Heel Pain Specialist vs General Podiatrist: Who Should You See?
Heel pain is a common problem that people face but it is often left untreated for too long. It may start as a sharp pain or smaller discomfort that is aggravated by activity and gets worse over time.
But rest assured that treatment is easily accessible and an early diagnosis often leads to more effective treatment outcomes. But if you are wondering who is the best person to see for your heel pain, you aren’t alone.
Should you see a general podiatrist? When is the right time to see a heel pain specialist instead? And should you visit your GP first? Here’s everything you need to know.
Scope of a General Podiatrist
A general podiatrist specialises in the feet, ankles and lower legs. Their expertise covers a broad range of illnesses, injuries and conditions that extends beyond the heel. They can diagnose and treat a variety of heel-specific issues including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Fractures
…and more.
Your podiatrist has a range of techniques and approaches that they can adopt in order to effectively diagnose and treat your condition. This includes a visual examination, biomechanical examination, gait analysis and more. And if more specialised treatment is required, they will be able to refer you on to a heel pain specialist.
Focus of a Heel Pain Specialist
Although trained in general podiatry as well, a heel pain specialist has a specific focus on diagnosing and treating heel conditions. They have access to advanced technology to dig deeper during the diagnosis stage and detect less obvious issues. A heel pain specialist can aid with complex conditions such as:
- Fat pad atrophy
- Heel bursitis
- Plantar fasciitis tears
- Nerve entrapments
…and more.
You may be referred to a specialist with a prior diagnosis from a general podiatrist and you may have received prior treatment for your condition. If your pain is persistent and not responding well to the treatment available, it will likely require closer attention from someone who has deeper knowledge and expertise in heel pain.
Benefits of Specialised Care for Heel Pain
In seeking specialised care for your heel pain, you benefit from:
Advanced diagnostic technology
When it comes to diagnosing your condition, a general podiatrist can only go so far. With a heel pain specialist, you benefit from advanced diagnostic technology such as ultrasound or MRI scans that will help to detect deeper, less obvious and more complex conditions. Because attention to detail during the diagnostic phase has a direct impact on the speed and effectiveness of your treatment plan.
Innovative treatment options
If you are suffering with a more complex or chronic heel condition and traditional treatment options have failed, a heel pain specialist will have access to innovative therapies that you can benefit from. These therapies could include shockwave therapy, surgical interventions, plasma injections and more, providing faster and more effective relief for your heel pain.
Deeper knowledge and expertise
An individual who specialises in heel pain will have completed advanced training compared to a general podiatrist. And this deeper knowledge, experience and expertise will benefit you during both the diagnostic and treatment stages. It allows them to tailor personalised treatment plans that cater to your exact needs when standard treatment options have failed.
More targeted treatment approach
When it comes to heel pain, there is no better professional to visit than a specialist. Their diagnosis process, treatment options and extensive skill-set may help provide more targeted pain management and reduce the risk of your condition worsening.
When to See a GP First
Understanding whether to see a GP or a podiatrist first will help to ensure that you receive the proper treatment for your condition. If you are unsure about the cause of your heel pain, it has come on suddenly and is severe, your GP is the best place to start. They will be able to determine whether there is infection or inflammation present and rule out more severe conditions. They may then refer you for additional imaging or onto a general podiatrist for treatment.
When to See a Podiatrist First
In the majority of cases, a podiatrist should be your first point of call for heel pain. If there is no sign of infection or inflammation and the pain is less severe, you will receive treatment faster by visiting a podiatrist. They will perform the assessments and examinations needed to properly diagnose and treat your condition. This early intervention could ensure quicker and more effective treatment because you won’t be spending time waiting for referrals between clinics. Signs you should see a podiatrist first include:
- Your pain is impacting your movement
- Your pain worsens after activity
- You have a prior diagnosis of a heel-specific condition
- Your pain is not improving with time
Integrated Treatment
More often than not, heel pain requires a combination of treatment options to manage symptoms. Your diagnosis journey is unique to you, and your GP or podiatrist will ensure that you receive the right care at the right time.
This collaborative care could begin at a podiatry clinic with biomechanical assessments and custom orthotics before progressing onto a heel pain specialist for advanced imaging, shockwave therapy and surgical assessments.
You will find that some clinics offer a comprehensive selection of treatment options. Choosing a clinic that offers this will dramatically reduce the referral times that you face, ensuring a fast and efficient resolution for your pain.
Speak to an Expert Today
If you are suffering from heel pain and want the advice of a knowledgeable, experienced and comprehensive clinic then speak to the experts at Optimise Health. If you’re experiencing persistent heel pain, early professional assessment may help prevent potential complications. Here, you can access podiatry and physiotherapy services under one roof for timely treatment.
With decades of experience, you are in safe hands. Get started today by booking an appointment online or, for more information about your pain, get in touch with our friendly team.
