Heel Pain is Often Caused by Plantar Fasciitis

If your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk - especially when first getting out of bed in the morning - then you may have plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot beginning at your heel bone, and is the most common cause of heel pain. This tissue gets inflamed due to overuse, or repeated stretching and even tearing. When this occurs you will feel gradually increasing numbness, burning or pain which can ultimately be severe.

This type of injury is very common in runners or those who play sports that involve a lot of jumping like basketball and gymnastics. But you don't have to be an athlete to be at risk for this painful condition. Individuals with a high arch, who are overweight, who wear poorly-fitting or worn-out footwear or who stand on hard surfaces for long periods of time are also susceptible to plantar fasciitis.

You may have heard of a heel spur that is often present along with plantar fasciitis. Up to 50% of those with plantar fasciitis will also have a heel spur, although it may not cause pain in and of itself. Heel spurs don't usually require treatment on their own.

Treating Heel Pain Caused by Plantar Fasciitis

Sometimes this condition goes away by itself but it usually worsens and can result in chronic heel pain that will prevent you from continuing your usual activities. There is another problem that can develop - as you unconsciously change your gait because of the pain from walking, you will also be at risk of developing foot, knee, back or hip problems.

If you have pain that you suspect may be plantar fasciitis or any other symptoms of heel pain, please come see us at the Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. Based on your individual circumstances, we will apply the following treatments:

• Rest your foot and apply ice frequently.
• Anti-inflammatory medication with your doctor's approval to reduce inflammation and ease your pain.
• Wearing a night splint to keep the calf and the foot's arch stretched.
• Custom-fitted orthotics that redistribute the pressure on your foot to stop the tissue from tearing.
• Physical therapy to strengthen lower leg muscles and stretch the Achilles tendon, toes and plantar fascia.
• Steroid injection to reduce pain and inflammation.

In those rare cases that don't respond to these treatments, we will discuss surgical options with you.

Don't Suffer from Heel Pain - We Can Help!

Dr. James M. McKee, DPM, board certified podiatrist at the Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. has the right experience to relieve heel pain and heal plantar fasciitis or any other heel pain cause. Please call us at 410-224-4448 to make an appointment at our office in Annapolis, MD. You can also request an appointment at the website. Don't wait any longer - give us a call today!