The most common cause of heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis. It can make simple acts like putting pressure on the foot painful, which in turn makes standing and walking cause irritation. Though plantar fasciitis can disrupt aspects of daily life, things can be done to treat it.
Plantar fasciitis is characterized as a condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes (Johns Hopkins, 2022). This inflammation is particularly common for athletes and those working on their feet regularly, such as servers and teachers. Symptoms include heel pain, discomfort after exercise, pain that is worse in the morning or increases after long periods of standing or sitting, heel swelling, discomfort in the arch of the foot, and occasionally lightness in the achilles tendon (Cleveland Clinic, 2020).
The best thing you can do if you think you are showing signs of plantar fasciitis is to contact a doctor. Studies have shown that the sooner symptoms are identified and treatment begins, the quicker symptoms can be resolved. Two million people get treated each year for plantar fasciitis, making it the most common cause of heel pain (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). Once you contact your medical provider, they will eliminate other possible causes of the discomfort and identify a treatment plan. There are at-home recommendations that, if done regularly, can minimize symptoms in less than a year. These include specific stretches, icing the area, wearing supportive shoes, and more. For those with more severe symptoms that are not being minimized by at-home recommendations, options such as physical therapy and surgery might be recommended.
At Podiatry of Greater Cleveland our physicians have a wide array of knowledge regarding different foot conditions. If you feel you might be suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, give us a call today. Our team is dedicated to finding the best plan of action for our patients to make them feel like themselves again.