Heel Pain

Did you wake up this morning, get out of bed, and then suddenly feel a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel of your foot?  Do your heels hurt during the day, even if you're just sitting at your desk?  Do your heels ache at the end of the day?  Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems we treat at Family Foot Health Specialists.

Heel Pain is usually created by an inflammation of the Plantar Fascia, which is the thick fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the toes.  The pain can begin intermittently, but over days, weeks, or even months it can become more regular, more painful, and even spread to the other foot if that one doesn't already hurt as well.

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis and Achilled tendinitis is due to the faulty mechanics of the foot.  People with with high arched feet or flat feet are more prone to developing this condition.  Also, shoes that are not supportive, such as flip flops, can contribute to plantar fasciitis.

Signs and Symptoms

Pain upon getting out of bed, pain after long periods of weight bearing (being on your feet in some fashion), pain with exercising.

Treatment

Fortunately, plantar fasciitis generally responds well to conservative, non-surgical treatment such as stretching exercises, orthotic devices, medications, injection therapy, night splints and physical therapy.  For the small percentage of people who do not respond to conservative treatment, surgery would be a solution.

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