Heel pain is an extremely common and potentially disruptive affliction that has many possible causes. These include stress fractures, arthritis, nerve irritation, cysts, tendinitis, and, most often, plantar fasciitis.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissue that connects the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. This inflammation causes pain on the bottom of the heel that can continue to grow in intensity over time.
Risk factors include:
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Nonsupportive shoes
- Obesity
Treating Plantar Fasciitis
There are many conservative treatment options for plantar fasciitis, including a stretching regimen, icing, footwear modifications, anti inflammatory medications and weight reduction to lessen impact on the feet.
More severe cases may be treated with additional padding and orthotic devices, the use of a walking cast, night splints and physical therapy. Surgery to detach the plantar fascia is an option, but only if all other treatments have been ineffective.
If you are experiencing heel pain, schedule an appointment with your trusted podiatrist today. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can walk without pain.