Many conditions cause heel pain. The doctors at Potomac Podiatry Group, LLC, have offices in Woodbridge, Sterling, and Chantilly, VA, and Crofton, MD, and are ready to discuss the possible causes of your heel pain and the treatment options available to you.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is a very common foot and ankle complaint that can usually be relieved with rest, stretching, and orthotics. The heel pain is generally felt behind or underneath the heel. There are many causes of heel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
One condition is called plantar fasciitis, and it affects the plantar fascia, a ligament that connects your heel to the front of the foot. These ligaments frequently face wear and tear due to the increased pressure as it acts as a shock absorber and supports the arches of your feet.
The heel pain that comes with plantar fasciitis can develop over time and is worst in the morning, when you take steps after sitting or lying down for a while, and with climbing stairs.
Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
There are many treatments for heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. The podiatrists at Potomac Podiatry in Woodbridge and Chantilly, VA, have experience treating this ailment and can discuss your options, including braces, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections.
Other Causes of Heel Pain
Several other problems cause heel pain, and they include:
- Bursitis: occurs when fluid sacs that cushion your joints swell, causing pain and swelling. This swelling is a result of spending a lot of time on your feet.
- Bone bruise: also known as a contusion, occurs when you step on a hard or sharp object, causing heel pain and tenderness when you walk.
- Heel spurs: a bony growth on the heel bone that causes heel pain.
Treatment Options for Heel Pain
For the most part, many heel pain ailments are cured with non-surgical treatment. However, your podiatrist can discuss the various treatment options available, and they include:
- Injections: Steroid injections are often used to ease pain and swelling for plantar fasciitis and bursitis.
- Pain relievers: Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to ease pain and swelling.
- Orthotic devices: Made over-the-counter or custom-made, can help relieve pressure on the heel. In addition to inserts, other orthotic devices can help with heel pain, including walking boots, wearing supportive shoes, and night splints.
- Physical therapy: Therapy, including massage and ultrasound therapy, can break up any soft-tissue adhesions to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Stretching exercises and taping: Your podiatrist can give you specific stretching exercises and teach you how to support the arch of your feet and heel with medical tape.
Heel pain is very treatable. However, if you ignore your heel pain, it can lead to chronic and more severe problems requiring more intense intervention. Please call the podiatrists at Potomac Podiatry Group, LLC, at their office in Woodbridge or Chantilly, VA, along with the office in Sterling, VA, and the office in Crofton, MD, to consult about your heel pain concerns. You can reach the Woodbridge, VA, office by calling (703) 583-5959, and the Chantilly, VA, appointment number is (703) 490-5599. For the Sterling, VA, office, call (703) 444-9555. For the Crofton, MD, office, call (410) 721-4505.