[Transcript]

Hi, I'm Dr. Zoe Ramos, your foot and ankle coach. Today, we will be discussing the most common cause of heel pain, plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in your heel and the bottom of your foot. It happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, gets inflamed. This band of tissue supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock. I'm going to use this glove as an example, but sometimes, too much pressure can damage and tear the tissue, causing pain and inflammation, mostly here at the insertion of the heel bone. This can happen if you put too much stress on your feet. Let's talk about what causes this stress: overuse, wearing unsupportive shoes, having high arches or flat feet, too much flexibility, and instability of your feet. All those things can cause severe stress on your plantar fascia. People often feel a sharp pain in the heel, especially with their first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time and then getting up again. The good news is that there are many effective treatments for plantar fasciitis. First, it's important to rest your feet and avoid activities that make the pain worse. Using ice can help reduce inflammation. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, to help manage the pain. Stretching and strengthening exercises are very important for treating plantar fasciitis. Stretching your calf muscles and the bottom of your feet can help relieve tension in the plantar fascia. Wearing supportive shoes or using orthotic inserts can provide additional support and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. An effective treatment is our class 4 laser therapy. Photons of light from lasers penetrate deeply into tissue and accelerate cellular reproduction and growth. The laser light increases the energy available to the cell so that the cell can take on nutrients faster and get rid of waste products. To prevent plantar fasciitis, wear supportive shoes, especially if you're on your feet a lot, and consider custom orthotics. We will teach you proper stretching and strengthening exercises as well. At Forward Foot and Ankle Center, we're dedicated to helping you stay active and pain-free. If you're experiencing heel pain, don't suffer. Let us help you. Call us today or visit our website to schedule your appointment. Forward Foot and Ankle Center, where your path to recovery begins.

Causes of Heel Pain

Pain in one or both heels can be caused by several different conditions. Once a diagnosis is made, you can proceed with the most effective treatment. Heel pain can be caused by the following:

  • Plantar fasciitis. When the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot becomes tight and inflamed, you might feel pain in your heel, particularly when you take your first few steps in the morning.
  • Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon runs down the back of your leg and inserts into the back of your heel. When the tendon is strained or torn, you will feel pain in your heel.
  • Bursitis. Bursa are fluid-filled sacs that cushion irritated areas. When the bursa in the back or bottom of the heel becomes inflamed, every step you take can cause pain.
  • Bone spurs. Heel spurs are calcifications that can occur when the tissue attaching to the heel bone becomes irritated. They can cause pain and discomfort.
  • Haglund's deformity. Often caused by the heel rubbing against a rigid shoe, this bump on the back of the heel can make it painful to wear any type of shoe.

Treatment for these heel complaints depends on the severity of the condition and how early we are able to intervene.

How to Diagnose Heel Pain

A proper diagnosis is essential to determine the specific cause of your heel pain. Our office utilizes advanced digital X-ray technology to examine your bones and joints in detail. We may also employ diagnostic ultrasound to assess the soft tissue for inflammation. In some cases, further testing, such as MRI or bone scans, may be necessary to provide a more comprehensive evaluation.

Heel Pain Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Heel Pain:

  • RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation): Applying ice packs to your heel is particularly beneficial in reducing inflammation.
  • Oral Anti-inflammatory Medication: Prescribed medications can help alleviate inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: Administered with ultrasound guidance, these injections target the inflamed area directly.
  • Stretching Splint: Wearing a stretching splint helps maintain proper foot position and stretch the soft tissues during sleep or rest periods.
  • Custom Orthotics: Tailored orthotics are designed to provide stability and support and reduce inflammation by correcting foot mechanics. Most importantly, they will prevent recurrence of your heel pain
  • Regenerative Medicine: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections utilize your blood to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is considered a last resort and is rarely necessary for heel pain. In the unlikely event that surgical intervention is required, we will discuss the available options with you. The most common procedure involves releasing the plantar fascia to alleviate heel tension. However, let's focus on exploring non-surgical treatments, which are typically effective in resolving heel pain.

When to See a Livermore Podiatrist for Heel Pain

Visit our Livermore podiatrist office for Heel Pain Treatment. I understand that dealing with persistent heel pain can be disheartening, but it doesn't have to be a long-lasting issue. Together, we can identify the cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan. Remember, seeking treatment early is essential. Reach out to us by calling 925-532-0002 or requesting an appointment online. I look forward to meeting you soon and helping you find relief from your heel pain.