The heel is the largest of all 26 bones located in your foot and ankle. Not surprisingly, heel pain is a very common foot problem, notes our Fairfax VA podiatrist. Keep reading to learn what causes heel pain and what you can do to relieve it!
Our Fairfax VA Podiatrist Helps Patients Heal Their Heels
Our podiatry team in Fairfax VA has the experience and expertise to diagnose and treat your heel pain. Did you know that just regular walking can put stress on your heel that is 1.25 times your body weight? Running adds extra stress on your feet that is up to 2.75 times your body weight, adds our Fairfax VA podiatrist. Heel pain tends to come on gradually, without any specific injury to the affected area.
Two Common Causes of Heel Pain
According to our Fairfax VA podiatrist, there are many medical conditions that can cause heel pain. However, the two most common causes are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Plantar Fasciitis Is a Frequent Cause of Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the bottom of your heel. Our Fairfax VA podiatrist says this type of pain occurs when your plantar fascia ligament – which runs from the heel up through the arch of your foot – becomes inflamed. The heel pain is often described as a burning or hot sensation, adds our podiatrist in Fairfax. In addition, heel pain affecting your plantar fasciitis is typically associated with taking your first steps of the day, or getting up after an extended period of time.
Heel Pain Is Also Commonly Associated with Achilles Tendonitis
According to our Fairfax VA podiatrist, patients with Achilles tendonitis can experience aching pain up and down the entire Achilles tendon, which is the band of tissue connecting the heel to the leg's calf muscle. This condition typically shows up in patients who do repetitive activity, such as running.
Fairfax VA Podiatrist Shares Some Tips for Heel Pain Relief
Our podiatrist in Fairfax recommends that patients try easing heel pain with the following methods:
- Ice the affected area
- Do stretching exercises for your plantar fascia ligament or Achilles tendon
- Try a heel pad or specialized orthotic shoe insert
- Substitute an exercise that puts less stress on your feet, such as swimming or biking.
Our Fairfax VA Podiatrist Treats Heel Pain – And Much More!
Our podiatrist in Fairfax VA is uniquely qualified to care for issues with your feet and ankles. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your heel or any part of your foot, call The Podiatry Center for more information about treatment options.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office near Fairfax VA, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.
