Heel pain can impact how you perform daily functions and can even prevent you from enjoying your favorite activities. When it becomes difficult to walk because of heel pain, you might find yourself needing to sit out from certain events. Typically, heel pain is caused by overuse and it’s important that you seek out help before the pain worsens. When you make adjustments early, you have a better chance of healing your pain easily. Dr. Keith Rosenthal or a member of our The Foot and Ankle Center in Howell & Brick, NJ, can explain heel pain and the common symptoms and causes that may be associated with your pain.
Understanding Heel Pain
When it comes to heel pain, many issues could be causing your pain. Typically, it has to do with the specific symptoms that you’re experiencing and what the pain may feel like. The most common cause of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia is a muscle that runs from the ball of your feet to the heel of the feet. When you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, you’ll notice that your feet feel stiff and sore, especially in the morning. Sitting or lying down can exacerbate your pain and cause your feet to feel tight.
Another common cause of heel pain is Achilles tendinitis. This is an injury in the Achilles tendon and can cause similar heel pain. Your heels may also feel tender and stiff. Pain will be most prominent after you’ve been active on your feet for a prolonged period and in the morning but should start to fade with mild activity.
With most forms of heel pain, our podiatrist in Howell & Brick, NJ, will recommend conservative methods to treat your pain. This includes icing and resting your feet. You may also want to raise your feet while lying down to improve blood flow. Your podiatrist might recommend wearing orthotics in your shoes to add extra support to your feet. Stretches and specific exercises can also help ease your pain and strengthen your feet. In severe cases, you may need surgery to correct specific issues within your feet.
Contact Our Podiatrist Today
Find out what could be causing your heel pain and what signs you should be looking for. Contact Dr. Keith Rosenthal or a staff member at The Foot and Ankle Center in Howell & Brick, NJ, to learn more about heel pain and what causes it. Call for more information at (732) 833-2800 for Howell, NJ, and (732) 477-0441 for Brick, NJ.