Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

The primary cause of heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis, a condition also known as heel spur syndrome (if a spur is present). Heel pain may also be due to a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or even a cyst.

A foot and ankle surgeon understands the difference between various causes and can determine the underlying source of your heel pain.

Plantar Fasciitis

The Plantar Fascia is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of this tissue. The fascia inflammation results in heel pain.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

The most common causes of plantar fasciitis include –

• faulty structure of the foot, for example, flat feet or excessively high-arched feet
• wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces
• obesity

Symptoms

The following symptoms may indicate plantar fasciitis –

• Pain on the bottom of the heel
• Heel pain that worsens over a few months
• Pain becomes worse after rest, for example, when they get up in the morning or after sitting for long periods of time. Walking may help because walking stretches the fascia.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Conservative treatment of plantar fasciitis may include –

• Stretching exercises to stretch out the calf muscles
• Avoiding being barefoot to reduce stress on the plantar fascia
• Icing the heel to reduce inflammation (keep a towel between the ice and your heel)
• Limit extended physical activities to allow your heel to rest
• Shoe modifications for good arch support
• Medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain and inflammation.

If your pain persists even after a few weeks, your foot and ankle surgeon may recommend one or more of these treatment approaches:

• Placing pads in the shoe may cushion the feet from the impact of walking.
• Custom Orthotic devices to correct the underlying structural issues.
• Steroid injections to reduce the inflammation and relieve pain.
• Night splints help you maintain the stretch of the plantar fascia while you sleep. This may reduce the morning pain.
• Physical therapy can provide relief.

When is Surgery Needed?

While most patients with plantar fasciitis improve with a non-invasive treatment, a small percentage of patients may require surgery. If, after several months of non-surgical treatment, you continue to have heel pain, surgery will be considered. Your foot and ankle surgeon will discuss the options with you and determine the best approach for you.

Long-term Care

Regardless of the treatment you undergo for plantar fasciitis, the underlying causes may still remain. So, continue with preventive measures, such as wearing supportive shoes, stretching, and custom orthotic devices. Discuss more with your podiatrist.

If you are looking for the best podiatrist in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, call Oasis Foot and Ankle Clinic at 602-993-2700 Now. Oasis Foot and Ankle Centers offer cutting edge surgical and nonsurgical treatments for foot and ankle conditions and injuries.

About This Author

oasisfootankle Joined: June 25th, 2018