Why Is Heel Pain So Common?
Dr. Ayan Goswami is a foot & ankle surgeon practicing in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Davenport, and West Palm Beach, Florida. Dr. Goswami is a podiatric medical doctor specializing in the surgical and medical management of the foot, ankle, and related parts of the leg. As a podiatrist, Dr. Goswami diagnoses and treats lower... more
The Plantar Fascia is a ligament that is located on the bottom of the foot. This ligament is connected from the toes and runs along the entire plantar foot, attached to the heel. This ligament will help absorb any shock during walking, running and performing daily activities. This ligament also helps support the arch of the foot.
When damage to the plantar fascia is done (whether it's inflamed, injured, or has a micro-tear), this condition is called plantar fasciitis. This is often times referred to as, heel pain. The cause of plantar fasciitis can occur for a variety of reasons. Factors such as the patient's age, how often they are running, walking and working play a role in how this condition develops. At times, it is due to shoe wear or working on concrete floors.
Though painful and may interfere with your daily life, the prognosis for plantar fasciitis is very good.
Treatment and recovery depends on the severity of the condition and, really, how long the heel pain has been there. If the pain is acute and you are still getting around okay, you might be sent for physical therapy or wear custom orthotics as treatment. However, if the injury is pretty significant, you might need medical intervention as soon as possible. Usually plantar fasciitis treatment will consist of several steroid or cortisone injections, along with stretching exercises and a possible night splint brace. If conservative treatment fails, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention, but this is only a last resort.
