Do You Have Heel Pain?

Find out whether your heel pain should be examined by a Baltimore foot doctor

Our feet do a lot for us, so it’s not too surprising when they feel sore after a long hike or after being on them all day at work; however, if you’re noticing an aching or throbbing pain at the bottom of your heel then you may be dealing with a common problem known as plantar fasciitis. From Honeygo Podiatry and Dr. Edward Orman, here’s how to treat heel pain on your own, as well as warning signs that it’s time to see a podiatrist. He has offices in both Perry Hall and Fallston MD.

Is it plantar fasciitis? Here’s how to tell…

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that results from inflammation in the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the soles of the feet from the toes to the heel bone. The classic symptom of plantar fasciitis is intense heel pain at the bottom of the heel (pain above the heel bone is often caused by Achilles tendonitis) that is typically worse in the morning or after long periods of rest. Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by wearing worn-out shoes that do not provide proper arch support, or by suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of a walk or run.

How do I manage plantar fasciitis on my own?

Most people can manage their heel pain quite effectively from the comfort of their own home. Remember, it can take weeks to fully recover from plantar fasciitis so it’s important to avoid running or any high-impact activities that will only impede the healing process and make the problem worse.

You can also ease symptoms by:

• Icing the heel and arch of the foot 15-20 minutes at a time, 2-3 times a day
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Massaging your feet daily
• Performing certain heel, calf, and foot stretches to alleviate stiffness and pain
• Staying off your feet as much as possible
• Elevating your feet when sitting to reduce swelling
• Wearing custom orthotics in your shoes for additional support when walking
• Always wear supportive shoes, even in the house (do not walk around barefoot)

When should I see a podiatrist?

Unfortunately, some people deal with persistent and stubborn bouts of plantar fasciitis, and when this happens it’s best to play it safe and see a foot doctor that can provide you with more intensive and effective care. You should see a foot doctor for your heel pain if:

• You have also been diagnosed with diabetes
• Your heel pain or swelling is severe
• The pain is so bad you can’t put weight on the foot
• Your heel pain is accompanied by numbness or tingling in the foot
• Your pain is getting worse or isn’t responding to home care and rest

With offices in Perry Hall and Fallston, Honeygo Podiatry provides comprehensive care and a knowledgeable, friendly foot doctor and medical team to help you address everything from heel pain to arthritis. To find out what’s causing your heel pain give Dr. Edward Orman a call at (410) 529-4141 for Perry Hall or (410) 877-3369 for Fallston.