You wonder what to do about your worsening heel pain. At Five Cities Foot and Ankle in Pismo Beach and Santa Maria, CA, our podiatrists understand heel pain and will help you find real relief. Dr. Steven Clark, Dr. Byron Collier, and Dr. Brian O'Carroll get to the root cause of this common discomfort so you get your life back.
The most common cause
Regarding heel pain, it's usually plantar fasciitis, a chronic overstretching, and inflammation of the thick connective tissue between the heel and toes. Often associated with a bony heel spur, plantar fasciitis worsens with prolonged standing and with certain athletic activities, such as running or volleyball.
The Permanente Journal states that other factors contributing to heel pain in Pismo Beach, Santa Maria, and across the country are:
- Excess body weight
- Flat feet
- Overpronation or rolling the foot toward the midline of the body as you walk
- Going barefoot frequently
- Wearing shoes with insufficient arch support (worn-out sneakers if you are a runner)
- Short or tight Achilles tendons
Treating heel pain
It begins with an examination at Five Cities Foot and Ankle. Your podiatrist will inspect your feet, look at your shoes, perform X-rays and watch you walk. He'll evaluate the strength of your muscles and also your nerve function with simple, non-invasive tests. From there, you'll receive a personalized treatment plan to address your heel pain.
Your care plan for plantar fasciitis may include:
- Losing weight
- Wearing custom-crafted orthotics, or inserts, in your shoes to provide balance, support, and gait correction
- Pain control with ibuprofen or injection therapy
- Stretching exercises for both the foot and calf
- Rest from strenuous activity and ice to the sore areas
- Modification of work and sports
- Massage therapy
Healthline reports that using the stretching techniques recommended by your podiatrist can prevent or lessen the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Additionally, be sure to wear well-fitting shoes with proper support across the arches. If you are a runner, change sneakers every 500 miles or sooner.
Erase that heel pain
With the help of Dr. Clark, Dr. Collier, or Dr. O'Carroll at Five Cities Foot and Ankle, you can. Why not call our Pismo Beach or Santa Maria, CA, office for a friendly consultation? Our number is (805) 481-9100.