sensation, inflammation, and irritation. If symptoms continue to worsen, you will need to see a podiatrist to receive proper treatment such as medications, physical therapy, or even surgery.

Achilles Tendonitis

Another very common heel condition is Achilles tendonitis. This is when a burning and painful sensation impacts your heel. Tenderness can also be a symptom and you should rest your heel when experiencing these symptoms. Just like with plantar fasciitis, if the pain continues to worsen, visit a podiatrist to receive a treatment plan or even surgery.

Benefits of Seeing a Podiatrist

If you are a runner and suffering from heel pain, there are many reasons to see a podiatrist over your regular doctor. A podiatrist is a doctor that specializes in the foot, ankle and legs. Not only are they trained on how to treat injuries, they also know how to prevent injuries such as improving your running technique to avoid unnecessary pain.

Since a podiatrist has gone through extra years of schooling to specialize in this area of the body, they can quickly understand symptoms for a proper diagnosis. Followed by the right diagnosis, your podiatrist will design a personalized treatment plan. This could include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, surgery, or regenerative medicine. Your podiatrist will be responsible for monitoring your progress throughout your recovery and offering you advice on how to prevent these injuries from reoccurring.

Podiatrists understand the importance of your feet and ankles as they are the foundation of your body and have a more personal understanding of the feet and ankles, which will allow them to offer their expertise when it comes to proper footwear accessories and shoes. Wearing the right accessories and shoes will give you the best support for your feet and ankles, especially as a runner.

The Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona

If you are suffering from heel pain and looking for a podiatrist Scottsdale, the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona can help you get back on your feet. At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, only the best techniques are offered to provide you with relief from heel pain or other foot and ankle pain. Along with traditional surgery options, they specialize in regenerative medicine techniques. Our very own Dr. Kris DiNucci has been named one of Phoenix Magazine’s Top Doctor for the last 11 years and continues to offer the latest innovations to his patients. The Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona takes pride in delivering only the best service possible to their patients.