Stabbing heel pain that is most noticeable when you get up in the morning and worsens with exercise is likely plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia. This ligament can become inflamed with overuse and exercise. At Union Podiatry, John Senatore, DPM, provides comprehensive treatment for heel pain to patients in Baltimore and Towson, Maryland. Call one of the offices today or use the online tool to book an appointment.
What causes heel pain?
Chronic heel pain is incredibly common and most likely due to plantar fasciitis. This ligament inflammation that connects the heel bone to the toes can be chronic and excruciating.
Less common causes of heel pain include issues like Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, and peripheral neuropathy. Dr. Senatore does a thorough evaluation to diagnose the cause of your heel pain and offers an effective treatment that reduces pain and restores your activity levels.
Why do I have heel pain?
Excessive pronation is a common cause of heel pain. This means your foot and arch roll is notable when walking or running. This puts undue pressure on the plantar fascia.
If you are prone to excessive pronation, it’s important to choose running and walking shoes that support your arch adequately to discourage plantar fasciitis from developing. Dr. Senatore can recommend shoes or orthotics to offer optimal plantar fascia support.
Other factors that contribute to heel pain include a sudden increase in daily activities, being overweight or obese, or a change in footwear.
Regularly wearing flip-flops and flat sandals or running or walking in worn shoes can aggravate heel pain. Runners who add speed or hill work abruptly are also at risk of plantar fasciitis.
What are the treatments for heel pain?
Conservative treatment effectively resolves heel pain when used at the first sign of symptoms. Conservative treatments include custom orthotics, rest, and shoe changes.
Waiting six months or longer to seek care for heel pain greatly extends treatment time and jeopardizes the successful resolution of plantar fasciitis.
More aggressive treatments include nerve decompression if the inflamed fascia is impinging a nerve.
Dr. Senatore may also recommend TOPAX®, which uses radio-wave energy to stimulate healing.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is a noninvasive way to break down heel inflammation and scar tissue. Amniotic tissue injections also help repair damaged tissue and encourage the natural proliferation of healthy cells.
Experience some of the most innovative treatments for heel pain available by contacting Union Podiatry. Call today or use the online tool to book an appointment.