Heel Pain and Aging: How To Manage Discomfort in Older Adults

As with all parts of the foot, the heels are susceptible to pain with age and overuse. According to Gitnux Research, the average American person takes over 5,000 steps each day, so there is a good chance that the heels will start to hurt over time–especially if you are older. Dr. James Hurst, a foot doctor at Centreville Foot Ankle Sports Medicine in Centreville, VA, can help you learn how to best manage heel pain if you are an older adult

Heel Pain in Older Adults

Foot health is even more important as you age because if your feet get worn down without care and treatment, they can lead to disabilities in the future. Older adults are more prone to injuries and may take longer to heal, so it is important to get help from a podiatrist before the situation becomes unmanageable. Heel pain from bursitis, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis is common in older patients and can become more difficult to treat over time. Older adults who haven’t had intervention from a podiatrist in the past are more likely to need surgery for heel pain.

Managing the Discomfort of Heel Pain

The immediate way to begin managing heel discomfort as you get older is to make a conscious effort to get more rest. You must give your heels and feet time to heal. Heat and ice therapy is another way to manage the discomfort because the heat stimulates circulation while the ice reduces inflammation in the heel. Additionally, changing your footwear can help. As you get older, you may need to choose more sensible shoes, such as flats and open-backed shoes. You may also consider investing in orthopedic shoes.

How a Podiatrist Can Help

Since heel pain is one of the top foot problems reported by patients, doctors have explored several solutions depending on each case. Heel pain treatments offered by your Centreville, VA, podiatrist include:

• Orthotics are designed to protect and support the heels.
• Steroid injection therapy.
• Splinting, casting, or bracing.
• Plantar fascia release surgery.
• Heel spur removal.

Foot Health Is More Important As You Age

You can experience a normal day of activity on your feet without the throbbing pain behind your heels with the help of your foot doctor. Call (703) 830-3338 today to reach Dr. James Hurst, a foot doctor at Centreville Foot Ankle Sports Medicine in Centreville, VA, for more information about heel pain solutions for older adults.