Heel pain can affect you no matter your age. And it's one of those issues that can happen even if you're active. Those who participate in physical activities like running are more prone to heel pain. Fortunately, at Emerald Coast Podiatry, serving Crestview & Fort Walton Beach, FL, Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Patel can help ease the discomfort and other symptoms associated with a painful heel, and these are some signs you should schedule a visit.

The Pain Isn't Easing

Whenever you overexert a body part, pain usually occurs. Generally, that discomfort will ease with rest and/or over-the-counter pain relievers. If your painful heel persists or doesn't ease with conservative measures, contact a podiatric specialist. 

The pain could indicate a serious issue. Moreover, in some cases, you could worsen the injury or cause problems permanently if you don't receive the necessary treatment.

The Pain Is Severe 

Even if the pain has just started, consider seeking professional care if it's severe. Pain that's barely tolerable or beyond manageable could indicate you have a serious condition, like a ruptured tendon. Not only do you not have to suffer, but that level of pain may be from an issue that requires medical treatment to heal properly. If not, you could risk further injuring the area or causing permanent damage to the soft tissue issue in or around your heel.

Difficulty Bearing Weight or Walking 

Besides ongoing or severe pain, you should be aware of the issue affecting your walk. If it's making walking difficult, getting treatment promptly can ensure you can move and complete the day's tasks. The same applies if you can't put weight on your heel. It could signify a more serious problem, such as a fracture, that may not heal properly.

The Pain Doesn't Have a Known Cause 

No matter the severity of the pain or the other symptoms it's causing, getting treatment at our office, serving Crestview and Fort Walton Beach, FL, for heel pain that doesn't have a clear cause can ease your symptoms. Our podiatrist can get to the root of the problem through a physical assessment, imaging, or other testing. Your heel pain may stem from arthritis, a condition that will only progress with time, especially if you aren't managing it properly. 

Any of the above signs are good reasons to contact Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Patel of Emerald Coast Podiatry, who serves Crestview and Fort Walton Beach, FL, and the surrounding regions, for a painful heel.

Call us at (850) 682-6522 for our Crestview office or (850) 862-4119 for our Fort Walton Beach office.