Are you dealing with a nasty case of plantar fasciitis?
Heel pain is a frustrating little problem, especially if you are someone who values their morning run or daily exercise routine. Even if you aren’t what you’d call an avid exerciser, you may still find that your heel pain makes moving around and going about your day more difficult than you would like. Our Vineland, NJ, podiatrist, Dr. Belancio, is here to tell you about the most common cause of heel pain and when you should seek proper medical care for your symptoms.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes inflammation within the thick band of tissue known as the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia runs the length of the foot along the soles from the toes to the heels and provides the arches of your feet with support and shock absorption. Unfortunately, microtears within the tissue can occur gradually over time (this is common in runners), leading to irritation and inflammation.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Those with plantar fasciitis notice heel pain that’s particularly at its worst first thing in the morning or after long periods of sitting or standing. The tricky thing is that the pain often subsides throughout the course of the day, making you think you can get in your run or regular workout routine after all. The only problem with that is the heel pain often comes back with a vengeance after exercising. Along with heel pain, you may also notice painful or aching arches.
When should I see a podiatrist about my heel pain?
We know that no one wants to make an unnecessary trip to see their foot doctor in Vineland unless the situation warrants it. Of course, if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or nerve damage in your feet and you are experiencing heel pain or any symptoms it is important that you always seek immediate medical care to prevent the issue from getting worse.
While most healthy individuals will be able to handle their heel pain on their own it’s also important to know when you need proper and more comprehensive care from a podiatrist. It’s important to turn to a podiatrist right away if you have severe pain, pain that makes it impossible to walk or put weight on the foot, numbness or tingling in the heel or foot, or heel pain caused by an injury.
If at-home care isn’t easing your heel pain after five days then you should also give us a call so that we can create a more effective treatment plan for you.
Don’t let heel pain drag you down. If you are having trouble managing your symptoms and it’s affecting your lifestyle then don’t hesitate to call South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ, to schedule a consultation with us.