Do I need an xray for heel pain?

The diagnosis can be made with a history and physical exam alone. During the exam, the patient will be tender along the inside part of the heel and into the sole of the foot. X-ray evaluation typically is not necessary, unless there is a suspicion for a more serious problem that might be revealed on imaging.

What kind of doctor should I see for heel pain?

A podiatrist, also called a doctor of podiatric medicine, is a specialist who provides medical diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle problems, including, but not limited to sprains and fractures, bunions, heel pain/spurs, hammertoes, neuromas, ingrown toenails, warts, corns and calluses.

Can heel spurs be seen on xray?

Plain weightbearing radiographs can show calcaneal spurs in approximately 50% of patients with plantar fasciitis, but, because spurs are frequently noted in patients without heel pain, the presence of calcaneal spurs is not considered contributory to the pain, and it does not affect the diagnosis or treatment.

Should I go to the doctor if my heel hurts?

See your doctor immediately if you have: Severe pain and swelling near your heel. Inability to bend your foot downward, rise on your toes or walk normally. Heel pain with fever, numbness or tingling in your heel.

How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis?

Ultrasound. Ultrasound examination is an excellent diagnostic tool for plantar fasciitis involves no exposure to radiation and is thought to be as effective or even more effective than an MRI or bone scan in diagnosing plantar fasciitis.

Should I see a podiatrist or orthopedist for heel pain?

As a general guideline, if you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting your foot or ankle health, it’s best to see a podiatrist. If you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting any other part of your musculoskeletal system, it’s best to see an orthopedic physician.

What can a podiatrist do for heel pain?

Heel Pain Treatment Depending on the reason for your heel pain, your podiatrist may recommend rest and in-home treatments such as stretching your calf muscles. Other treatments may include applying ice, anti-inflammatory painkillers, strapping and offloading padding.

How do you dissolve a heel spur?

The only way to get rid of heel spurs entirely is by having surgery to remove the growths. However, doctors typically reserve surgery for cases that do not respond to any other treatments. According to the AAOS, surgery is a last resort because it can lead to chronic pain.

What does a sore heel indicate?

Heel pain, especially stabbing heel pain, is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or, rarely, a cyst.

When to get an X-ray for heel pain?

If your heel and foot pain does not respond to conservative home treatments for plantar fasciitis, your doctor may recommend an X-ray to explore other potential causes of the pain you are experiencing.

Can you have a heel spur on an X-ray?

“A heel spur can be an incidental finding on an X-ray. You can have one even if you don’t have heel pain,” Dr. Davis says. “When we’re treating people, we don’t focus on the spur because often the spur doesn’t have to go away for the pain to resolve,” says orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon, Alan Davis, MD.

What kind of MRI can I get for heel pain?

MRIs can pinpoint plantar tears or ruptures, tendon injuries, lesions, cysts, and sometimes fractures or heel spurs, without the radiation and expense of a CT-scan. MRIs are also sometimes used to confirm Haglund’s Deformity and Achilles tendonitis.

Can a X-ray tell if you have plantar fasciitis?

While X-rays aren’t particularly good for diagnosing plantar fasciitis, they can rule out other causes of foot pain, including stress fractures, cysts, and other problems related to the bones of the foot and ankle.