Heel Pain Plantar

Heel pain, especially stabbing heel pain, is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or, rarely, a cyst.

Because there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed. A foot and ankle surgeon is able to distinguish between all the possibilities and to determine the underlying source of your heel pain.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to faulty structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches, either overly flat feet or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

• Pain on the bottom of the heel
• Pain in the arch of the foot
• Pain that is usually worse upon arising
• Pain that increases over a period of months
• Swelling on the bottom of the heel

To arrive at a diagnosis, the podiatrist will obtain your medical history and examine your foot. Throughout this process, the surgeon rules out all possible causes for your heel pain other than plantar fasciitis.

Because there are several potential causes, it is important to first have heel pain properly diagnosed for an effective, specialized treatment plan. Frequently, physical therapy, ice, rest, and pain medications are used to treat heel pain. You may be recommended a splint or custom orthotics as well. If these conservative treatment options don’t resolve your condition, our specialist may consider surgical options to help treat your heel pain.

Don’t let heel pain stop you from enjoying life. a podiatrist is here to help you become pain-free!

For more information visit our website flagstafffootandankle.com or call us at 928-774-4825 and book your appointment today