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It is not unusual for your feet to feel run-down at the end of a long day, but when pain becomes persistent, it is important to seek treatment from your podiatrist. Heel pain is one of the most common conditions seen by podiatrists. At the initial onset of heel pain, you may feel sudden discomfort, but many times it can be a progressive aching that gets worse with time. Heel pain is a more general term given to specific ailments that affect the foot, with the most common being plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. What is Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called the plantar fascia, which stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. It is also commonly referred to as heel or arch pain. Over-pronation may be a cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens your foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this repetition causes inflammation of your heel and arch. Flat feet, high arches, poor fitting footwear, weight gain and running can also contribute to plantar fasciitis, and this condition is especially common among athletes who run and jump frequently. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include a shooting pain in the heel, with pain being worse in the morning or after long periods of resting. Pain generally decreases during the course of the day as the foot becomes more limber, but returns once activities are completed. Conventional Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis To properly treat heel pain, you must absorb shock, provide cushioning and elevate your heel in order to transfer the pressure off of your heel. Treatment may include various non-surgical techniques such as: * Stretching exercises
* Avoid going barefoot
* Ice
* Limit activities
* Shoe modifications
* Medications
* Inserts/orthotics Footwear selection is a very important aspect to consider when treating heel pain. Shoes with a firm heel counter and good support are the ideal choice for protection of your feet. Heel pain needs treatment to prevent it from becoming worse, or from becoming a persistent pain. If untreated, heel pain can keep you from getting much-needed exercise and it can also lead to back, knee and hip problems, and other foot conditions, affecting the way you walk. Relief with Orthotics With hundreds of ligaments and bony structures in each foot working together to support, balance and bear the weight of the entire body, many people experience foot pain and problems at some point during his or her lifetime. Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts, custom-made orthotics are built from molds of your feet in order to perfectly meet your unique needs. To determine if orthotics are right for you, visit Dr. Basinger for a thorough evaluation. A podiatrist with extensive knowledge in lower extremity biomechanics will consider your foot type, analyze your gait and evaluate other factors to determine the exact cause of your pain. Based on a patient's specific problem or needs, the podiatrist can recommend whether orthotics would help reduce the pain and foot deformity, or if a different treatment would produce better results. Contact Dr. Basinger, your podiatrist in Charlotte, if you are experiencing pain in your heel or foot that is not relieved with home remedies. Your podiatrist will be able to diagnose your pain and administer proper treatment that is needed to bring relief to your feet.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Scott Basinger of Ankle and Foot Center of Charlotte, a leading podiatrist in Charlotte, NC and Ballantyne. Offering a full array of services, including heel pain, ingrown toenails, foot pain, bunions and orthotics in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Basinger is qualified to treat any disorder of the foot and ankle for patients of all ages.
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