Living with heel pain? Let Dr. Jeffrey Belancio and the team at South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ provide the most effective treatment methods for your needs.
Top Causes of Heel Pain
Your feet are designed to hold up your body weight and propel you forward. On a regular day when nothing interferes, your feet can handle this just fine. Unfortunately, not everyone has a “regular” day and many people have issues that interfere, which typically leads to heel pain. In this guide, Dr. Belancio and the team at South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ share some of the most common causes of heel pain and how a podiatrist can help.
Structural Issues
Many people experience heel pain due to issues with the structure of their feet – specifically flat feet, high arches, or overpronation. Such issues affect how your weight is distributed, meaning that undue pressure is put on the heel bone and other areas.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your feet. Overuse and extension beyond its normal range can cause tears in the tissue fibers, causing pain and inflammation from the toes to the heels.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are bony growths on the bottom of the heel bone. Typically, they occur due to strain on the soft tissues of the foot or as a result of plantar fasciitis.
Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that runs from the calf muscle to the heels. Like the plantar fascia, the Achilles tendon can become inflamed when it is overused. This causes heel pain and a limited range of motion.
Bursitis
Bursitis is another overuse injury. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between the bones, muscles, and ligaments. When you are extremely active or participate in activities that require jumping and landing on the heels, the bursa become inflamed.
How a Podiatrist Can Help
For most sources of heel pain, one of the most important steps is resting and icing your feet. This can help minimize your pain and, sometimes, eliminate it altogether. However, in most cases, you’ll need to see a podiatrist for personalized care. Your treatment will depend on your condition and can include:
- Custom orthotics
- Braces or splints
- Steroid injections
- Laser therapy
- Therapeutic exercises
- Shoe modifications
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Physical therapy
In some cases, surgery is discussed if conservative methods do not deliver the desired results.
Leave heel pain in the dust by calling (856) 839-0579 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Belancio at South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ today.