Heel Pain Specialist

Francine Rhinehart, DPM -  - General Podiatrist

Francine Rhinehart, DPM

General Podiatrist & Aesthetic Podiatrist located in Oak Cliff, Dallas, TX

Of the more than two dozen bones in each of your feet and ankles, your heel bone is the largest. Because your heel absorbs so much shock and is prone to injury, Francine Rhinehart, DPM, provides innovative heel pain solutions at her private practice in Dallas, Texas. If you’re dealing with heel pain, even if it seems minor or infrequent, schedule an exam right away. You can book through the website, or you can call the clinic directly to schedule.

Heel Pain Q & A

Why do I have heel pain?

While your heel bone itself may be the cause of your heel pain, like if you have a stress fracture, you may also have heel pain because of injury or damage to surrounding components. Some of the most common causes of heel pain include:

  • Bursitis 
  • Arthritis 
  • Bone bruise
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Sprains and strains
  • Achilles tendinitis 

Fat pad atrophy may be to blame, too. If you lose that cushioning barrier of your heel because of overuse or being overweight, you may develop chronic heel pain issues. 

Do I need to see a podiatrist for heel pain?

Yes. Without proper treatment, heel pain is likely to worsen, which can limit your ability to perform work functions or even exercise. You should come to the office of Francine Rhinehart, DPM, if you experience any of the following issues related to your heel pain:

  • Redness 
  • Swelling
  • Numbness
  • Arch or ankle pain

It’s also important to see Dr. Rhinehart if your heel pain turns severe enough to affect your gait or make it difficult for you to walk. Dr. Rhinehart looks at X-rays or ultrasound images and performs a comprehensive exam to get to the root of why you have heel pain. 

What is the treatment for heel pain?

Dr. Rhinehart specializes in innovative heel pain treatments. Even if you haven’t found relief in the past, rest assured, Dr. Rhinehart can help. She generally gets you started on conservative therapies first, which may include:

  • Night splints 
  • Stretching and icing
  • Targeted exercises
  • Steroid injections
  • Therapeutic ultrasound
  • Amniotic regenerative therapy
  • Sculptra® injections (for fat pad loss)
  • Custom or over-the-counter shoe inserts

For more complex issues or heel injuries that don’t respond to conservative therapies, Dr. Rhinehart may recommend surgery. Dr. Rhinehart can remove damaged tissues, graft connective tissues, or make other repairs. 

As a board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Rhinehart performs advanced minimally invasive surgeries, so you can feel confident that you’re in highly capable hands. 

Francine Rhinehart, DPM, can help you with minor to complex heel pain issues. Before suffering from heel pain another day, book an exam online or over the phone to get started on treatment.