What are the Common Causes of Heel Pain?

You never realize how much you count on your feet until they hurt you. One of the most common complaints affecting feet in Hermiston, OR, is heel pain. Dr. Donald Carlson of Hermiston Family Foot Clinic is a board-certified podiatrist who has years of experience and a philosophy that getting to the root cause of heel pain is the best way to find lasting relief. 

The feet have 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The feet take a lot of wear and carry all of our body weight every day. When you think about all that they do, it is not surprising how many people suffer from heel pain. 

Plantar Fasciitis

More than two million cases of plantar fasciitis are reported every year in the US. This makes it the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the toes with the heel. It also holds up the arch in your foot. When it is irritated or inflamed, heel pain is one of the symptoms. The irritation is most often caused by standing for long periods on a hard floor in the wrong shoes, running, or having low or high arches. 

Common treatments include a schedule of stretching exercises, cortisone shots in the heel, icing the area, and custom orthotics. 

Heel Spur

A heel spur does not cause plantar fasciitis, but it can be aggravated by the condition. It is a growth on the back of the heel bone that is the result of overuse, often from a bad gait. It responds to ice and rest but the only way to remove it is through surgery, and that is a last resort. 

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon that you have. It connects the calf muscles and the heel bone, and it is a vital part of your ability to walk. When it is overused, it becomes inflamed, and this results in pain in the back of the heel. Treatment will depend on how serious the condition is. For most people, ice and rest with stretching exercises will be enough to get relief. If conservative methods don't work or the situation is an emergency, then surgery may be the treatment of choice. 

For relief from heel pain in Hermiston, OR, contact Dr. Carlson of Hermiston Family Foot Clinic. Don't suffer in pain when relief is available. Give the office a call at (541) 567-8750 today.