Chronic heel pain can make it difficult to carry out normal daily activities. Walking and even just standing can cause discomfort and pain. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your heel pain, such as an injury or a foot condition. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, an individualized treatment plan can be developed for you. Dr. Laura Michetti, the board-certified podiatrist at First Choice Podiatry in Annapolis, MD, treats heel pain due to a wide range of causes. 

Heel Pain 

Heel pain can develop for many different reasons, including:

• Overuse
• A foot injury
• Jogging or running 
• High-impact workouts 
• Spending extended periods on the feet
• Wearing shoes without adequate support 
• Structural issues (e.g., flat feet or high arches)
• An irregular gait or step pattern
• Carrying excess weight 

Another common cause of heel pain is an underlying foot condition. Two conditions associated with heel pain and discomfort are plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis. Both conditions can develop when tissues or tendons in the feet become strained. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain for many individuals. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the planter fascia tissues along the bottom of the feet that provide shock absorption become inflamed or torn. The tissues can become damaged as a result of constant pressure, excessive wear and tear, or repeated stretching. With plantar fasciitis, pain is felt at the bottom of the heel as well as along the arch of the foot. 

Achilles tendonitis can develop when the Achilles tendon becomes strained or inflamed. The Achilles tendon is the one that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. When this tendon is inflamed, pain and discomfort are felt at the back of the heel. Causes of this condition include performing repetitive movements, standing for prolonged periods, and having low or flat arches. 

Treating Heel Pain

Heel pain can become more intense over time if left untreated. Further, additional problems could develop if the pain is due to an injury or foot condition that does not heal properly. Several effective options are available for treating heel pain. The appropriate treatment method depends on the cause of the pain, as well as other factors. At our office in Annapolis, MD, heel pain can be treated using a variety of methods, including:

• Resting the feet
• Stretching exercises 
• Padding and strapping
• Removable walking cast
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Arch support bandages
• Compression wraps
• Custom orthotics
• Night splints 
• Applying ice

If you are dealing with heel pain, we can help. Many effective treatments exist for healing the underlying cause of your pain. For the treatment of heel pain in Annapolis, MD, schedule an appointment with Dr. Michetti by calling First Choice Podiatry at (443) 332-2300.