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Heel pain is a common condition in which bearing weight on your heel can cause extreme discomfort. Frequently, heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis, which refers to heel and arch pain that is traced to inflammation on the bottom of your foot. Additionally, heel pain can be associated with pain caused by heel spur syndrome, which is often treated with conservative measures. Whether your heel pain is a result of plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome, a podiatrist can help eliminate your discomfort. We spend the majority of our days on our feet and pain may often interfere with our daily activities. Upon the initial onset of pain in your heel, treatment should be sought in addition to preventative measures, in order to avoid further complications. Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the fascia) that extends from your heel to your toes. The fascia first becomes irritated followed by inflammation which causes your heel pain. One of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis is a faulty foot structure. People who have problems with their arches, such as those who have flat feet or high arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. If you have plantar fasciitis, you may describe the pain as worse when you get up in the morning or after sitting for extended periods of time. After a few minutes of walking your pain may decrease because the walking stretches your fascia, reducing pressure. For other people the pain will subside, but may return after spending long periods of time on their feet. Some of the symptoms of plantar fasciitis are: • Bottom of the heel pain
• Pain that usually worsens upon rising
• Pain that increases over a period of months If you wear non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces abnormal strain may be put on your plantar fascia which can also lead to your heel pain. This is mostly seen when someone's job requires them to stand for long periods of time, as well as in obesity. Heel Spur Syndrome An intense and sharp pain at the bottom of the heel may also be caused by a heel spur, which is the growth of extra bone on the heel bone. It is believed that a heel spur will form when the connective tissue that extends from the heel bone to the base of the toes pulls excessively on your heel. As the extra bone forms, it causes a continuous pain that becomes less painful when the foot begins to adjust to it. Those who have flat feet are at a higher risk of developing a heel spur. During the development of your heel spur, it may be particularly painful to walk and from time to time a fluid pocket called a bursa may develop underneath the spur which will cause inflammation. Treatment and Prevention 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 After several weeks if you continue to exhibit pain in your heel, you should visit your podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment options. Your Scottsdale podiatrist will know the best procedures and forms of treatment that would be best to treat your heel pain.
Dr. Mark Forman is an experienced board certified podiatrist in Scottsdale, AZ, offering a wide array of foot and ankle care in North and South Scottsdale, AZ. This highly qualified Scottsdale podiatrist provides treatment for heel pain, orthotics and diabetic foot care among many other foot and ankle ailments. http://www.azfootpain.com/ . The blog can be accessed at http://www.blogster.com/scottsdalefootpain/.
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