subject: Understand Heel Pain Conditions And Treatment [print this page] As you step out of bed in the morning, have you ever felt a sharp pain that worsens as you take a few more steps? You may notice pain in the morning, or at the beginning of activity that lessens or resolves as you warm up. This pain is commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, which is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. In addition, many people also suffer from heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, or other ailments. In general, plantar fasciitis is a self-limited condition. However, symptoms usually resolve more quickly when the interval between the onset of symptoms and the onset of treatment is shorter.
Many treatment options do exist for the relief of your heel pain, including rest, stretching, strengthening, change of shoes, arch supports, orthotics, night splints, anti-inflammatory agents, and even surgery for extreme, chronic cases. Your podiatrist in Charlotte, NC can help relieve your heel pain, allowing you to perform your daily tasks without interruption from disabling pain.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common causes of pain on the bottom of the heel with approximately two million patients being treated for this painful condition every year. It occurs when the strong band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot becomes irritated and inflamed. The plantar fascia is a long, thin ligament that lies directly beneath the skin on the bottom of your foot and connects the heel to the front of your foot, and supports the arch.
Designed to absorb the high stresses and strains we place on our feet, the plantar fascia sometimes tears or becomes damaged due to too much pressure. The body's natural response to injury is inflammation, which results in the heel pain and stiffness of plantar fasciitis. In most cases, plantar fasciitis develops without a specific, identifiable reason. There are, however, many factors that can make you more prone to the condition:
*Tighter calf muscles that make it difficult to flex your food and bring your toes up toward your shin.
*Obesity
*Very high arch
*Repetitive impact activity
*New or increased activity
What is Heel Spur Syndrome?
A heel spur is a pointed bony fragment that stems from the heel bone. It extends into the sensitive tissue and nerves, which results in pain in the foot with every movement made. Pain is typically more pronounced in the morning and subsides throughout the day, but can also return again later with activity. Heel spur syndrome is a common condition in which the bone growths develop when the plantar fascia is excessively and repetitively pulled away from the heel bone. In many cases, a heel spur can develop along with plantar fasciitis, but can also occur by itself.
Treatment with Orthotics
In order to treat your heel pain, proper shoes and orthotics are commonly used as a conservative treatment method. Orthotics refers to any device inserted into a show, ranging from felt pads to custom-made shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular, walking pattern. Also referred to as arch supports, orthotics allows people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably.
As you step and your heel strikes the grown, a significant amount of tension is placed on the fascia, which causes tiny tears in the tissue. Orthotics help to reduce the tension on the plantar fascia, coming in many shapes, sizes and materials to better meet each individual's needs.
It is important to contact Dr. Basinger, your podiatrist in Charlotte, before taking any medications or self-prescribing treatment for your heel pain. With proper consultation, your podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat your heel pain. Take the next step to healthier feet by visiting Dr. Basinger, your Charlotte podiatrist.
