Heel pain is a common condition that can occur due to overexertion. However, persistent pain is a cause of concern. You may be suffering from a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This is the most common cause of heel pain. Fortunately, it can be treated.
Podiatrist Newnan offers several treatment options to relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Understanding plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and occurs due to an inflammation of the plantar fascia in your foot.
Plantar fascia is a band of strong attachment (such as a ligament), running from your heel to the ball of your foot and toes. This band connects the bones in your foot together forming an arch.
You are likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis if you:
- Are a runner
- Are overweight or obese
- Use shoes with inadequate arch support
This type of heel pain requires medical attention if you experience pain for more than a week.
Clinical features that indicate plantar fasciitis
The following symptoms may indicate the presence of plantar fasciitis:
- Heel pain
- Pain in the arch of your foot
- Stiffness
- Swelling around your heel
- Pain may diminish if you walk around, and may worsen while exercising
- Excruciating pain may lead to difficulty in walking and lead to other foot, knee, hip, and back issues
Assessment of plantar fasciitis
Your doctor can assess your foot and can easily diagnose plantar fasciitis. Your medical history will be recorded to know if you have any debilitating diseases like diabetes.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and physically examine your foot. This helps to check areas of skin discoloration and tenderness.
Furthermore, your doctor may order imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs to rule out other pathologies that could cause heel pain.
Treating plantar fasciitis
Treatment for plantar fasciitis depends on the severity of your symptoms, which include:
Conservative methods
- Rest
- Ice packs
- Prescription painkillers
- Supportive shoes
- Orthotics or shoe inserts
- Physical therapy
Minimally invasive procedures
- Steroid injections
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections
- Shock wave therapy
Surgical treatment
- Gastrocnemius recession: Lengthening of calf muscles to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia
- Plantar fascial release: Small incisions are made to relieve extra tension on the plantar fascia
Summary
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This can be effectively managed at home through conservative methods. If the pain still prevails your doctor may recommend minimally invasive procedures or surgical intervention depending on the pressure exerted on the plantar fascia.
However, take time to rest before you resume your favorite sport or physical activity to prevent re-injury.
Apart from that, if you are interested to know about Plantar Fascial Rupture then visit our Health category.
