You Can Find Relief from Heel Pain Caused by Plantar Fasciitis
Do you have pain in your heels that makes it difficult to walk? Is the pain worst when you first get out of bed in the morning? If yes, then you may have plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This thick band of tissue connects to your heel bone and continues along the bottom of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis most commonly affects individuals who stand on hard surfaces like concrete for long stretches, those with flat feet and overweight individuals. Middle-aged athletes who engage in strenuous exercise like tennis or running are also prone to this painful condition. The pain often increases after standing for a long time.
Plantar Fasciitis Requires Professional Care
Home treatments like resting, applying ice and elevating the foot can work to temporarily relieve heel pain, but often the discomfort and swelling of plantar fasciitis can return.
Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM recommends coming in to our office for a complete examination if your heel pain persists. At our Chicago Heel Pain Center we will do a thorough assessment of both feet, take x-rays right in the office and draw blood if necessary to check for arthritis or other disorders. Plantar fasciitis is not the only cause of heel pain so we will ask the right questions to get the right diagnosis.
If plantar fasciitis is causing your heel pain, we will discuss a treatment plan with you including:
- Custom-fitted orthotics to support your arches and reduce pain by rebalancing your stride
- Steroid injections to relieve inflammation
- Wearing a foot splint at night to keep the calf and foot arch stretched
- Physical therapy
Our goal will be to avoid surgery; however, in severe cases where heel pain continues to restrict your daily activities, surgery may be necessary.
When heel pain is left untreated it can worsen and you may begin limping to compensate. This adds excess pressure to the other foot which may become painful too. Walking with pain can also affect your knees, hips and lower back.
Contact Us if You Suffer from Heel Pain
Dr. Alexopoulos, board certified podiatrist can begin to relieve your heel pain from plantar fasciitis today. Call us at 773-561-8100 or contact us through our website. With many treatment methods available, there is no reason to endure persistent heel pain.
