HEEL PAIN SPECIALIST

BLANKEN FOOT AND ANKLE LLC

Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons, serving Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Wheaton, Bethesda, Laurel, Rockville, Olney, MD & Wash DC

 

Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spurs

Heel Pain surgical Solutions

Expert Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis Treatment from our Silver Spring, MD Podiatrist

Heel pain is a stressful condition that affects day to day activities. Stress on the heel is often created from running and walking because the heel hits the ground first and takes on the body’s entire weight. 

Three Causes Of Heel Pain

  1. One of the main causes of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot, from the toe to the bottom of the heel. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause the inflammation of these tissues, resulting in heel pain. People who do not wear proper fitting shoes are often at risk of developing this condition. Unnecessary stress from ill-fitting shoes, weight change, excessive running, and wearing non-supportive shoes on hard surfaces are all causes of plantar fasciitis.

  2. Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Similar to plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the Achilles tendon can cause heel pain due to muscle tearing. A lack of flexibility of the ankle and heel is an indicator of Achilles tendonitis. If left untreated, this condition can lead to plantar fasciitis and create even more pain in your heel.

  3. A third cause of heel pain is a heel spur. A heel spur occurs when the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, leading to a separation of the ligament from the heel bone entirely. This separation results in a pointed fragment of bone on the ball of the foot, or a heel spur.

Treatments For Heel Pain

Treatments for heel pain are easy and effective as long as problems are addressed quickly.

  • The most common solution for heel pain is simply taking stress off the feet, particularly off of the heel. This will help ease pain and allow the tendons and ligaments to relax.

  • In the case of both plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, icing will reduce swelling in any part of the foot.

  • Anti-inflammatory medication is highly recommended.

  • Wearing proper-fitting shoes and heel pads or comfort insoles will also reduce the risk of developing heel pain.

  • Stretching before and after exercises will help the foot muscles prepare for stress and decrease the chances of inflammatory pain.

  • In extreme cases, relieving heel pain might require surgery.

Advanced Care for Plantar Fasciitis & Other Heel-Related Problems

Always make sure to discuss these symptoms and treatment options with our expert podiatrists and foot surgeons to keep yourself active and pain free. Schedule a consultation for a comprehensive evaluation.

Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis FAQs

  • Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed from overuse, poor foot mechanics, prolonged standing, or improper footwear.

  • Morning heel pain is a classic symptom of plantar fasciitis because the plantar fascia tightens overnight and stretches suddenly when you first stand.

  • Treatment may include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, supportive footwear, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory treatments, night splints, regenerative medicine, laser therapy, or other non-surgical options.

  • Some mild cases improve with rest, but untreated plantar fasciitis can become chronic and more difficult to treat. Early intervention often leads to faster recovery.

  • In some cases, surgery may be recommended if conservative treatments fail to relieve persistent heel pain after several months