Heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis or heel spurs often occurs due to wearing high heels, gaining weight, or an increased amount of walking or stair climbing. Wearing high heels regularly and for long periods of time can cause the fascia along the bottom of your foot to shorten, causing pain when you try to stretch it or walk barefoot on it. When you gain weight and wear shoes that lack proper support, the pad of fatty tissue that usually protects the feet may wear down and cause tension and heel pain. Runners or someone who has recently increased their walking habits may experience heel pain especially if worn out shoes are being used or walking on a rocky terrain.
Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. If your heel is hurting, see one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctorswill treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.
Causes of Heel Pain
● Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
● Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
● Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.
With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices in Waynesburg and Fredericktown, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.