Dr. Betman and his team can show you how.
If you woke up with heel pain, you might need to ditch the morning run for the next few weeks. Heel pain is one of the most common problems people face, and our Chicago, IL, podiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Betman can easily help you determine the cause of your pain and how to best treat it. One of the most common causes of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis.
What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs the length of your feet, connecting the toes to your heel bone. This ligament also provides support for the arches of the feet. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed or overstretched, this results in heel pain that originates at the bottom of the heel.
Of course, plantar fasciitis isn’t the only cause of heel pain. Other causes include,
- Achilles tendonitis
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Heel spur
- Bursitis
- Certain types of arthritis
If you’ve ever had plantar fasciitis before, then you will most likely be able to tell whether this is causing your heel pain. Of course, those who’ve never had heel pain before should see a doctor to find out what’s going on.
Self-Care Treatment Options
Most people opt for rest and home care, especially when heel pain first appears. Usually, if symptoms are mild enough, this may be all you need to get your pain under control until everything heals. Home care for your heel pain should include,
- Avoiding running or any exercises and activities that could exacerbate your heel pain
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain
- Icing the heel up to 20 minutes at a time
- Wearing properly fitted and cushioned shoes that provide your arches with ample support
- Stretching your feet and calves several times a day
Seeing a Podiatrist
It’s also important to understand when you can care for your heel pain on your own and when you might need to turn to our Chicago, IL, foot doctor for more aggressive and specialized care. Mild heel pain may be easy enough to handle on your own, but you should see us right away if,
- Your heel pain is severe
- You experience severe swelling around the heel
- A fever accompanies heel pain
- You also notice numbness or tingling in the heel
- You have trouble putting weight on the foot, or you have limited mobility
Along with recommending certain home care measures, Dr. Betman can also provide you with additional treatment options, including,
- Splinting or bracing
- Custom orthotics
- Steroid injections
- Shockwave therapy
- Surgery (in very rare cases)
If heel pain is happening to you, it may be time to turn to Dr. Betman and his Chicago, IL, team for the treatment and care your feet deserve, so you can get back to what truly matters. Call us today to schedule your consultation. You can reach him in the Northwest Chicago, IL, office by calling (773) 745-1919, Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village at (773) 276-7272, or in the Southwest Chicago office by calling (773) 788-0100. Call now.