Heel pain is a common complaint and could be a sign of plantar fasciitis, a condition that affects around two million people annually. At Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates, Inc. (MOA), we can help alleviate the pain and get you back to your daily activities.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a frequent cause of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia—a ligament connecting your heel bone to your toes—becomes inflamed or irritated. This ligament supports your foot’s arch and lies just beneath the skin on the bottom of your foot.
Symptoms
The pain is often described as a stabbing sensation near the heel, usually worsening after exercise rather than during. Ignoring it can lead to chronic pain, which can affect daily life. Seek professional help to prevent this and avoid further complications.
Causes
The plantar fascia supports your foot’s arch, and tension or stress can create small tears in the fascia. Repeated stretching and tearing can cause irritation. The pain tends to be worse in the morning or after long periods of inactivity, easing as you move around.
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis:
- Age: Most common between ages 40 and 60.
- Exercise: Activities placing stress on the heel, like long-distance running, jumping, or dancing.
- Foot Structure: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can affect weight distribution and stress your feet.
- Occupation: Jobs requiring prolonged standing on hard surfaces, especially without supportive footwear.
- Tight Calf Muscles: These can make it harder to flex your foot, increasing stress on the plantar fascia.
Treatment Options
At MOA, we prioritize conservative treatments, including:
- Stretches
- Anti-inflammatories
- Steroid injections
Dr. Nick Zervos, our foot and ankle care specialist, might also recommend physical therapy to stabilize your ankle and heel.
Other treatment options include:
- Orthotics: Special shoe inserts to relieve pressure.
- Night Splints: These stretch your foot’s arch and calf while you sleep, maintaining an elongated position to alleviate pain.
Surgery is rarely necessary but can be effective if needed.
Home Remedies
To manage plantar fasciitis pain, try these tips from the Mayo Clinic:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your heels.
- Wear appropriate shoes with good arch support and shock absorbency.
- Choose low-impact activities to avoid further irritation.
- Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
- Stretch your arches regularly to ease discomfort.
Get Back on Your Feet
At MOA, we treat various foot and ankle issues, including tendinitis, fractures, sprains, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis. For more information, check out our Guide to Foot & Ankle Pain. Let us help you alleviate your foot and ankle pain today.