Dealing with heel pain? Here’s what might be going on…
You get out of bed to discover that your heel really hurts. As you start to move around it begins to ease up a little, but the pain definitely isn’t going away. What could be going on? If this is happening to you, you could be dealing with plantar fasciitis. Learn more about this common cause of heel pain, as well as when you should turn to our Chandler, AZ, podiatrist Dr. Alan Discont and the team at Family Foot & Ankle Care for treatment.
It Might be Plantar Fasciitis
If your heel pain is worse in the morning or after long periods of sitting and if the heel pain originates under the heel and radiates to the arches then you could have a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This inflammatory condition that affects the plantar fascia results from overuse or overstretching of this thick band of tissue that runs the length of the feet from the toes to the heels.
Runners, people who are on their feet all day for work and those who are overweight are prone to developing plantar fasciitis. While rest, avoiding certain activities, icing the heel and stretching the feet daily can provide relief it can still take weeks for the inflammation to go away.
It Might Be Achilles Tendonitis
Like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis is another overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles with the heel bone. This results in heel pain that develops at the back of the heel. Stiffness is another common symptom. Both pain and stiffness may ease up with minimal movement. Running and certain sports such as basketball can increase your risk for Achilles tendonitis.
Rest and at-home care may be all you need to treat Achilles tendonitis. Rest your feet, ice your heel, wear compression socks to reduce swelling and elevate your feet when you are resting. Use heel lifts or custom orthotics in shoes to provide additional support.
When to Turn to Us
No matter what is causing your heel pain you should see our Chandler, AZ, foot doctor Dr. Discont for an evaluation if,
- Heel pain is severe
- You’ve never dealt with heel pain before
- Your heel pain gets worse
- Symptoms don’t respond to or improve with home care
- Your pain limits your daily activities
Are you dealing with heel pain that’s impacting your life and daily routine? If so, our Chandler, AZ, foot doctor Dr. Discont can provide you with the custom treatment plan you need to treat your heel pain effectively. To schedule an evaluation, call Family Foot & Ankle Care today at (480) 732-0033.
