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Heel Pain Slowing You Down? |
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 A common source of heel pain is inflammation caused gradually by
overuse - walking, running or standing for long periods of time. Heel
pain can also be more immediate, caused by stepping wrong on an uneven
surface or wearing the wrong shoe for a particular activity.
The heel bone, or calcaneus, has a tough band of tissue attached to it
called the plantar fascia. This tissue stabilizes the foot while
standing, walking or running. Plantar fasciitis is the result of
inflammation in the plantar fascia where it connects to the heel bone.
Pain associated with plantar fasciitis is typically gradual, starting
off as mild and getting worse with time. The pain is most often felt
after rather than during exercise or other activity. Plantar fasciitis
is more common in women, people who are overweight and those with jobs
requiring extensive walking or standing.
People with plantar fasciitis have a tendency to adjust their posture
and the way they walk, in order to avoid pain in their heel. This can
in turn lead to hip, knee, ankle and foot problems in addition to the
heel pain.
An orthopedic physician's treatment plan for plantar fasciitis is
usually a conservative one and includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory
medication like ibuprofen, and stretching exercises. Most patients with
planter fasciitis respond to this simple treatment. In many cases, the
pain caused by plantar fasciitis may even resolve spontaneously.
If the heel pain is persistent steroidal injections, a splint or
walking cast may be prescribed. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to
release the plantar fascia. Although the pain of plantar fasciitis can
be debilitating at times, no real damage is being caused to the foot.
Orthopedics is the area of medicine specializing in the diagnosis and
treatment of bone, joint, tissue and nerve disorders, including those
in the foot and ankle. Because of this, an orthopedic physician can
best diagnose and treat any foot and ankle disorders.
If you are living with heel pain, call the Foot & Ankle Center at Valley Orthopedic Associates at 425-656-5060.
For more information about plantar fasciitis, including recommended stretching exercises, click here.
10/02/2005
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