Heel pain makes it difficult to carry out your normal daily routine as walking or simply standing can cause discomfort. There can be many causes of heel pain, from being on your feet all day to a condition such as plantar fasciitis. The board-certified podiatrists at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland in Camp Springs/Clinton, Kensington, Olney, Laurel, Maple Lawn, and Silver Spring, MD, treat heel pain and plantar fasciitis and offer foot care for a wide range of conditions and injuries.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain can be caused by a variety of factors, such as being on the feet for extended periods throughout the day or walking with an irregular gait or step pattern. Sustaining an injury to the foot or wearing footwear without enough support can also result in heel pain.
One of the most common culprits of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Running along the bottom of the feet are tissues called plantar fascia that provide shock absorption. Excessive wear and tear, repeated stretching, and constant pressure on the feet can cause the plantar fascia tissues to become inflamed, which can result in pain and discomfort in the heels and arches of the feet.
Preventing Heel Pain
Several steps can be taken to prevent pain and discomfort from developing in the heels. Some ways to prevent heel pain include:
- Wearing shoes with adequate support
- Wearing shoes that fit properly
- Resting the feet when they feel tired
- Gently stretching the feet after being on them for extended periods
- Wearing custom orthotics to correct an irregular gait
Treatments for Heel Pain
It is important to seek treatment for heel pain so it does not become a chronic problem or lead to the development of additional foot problems. Different methods and options exist for treating heel pain. The type of treatment needed will depend on the cause of the heel pain.
The experienced podiatrists at our offices in Camp Springs/Clinton, Kensington, Olney, Laurel, Maple Lawn, and Silver Spring, MD, utilize a variety of techniques to treat heel pain and plantar fasciitis, and provide foot care for various conditions. Heel pain treatments include:
- Padding and strapping
- Compression wraps
- Stretching exercises
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Removable walking cast
- Custom orthotics
- Night splints
Our skilled podiatry team can help you take steps to prevent heel pain or recommend specific treatments to alleviate existing heel pain due to various causes. For the treatment of heel pain and plantar fasciitis or for general foot care in Camp Springs/Clinton, Kensington, Olney, Laurel, Maple Lawn, and Silver Spring, MD, call Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland today.
- Olney, MD: (301) 924-5044
- Silver Spring, MD: (301) 439-0300
- Camp Springs/Clinton, MD: (301) 868-7670
- Kensington, MD: (301) 942-8110
- or for our offices in Laurel and Maple Lawn, MD: (301) 317-6800