Heel pain can have a few causes, but the most common reason for heel pain is plantar fasciitis. You might also have a heel spur, tendonitis, arthritis, or a stress fracture in your feet causing pain in your heel. At Affiliates in Podiatry in Meredith and Concord, NH, Dr. Jeffrey Davis, Dr. Thomas Detwiller, and Dr. William McCann will identify the cause of your heel pain, and provide the care you need to heal. It is important to diagnose your heel pain in order to properly treat your condition.
The Basics of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is the most frequent cause of heel pain, and this occurs when the plantar fascia at the bottom of your feet becomes inflamed. This tissue goes along the entire bottom of your feet and becomes inflamed after an injury or too much strain on your feet. If you have problems with the structure of your feet, you are more likely to have plantar fasciitis at some point. Treatment involves conservative therapies such as stretching, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication, in the beginning, to see if this is enough. If the heel pain persists, another treatment for heel pain is available.
When Heel Pain Continues
If conservative treatment does not help your heel pain, treatment can include physical therapy, custom orthotics, and wearing splints at night to keep your feet in a stretched position. Corticosteroid injections may be beneficial to ease inflammation in the feet and reduce heel pain. If you continue to have heel pain despite consistent treatment, surgery may be an option. It is important to continue supporting the health of your feet, following through with stretches, and not going barefoot to reduce the strain on your plantar fascia.
Call for a Podiatry Consultation Now
If heel pain is making it difficult for you to participate in daily activities, it's time to call for a podiatry consultation to figure out what is going on. Contact Affiliates in Podiatry in Meredith and Concord, NH in Concord at (603) 225-5281, or Meredith at (603) 279-0330, and set up your first appointment with Dr. Davis, Dr. Detwiller, or Dr. McCann.