Heel Pain Treatment in Plano, Dallas, Prosper & Allen, TX
Plantar fasciitis syndrome is said to be the primary cause of heel pain. The other causes of heel pain are nerve irritation, cysts, tendonitis, stress fracture or arthritis. Since there many factors that may induce heel pain, you need to be vigilant. Once you notice some tingling sensation in your heel, immediately see a foot doctor.
What causes heel pain?
According to studies, the leading cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when tissues called plantar fascia that stretch from the heel to the toes are damaged. This damaged tissue can result in severe inflammation of the heel. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can result in severe complications, including flattening of the heel and arch, plantar fascia rupture and longitudinal arch strain.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
People with underlying foot conditions are more prone to plantar fasciitis. High-arched feet, flat feet, and strained or injured foot ligaments can result in plantar fasciitis. Active men and women in their 40s are also at high risk of developing plantar fasciitis. And studies show that women have a higher chance of developing plantar fasciitis than men.
What are symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
- Recuring pain in the arch of the foot
- Heel pain along the heel bottom
- Heel pain that lasts for months
- Heel swelling
- Heel pain that occurs upon waking
Plantar fasciitis gets worse when you are idle. This is why your heel pain becomes severe after long hours of sleep. Even sitting for an extended period can worsen plantar fasciitis. As you engage in your daily activities, your pain is typically reduced while the fascia is stretched. To relieve the severe pain caused by plantar fasciitis, you need to see a podiatrist. You may undergo X-ray and other high-frequency imaging procedures to confirm if you really have plantar fasciitis. If you don’t have plantar fasciitis and you still feel severe heel pain, your podiatrist will check for other causes. Your heel pain may be due to stressed nerves and tendons, arthritis or fracture.
What is good for heel pain?
You can treat plantar fasciitis at home while it is still in its early stage. Here are some home remedies you can use to treat your plantar fasciitis:
- Place ice packs on the affected heel for about 10-15 minutes, twice a day
- Avoid overly stressing your heel
- Wear well-fitting shoes
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers
- Wear a night splint
- Use orthotics and heel lifts to reduce heel pain
If these home remedies do not work, then you are probably experiencing a severe case of plantar fasciitis. Don’t endure heel pain. Seek immediate treatment. Consult a foot doctor for appropriate treatment. Most podiatrists recommend physical therapy to tighten the tendons and muscles of your foot. Your foot doctor may also advise you to take anti-inflammatory medicines. The treatment of last resort is surgery. Plantar fasciitis surgery is an invasive medical procedure. On average, the recovery period for plantar fasciitis surgery is six to 10 weeks. During this time, you can walk without assistance. Complete recovery will take up to about three months.
How long does it take for heel pain to go away?
The duration of heel pain will depend on its cause. If the cause is obesity, you will have to lose weight. If the cause is a particular physical activity, resting will eliminate your heel pain. You can also try conservative treatments, but relief may not be fast enough. It may take weeks for your pain to subside completely.
How can I treat plantar fasciitis at home?
If you have plantar fasciitis, you don’t have to panic. You can try these home remedies to alleviate your pain:
Apply lavender: Lavender is usually used to relieve anxiety, insomnia, and stress. But lately, doctors found out that this essential oil is also effective in treating plantar fasciitis. This is due to the anti-inflammatory property of lavender. Dilute a drop of lavender in a carrier oil and apply on the affected heel.
Use orthotics (pads and inserts): Doctors also advise orthotics to treat plantar fasciitis. Orthotics are inserts or shoe pads that are available in most drugstores. These foot supports will balance the distribution of your weight in the heels.
Simple massage: This is also effective in managing pain caused by plantar fasciitis. You can use your hands to massage your feet. You can also do golf ball massage to alleviate the muscle tension in your heels by placing a golf ball under your foot and rolling it around.
Wear comfortable shoes: In any foot condition, wearing of well-fitted shoes is a remedy. Wear shoes with an incredible heel support system. Also, you must only wear low- heeled shoes with intuitive arch support design.
Use a night splint: This helps by stretching your calves and arches while you sleep. Foot doctors advise this remedy for patients who have had plantar fasciitis for less than six months.
Ice remedy: Ice is effective in reducing pain and inflammation. If you are suffering from heel pain, just cover the affected area with ice packs. The ice will reduce the blood flow in the area and reduce your pain significantly.
Stretching: Stretching your calf and foot also helps in managing heel pain. Simply extend one leg to reach your other leg leaning towards the ground.
Wear new supportive shoes: Wearing old shoes also causes plantar fasciitis. So, if you want to feel better, wear new shoes that fit well. How will you know if your shoes need to be replaced? Check for overly stretched heels, molding insoles, torn shoe interior, blisters on your feet and tearing of outsoles.
Heel pain not only causes you discomfort it also affects your way of life. You can’t work or go to school and you can’t perform your normal daily activities. So, before it gets worse, get it treated. If you are in Plano, Dallas, Prosper & Allen, TX visit Graff Foot, Ankle Care, for professional plantar fasciitis treatment. Over the years, we have become the best clinic for treating all foot conditions. We have the best podiatrist in the area and the most advanced equipment to carry out medical operations fast and with ease. Our rates are reasonable, and we don’t compromise your health.
Do you have heel pain that needs treatment? Schedule an appointment with Graff Foot Ankle and Wound Care. Call (972) 403-7733 or use our convenient Request an Appointment form to schedule your visit.
