subject: Causes And Treatments For Heel Pain [print this page] Walking and running around all day can put a great deal of stress on your bones, joints and feet. Wearing ill-fitting shoes or having faulty biomechanics in your feet can cause a variety of problems with your feet. One of the most common afflictions that people regularly deal with is heel pain. There are a number of different causes for heel pain and a few different options for treatment. If you are experiencing heel pain, talk to your Olney podiatrist to find out the best treatment plan for you.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most common causes of heel pain is the condition known as plantar fasciitis. This condition develops when the plantar fascia (the flat band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes) becomes inflamed. There are a number of causes for this condition including:
*High arches or flat feet
*You are overweight or obese
*You wear shoes that do not fit properly or are worn out
*Your calves or Achilles tendons are tight
*Your feet roll inward when you walk
Plantar fasciitis can become very painful over time if it is not corrected. There is no single treatment that works for everyone with plantar fasciitis. By talking to your podiatrist, he or she will be able to prescribe the most effective course of treatment for you. Many times, simply getting off of your feet and resting can help you relieve your symptoms. In addition, it can be helpful to change the shoes you are wearing if they are contributing to your heel pain. Your podiatrist may also give you splints to wear at night or certain medicines to help with the healing process.
Achilles Tendinitis
Another common form of heel pain is when the Achilles tendon on the back of your heel becomes inflamed. Tendinitis in the Achilles is generally caused by repeated strain on the tendon over time. Because of this, Achilles tendinitis is common in athletes and runners. Starting a workout regimen that you are not used to or not properly warming up before exercising can also be contributing factors in developing Achilles tendinitis. To remedy your symptoms, your podiatrist will generally prescribe rest, ice and elevation of your foot to reduce your pain. If you are still experiencing mild pain, you can take over the counter medications like ibuprofen or Tylenol to reduce pain. It can also be beneficial to stretch your calf muscles to help lessen the strain on your Achilles tendon. If it becomes a nagging problem that cannot be fixed through stretching and rest, your podiatrist may prescribe more serious treatment options, such as an orthotic device or surgery.
To learn more about heel pain and its causes or to schedule an appointment, contact your Olney podiatrist today.
