Don't even try to pronounce it, but if you have heel pain, you may have plantar fasciitis. Sometimes walking places too much stress on your heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. Technically, it's inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue (fascia) that runs along the bottom (plantar surface) of your foot, from the heel to the ball of your foot.
You may feel sharp, knifelike pain in your heel, and the pain is often worse when first getting out of bed in the morning.
What Caused This Pain?
When the soft tissues are strained beyond normal over time, swelling occurs. Stress and strain may result from injury, a bruise from walking or running on hard surfaces, wearing poorly constructed shoes, or being overweight.
To remedy your heel pain, first try changing shoes (add arch support), reduce activity but don't stop entirely, and if there is no improvement in a month, see a doctor who specializes in feet (podiatrist).
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment may include taping the foot to reduce the stress along the bottom, stretching exercises, ice massage, special shoe inserts (orthotics), heel lifts, night splints, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. The foot specialist will also check to see if you have an undetected broken bone. |
