One of the most common causes of heel pain that we treat at Feet First Foot Care Specialists is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, stretching from your heel to your toes. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it creates pain in the heel and arch of the foot. Faulty foot structure is most often at the root of plantar fasciitis. Patients who have flat feet or high arches are prone to this disorder. Other factors that increase the risk for plantar fasciitis are being overweight, wearing shoes with poor arch support and having a job that keeps you on your feet for long hours. Serious athletes may also develop plantar fasciitis from repetitive stress on the feet.

Diagnosis and Treatment

In addition to pain, patients with plantar fasciitis may see swelling on the bottom of the heel. The pain may gradually increase over time and be worse after periods of rest or first thing in the morning. Heel pain can have other causes, however. These include:

• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Stress Fracture
• Nerve Problems

Our podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas will want to do a complete examination of your feet and heels and go over your medical history to rule out other possible problems. A digital x-ray (which can be done in our Cromwell office) or other imaging tests may be ordered as well.

If you do have plantar fasciitis, there are a number of treatment methods available. The podiatrist will develop the best treatment plan for you which may include the following:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Ice packs
• Custom orthotic device to correct an underlying biomechanical defect
• Physical therapy
• Stretching exercises
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT)—for persistent cases

If you are suffering from heel pain and discomfort, don’t wait. Contact us today for an appointment by calling: (860) 632-5499.