There are many causes of heel pain. Wearing an ill-fitting shoe can cause pain. The back of the shoe can rub against the heel causing an irritation. Usually a bone spur on the heel of the foot can cause heel pain.

What Can Cause Heel Pain?

A bone spur can cause extreme pain when walking. The bone spur rubs against the heel of the shoe and irritates the heel at the site. Usually the heel pain gets so severe, that it is almost impossible to take a step without wincing in pain.

What type of medical doctor treats heel pain?

Once you have established the site of the heel pain makes an appointment with a Foot Doctor. The Podiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in foot pains. He will probably take an x-ray of the source of the foot pain, give you a shot to relieve the foot pain, and diagnose the cause of the foot pain and the type of treatment available to eliminate the foot pain.

What if I Do Not Agree with the Diagnosis?

A patient should be aware of the alternatives to a diagnosis made by a doctor. Many podiatrists might recommend surgery to eliminate the bone spur causing severe heel pain. The doctor will explain what heel surgery entails, how long it will take to heal and if it is best to stay off the foot while it is healing, and approximate length of time. If you do not agree with the diagnosis, or do not want to have foot surgery, ask the doctor for an alternative treatment.

Who is in Charge of Deciding on the best treatment for my heel pain?

You, the patient, is always in charge of deciding the type of medical treatment preferred. Unless it is a matter of a life or death decision, ask your physician to suggest an alternative to surgery.

What else can be done to eliminate the heel pain caused by a bone spur?

One of the most invasive treatments to relieve the heel pain is done by soaking the foot, at least three times a day. Get two plastic pans. Fill one with cold water. Fill the other with a solution of hot (not burning hot) and a tablespoon of Epsom Salt. Make sure that the heel of the foot is immersed in the water. Soak the foot with the heel pain, first in the hot water solution for about three minutes. Then soak the foot in the cold water for the same amount of time. Repeat this process three times, ending with the cold-water soak. Do this for a week or more, until the pain goes away. Make sure you return to see your doctor.

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