Heel Pain: What Causes it and How to Treat it
When you wake up in the morning, you prepare yourself before putting your feet on the floor, you know what’s coming: a stabbing, burning pain in your heel and the arch of your foot. As you start walking around the discomfort subsides but can often return during the day after being on your feet a while.
At Tri County Foot and Ankle Center we recognize these as symptoms of a common podiatric problem called plantar fasciitis.
What Are The Symptoms For Heel Pain?
The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot and supports the arch. This ligament naturally contracts or tightens. When you start to walk, it stretches, and, in some cases, tiny tears occur, causing pain in the arch and heel. Morning pain is a prevalent symptom because when you sleep, the plantar fascia contracts for an extended period, making the initial stretching out quite excruciating.
The plantar fascia is typically the recipient of a fair amount of stress and force due to its position in the arch. Activities that exert extra pressure, such as running or standing on hard surfaces for extended periods, can cause inflammation. Being overweight and choosing shoes with little or no arch support can also increase the likelihood and severity of this problem. However, for many patients, faulty foot structure is at the root of the problem.
What Are The Treatments For Heel Pain?
Since other foot disorders can have similar symptoms, our Foot Doctor will want to start with a complete examination of your foot. He will also get your medical history and ask questions about your lifestyle. The doctor may order an x-ray or other imaging study in some cases.
If the diagnosis is plantar fasciitis, there are several conservative treatment options available, including:
·Anti-inflammatory medication and icing to relieve pain and inflammation
· Stretching exercises, and physical therapy
· Cortisone injections
· Night splints (to keep the ligament stretched while you sleep)
If You’re Suffering From Heel Pain Or Plantar Fasciitis
Need relief from heel pain? Please contact our trusted podiatrists for the accurate diagnosis and personalized state-of-the-art treatment plan. Tri County Foot & Ankle Center, conveniently located in Bayonne, East Brunswick, Jersey City, Kearny, and Randolph, NJ is here to help you.
Let us help you with all of your foot and ankle conditions. Schedule an appointment by calling our office or request an appointment on-line.