Looking for a Heel pain doctor in New Port Richey?
Heel pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages and activity levels. One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition that occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed and irritated.
Plantar fasciitis typically causes pain on the bottom of the heel, which may be sharp or dull and can range from mild to severe. The pain is often worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and may improve with activity as the foot loosens up. In severe cases, the pain may be constant and affect daily activities. We want to be your heel pain doctor in New Port Richey!
Heel pain doctor near me in New Port Richey
What is plantar fasciitis?
The inflammation or swelling of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue which connects the base of the foot to the heel. The irritation of this ligament can cause swelling and cause pain throughout the heel and foot. The irritation is usually caused by structural issues within the foot itself.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Wearing un-supportive shoes, especially when standing or walking on hard, flat surfaces, can also strain the fascia and cause discomfort. A bony spur can contribute to the issue as well and is present in numerous cases. This gives the condition the other name of heel spur syndrome.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. These include:
- Overuse: Activities that put repetitive stress on the plantar fascia, such as running, jumping, or standing for long periods, can cause the tissue to become inflamed.
- Foot structure: People with flat feet, high arches, or other structural abnormalities that affect the foot’s alignment may be more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts increased stress on the plantar fascia and can increase the risk of inflammation and irritation.
- Age: Plantar fasciitis is more common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Certain medical conditions: People with conditions such as diabetes or arthritis may be more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.
How will the heel pain doctor treat my Heel Pain?
- Stretching ease pain in the calf
- Avoid being barefoot
- Icing for 20 minutes a few times a day to ease swelling
- Shoe modifications with good arch support
- Limiting certain activities
- Using medications including NSAIDs
- Pads in the shoes and straps to support the fascia
- Custom orthotic devices can help to correct structural issues
- Wearing a splint at night
- A walking cast can be used to keep the foot immobile for a while which helps it heal
- Corticosteroid injections can assist with reducing pain and swelling
When to see a doctor for heel pain?
Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically involves a combination of rest, stretching, and pain relief measures. Resting the foot and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Stretching exercises, such as calf stretches and plantar fascia stretches, can help improve flexibility and reduce tension on the plantar fascia.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, a podiatrist may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation and pain.
Orthotic devices
Orthotic devies such as shoe inserts or custom-made arch supports, can help correct structural abnormalities and provide additional support and cushioning to the foot. Night splints, which hold the foot in a stretched position while sleeping, can also help improve flexibility and reduce morning pain.
In severe cases of plantar fasciitis that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary to release tension on the plantar fascia.
Preventing plantar fasciitis involves taking steps to reduce the risk of developing the condition in the first place. This includes wearing supportive shoes that fit properly and provide adequate cushioning, avoiding high-impact activities that put repetitive stress on the foot, maintaining a healthy weight, and stretching and warming up properly before exercising.
There are other causes of heel pain besides plantar fasciitis, and it is important to identify the underlying cause in order to determine the most appropriate treatment. Other causes of heel pain include:
- Achilles tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, can cause pain and stiffness in the back of the heel.
- Heel spurs: Bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone can cause pain and discomfort when walking or standing.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints can cause pain and swelling in the heel.
- Stress fractures: Tiny cracks in the heel bone can cause pain and swelling, especially with weight-bearing activities.
Treatment for these conditions may involve rest, stretching, pain relief measures, and other therapies depending on the underlying cause.
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We Want to be your “heel pain doctor near me!”
Call us at 727-842-9504 to make an appointment. Dr. Zafar your heel pain doctor in New Port Richey, FL.