Getting Relief from Heel Pain
When you first wake up in the morning, you prepare yourself before putting your feet on the floor—you know what’s coming: a burning, stabbing pain in your heel and the arch of your foot. As you walk around a bit, the discomfort subsides but often returns later in the day after being on your feet a while. At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle we recognize these as classic symptoms of a common podiatric problem called plantar fasciitis.
What’s Going On?
The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot and supports the arch. This ligament naturally contracts or tightens. When you start to walk, it stretches, and, in some cases, tiny tears occur, causing pain in the arch and heel. Morning pain is a prevalent symptom because when you sleep, the plantar fascia contracts for an extended period, making the initial stretching out quite excruciating.
The plantar fascia is typically the recipient of a fair amount of stress and force due to its position in the arch. Activities that exert extra pressure, such as running or standing on hard surfaces for extended periods, can cause inflammation. Being overweight and choosing shoes with little or no arch support can also increase the likelihood and severity of this problem. However, for many patients, faulty foot structure is at the root of the problem.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Since other foot disorders can have similar symptoms, our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, will want to start with a complete examination of your foot. He will also get your medical history and ask questions about your lifestyle. The doctor may order an x-ray or other imaging study in some cases. Fortunately, if the diagnosis is plantar fasciitis, there are several conservative treatment options available, including:
· Anti-inflammatory medication and icing to relieve pain and inflammation
· Stretching exercises, and physical therapy
· Cortisone injections
· Night splints (to keep the ligament stretched while you sleep)
If you’re suffering from heel pain, don’t delay. Contact our Hudson office at 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 to schedule an appointment today.