Expert Heel and Achilles Tendon Care in Utah
Strengthening your foot and ankle, wearing proper shoes, stretching, and daily exercise are all important habits to keep you moving and on your feet. Unfortunately, even if we do everything to prevent foot pain, it can still occur. For people with overly flat or high-arched feet, foot pain can be blamed on genetics. Foot pain can also result from a job that requires long hours on your feet every day. Or, it can because by stepping off the curb wrong or a misstep down the stairs. The point is, that foot pain happens, and when it does it is important to get the proper treatment for the right underlying issue.
Common Achilles and Heel Pain Conditions
The Achilles tendon is the longest tendon in the body, running down the back of the lower leg, and connecting the muscles in the calf to the heel bone. This tendon is used to walk, run and raise your heels. When the Achilles tendon or the heel is painful or not performing well, it can greatly affect your day-to-day life. Heel pain is also a common complaint in children and shouldn’t be ignored as growing pains or passive complaints. Heel and Achilles pain is often a symptom of a greater problem, not a disease itself. If you or your child are limping, avoiding usual activities, walking on your toes, or complaining of pain in the heel, you may have one of the following common conditions.
Treating Heel and Achilles Pain
Because there are several potential causes for heel and Achilles pain, it is important to have a proper diagnosis, as heel pain can be a good warning sign of a more serious condition. As podiatric foot and ankle surgeons, we are trained to determine the underlying source of your pain. During your visit, we will ask for your medical history and complete a full examination of your foot and ankle. We might also need to use diagnostic imaging studies such as X-rays, bone scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to properly diagnose your condition. Once we have determined what is causing your pain, together we will select the best treatment plan for you.
Take the First Step Toward Wellness
An investment in your feet is an investment in your quality of life.