Meet Dr. Saleh (and Heel Pain FAQ)!

The best team of foot and ankle specialists in the Pacific Northwest just got better. The Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates family keeps growing, and we’re very proud to welcome Dr. Adam Saleh to our practice group! After getting his degree from Temple University in Philadelphia and residency training in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Dr. Saleh worked in his native, New Jersey, for a few years before moving out to Washington to join our team. Whenever we bring a new doctor into the practice, we look for skillsets and training that complement our existing medical team and add versatility to the treatments we can offer our patients. Dr. Saleh is no exception! His qualifications include:

• Board eligible in foot and ankle surgery
• Certified in microvascular surgery by the Cleveland Clinic
• Certified in Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
• Certified in advanced lower extremity orthopedics from the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics in Baltimore

One other thing you might notice about Dr. Saleh when you first meet him—he looks like a bodybuilder! That’s not a coincidence, of course, as he competes in weightlifting competitions and enjoys competitive wrestling when he’s not treating patients. (Don’t worry—he still has a very gentle touch!) Other personal interests include traveling, hiking, and spending time with his wife and dogs. Because heel pain is one of Dr. Saleh’s medical specialties—and one of the main conditions patients ask us about—we also thought it would be a good idea to ask him some questions to hear what he has to say about this important topic.

What are the top causes of heel pain?

Although most patients think of “heel pain” as a single problem, Dr. Saleh notes that there are actually multiple possible diagnoses. “One common cause is plantar fasciitis. This is usually the result of inflammation in the plantar fascia, which is the ligament at the bottom of your foot,” he says. “Another common cause is Achilles tendinitis, or inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel.” However, despite the separate diagnoses, there is often a common underlying factor. “Both of these issues are caused by faulty biomechanics,” Dr. Saleh says. In short, a structural problem with the way your foot is structured, or the way it moves, can lead to extra stress and injury to a key ligament or tendon.

What is the best way to treat heel pain?

Dr. Saleh believes that a conservative-first approach is almost always the best way to go when it comes to heel pain—and for mild cases, can even be treated at home. “The best way to treat heel pain is resting, icing and elevation,” he says. “If there is still pain, calf stretching exercises are usually a great way to reduce pain in the area.” For many cases of heel pain, these simple treatments are all the care you need. However, what about those that defy simple treatments? “If pain is still persistent, it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist. We can help with potential modification of shoe wear, orthotics, or in some extreme cases, injection and surgery.”