FAQs About Heel Pain
Dealing with heel pain? Isn’t it time you found out more about what’s causing your discomfort?
Heel pain is nothing to scoff at. While it might not seem like a big deal when you first notice it, over time it can become a downright nuisance. Heel pain can make it more difficult to move around and it can even limit your day-to-day activities. If you have no idea what might be going on, your podiatrist might be able to answer your burning questions.
What is causing my heel pain?
There are many reasons why you could be experiencing heel pain, which is why it’s so important to visit your foot doctor at the first sign of an issue. Only then can we really determine the root cause. Of course, one of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis.
What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of ligaments that connect your toes to your heel bone. When they become inflamed, this causes heel pain, stiffness and a host of other issues.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
If this condition is truly the cause of your heel pain, then you’ll more than likely notice a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot that may be worse in the morning when you take your first couple steps. You may also notice that the pain subsides a bit during physical activity, but immediately comes back full force right after. You may also experience stiffness or limited mobility as a result of the plantar fasciitis.
How can I treat my heel pain?
Most heel pain can easily be treated with more conservative measures including:
- Rest
- Avoiding high-impact activities
- Elevating the foot
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Splinting
- Icing
Most causes of heel pain like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis will go away with these simple at-home measures. However, for those with more persistent or severe cases, you may need to talk to your foot doctor about other options including extracorporeal shockwave therapy or corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and swelling, and to help speed up the healing process.
Contact your Podiatrist
Heel pain doesn’t have to take over your life. Turn to your foot doctor for the help and care your feet need to stay healthy.
