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What Is Heel Pain
- The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest and strongest bone of the foot, however it is not immune to problems.
- Pain in the heels can present in the bottom, front or back of the heel.
- Pain in the heels is most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis (for this reason we will focus on this condition below).
- Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissue on the bottom aspect of the foot as a result of tear / stretch of the fascia along its length (heels to the ball of the foot).
Causes
- Fault biomechanics (i.e. gait abnormalities, flat feet, high arches, etc.)
- Excessive heel pressure
- Athletes
- Improper footwear that lack foot support
Symptoms
- Pain at various aspects of the foot along the length of the fascia
- Swelling
- Pain with the first few steps upon awakening
When To Visit A Foot Specialist
- If any of the following symptoms above are present and it limits your normal daily activities, contact your foot specialist.
What Can I Expect During The Visit
- Physical examination of the lower limbs.
- Orthotics
- Physical therapy (Laser / Ultrasound treatment)
- Prescription of topical or oral medications to ease pain
- Implementing stretching / strengthening programs once acute symptoms are treated
- Steroid injections
- Surgical intervention (rarely necessary)
Prevention
- Wear shoes that accommodate your foot well.
- Stretch before and exercising
- Practice good nutrition and rest
- Exercise and lose excessive weight
- The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest and strongest bone of the foot, however it is not immune to problems.
- Pain in the heels can present in the bottom, front or back of the heel.
- Pain in the heels is most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis (for this reason we will focus on this condition below).
- Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissue on the bottom aspect of the foot as a result of tear / stretch of the fascia along its length (heels to the ball of the foot).
Causes
- Fault biomechanics (i.e. gait abnormalities, flat feet, high arches, etc.)
- Excessive heel pressure
- Athletes
- Improper footwear that lack foot support
Symptoms
- Pain at various aspects of the foot along the length of the fascia
- Swelling
- Pain with the first few steps upon awakening
When To Visit A Foot Specialist
- If any of the following symptoms above are present and it limits your normal daily activities, contact your foot specialist.
What Can I Expect During The Visit
- Physical examination of the lower limbs.
- Orthotics
- Physical therapy (Laser / Ultrasound treatment)
- Prescription of topical or oral medications to ease pain
- Implementing stretching / strengthening programs once acute symptoms are treated
- Steroid injections
- Surgical intervention (rarely necessary)
Prevention
- Wear shoes that accommodate your foot well.
- Stretch before and exercising
- Practice good nutrition and rest
- Exercise and lose excessive weight