Heel pain is a common occurrence in the United States, significantly interfering with your ability to walk, work, exercise, and perform daily tasks. Besides limiting your activities, heel pain can make you sedentary.
In this regard, visiting a podiatrist will be your best choice to receive a diagnosis of heel pain, as they are experts at diagnosing and treating your foot and ankle problems.
Let’s discuss how your podiatrist will diagnose your heel pain, what could be the probable diagnosis, and where you can go in San Antonio for outstanding foot and ankle care.
Heel Pain Diagnosis
A podiatrist will diagnose your heel pain in different steps that may include:
Assessment of Your Symptoms
Firstly, your podiatrist will ask for and assess your symptoms, such as pain, soreness, and tenderness anywhere in your heel. Typically, your heel pain and other symptoms may be located:
- Within the heel bone
- Behind the heel
- Beneath the heel
Podiatrists may also ask about the onset and characteristics of your pain and factors alleviating heel pain or exacerbating it. Heel pain may be burning/tingling or sharp/achy. Timing of heel pain can also contribute to making the right diagnosis.
Evaluation of Medical History
A podiatrist will also take your medical history and ask about your lifestyle and work habits. You must also inform your podiatrist of your recent changes in activity and type of footwear.
Certain occupational habits, such as standing for a prolonged time, can also contribute to heel pain. So, make sure to inform your podiatrist of all the occupational activities that may contribute to your heel pain.
Physical Examination
Since the anatomical position of your heel pain can help with diagnosis, your podiatrist will inspect your foot in both rest and weight-bearing positions. Physical examination includes inspection of foot and ankle joints, tendon insertion, and looking for any bony prominence in the heels.
Any defect, tenderness, and the difference between the sides of the heel may also be noted.
Diagnostic Imaging Tests
A podiatrist may order some diagnostic imaging tests to make an accurate diagnosis, which may include X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
X-rays can help diagnose joint damage, bone fracture, bone alignment, and arthritis. Even though rarely, MRI and ultrasound are used when X-rays fail to reveal soft tissue problems.
Probable Diagnosis of Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is commonly diagnosed when you feel plantar heel pain, while neuroma, calcaneal stress fractures, and heel pad syndrome may also cause plantar heel pain.
Typically, medial midfoot heel pain is caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome. Lateral midfoot heel pain is diagnosed as sinus tarsi syndrome. Sever disease (inflammation of the growth plate of the heel common in children and adults), Haglund deformity (bony enlargement on the back of the heel), and Achilles tendinopathy result in posterior heel pain.
Heel Pain Doctor in San Antonio
If you’re having heel pain and seek diagnosis and treatment, don’t hesitate to visit us at The Podiatry Group of South Texas. Our doctor will diagnose your heel pain and develop a treatment plan. They will take some time to explain your treatment options that may involve conservative approaches, preventive measures, and sometimes surgery. They are well-versed in treating all podiatry problems.
To know more or schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists, call us today at (210) 227-8700 or fill out our online appointment request form.
