If you have been experiencing chronic heel pain, you may be suffering with plantar fasciitis. It is important that you visit a podiatrist or other medical professional to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis as heel pain can be a symptoms of a variety of conditions including heel spur, plantar fasciitis, stone bruise, or retrocalcaneal bursitis.
Your podiatrist will determine the location of your pain and diagnose the root cause. For instance, pain behind the heel is often associated with retrocalcaneal bursitis while pain beneath the heel could be due to a number of causes including plantar fasciitis.
The plantar fascia is a ligament which connects your heel to your toes. Inflaming or tearing this ligament can result in heel pain. The plantar fascia is responsible for supporting the arch of your foot. Tearing it can lead to balance issues if the fascia becomes damaged enough.
One common symptom of Plantar fasciitis is heel pain stemming from activities that require standing for a long periods of time like a sport or job. If you have flat feet or struggle with flexibility in your calf muscle, you are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. People whose BMI exceeds 30 are also at greater risk for plantar fasciitis.
Like most ligaments, properly stretching the plantar fascia can prevent this condition from occurring. Through routine stretches, you can reduce the chance of injuring your plantar fascia by increasing the flexibility of the ligament. If you are experiencing pain or inflammation, apply ice to the affected area. Using shoe inserts or different footwear can ease the stress off the plantar fascia.
If you have been experiencing heel pain or plantar fasciitis symptoms for an extended period of time, seeing a podiatrist can help. In Ronkonkoma Dr. Jeffrey Muroff can treat damaged, inflamed, torn, or strained plantar fascia. Dr. Muroff employs orthopedic techniques that will help you heal quickly and resume living a healthy and active lifestyle.