You don’t have to be an athlete or avid runner to experience foot problems. Podiatric problems can occur in anyone, and when they do flare it, it can be more than frustrating. In fact, we often take for granted how easily we get around until we experience pain. The minute our feet experience issues is the minute it feels like everything around us halts. Now it’s a challenge just to walk around the house let alone run errands, workout, or even commute to work. Heel pain can stop us in our tracks if we let it.
So then why do we experience heel pain? There are a couple reasons why this could be happening to you, and your Silver Spring, MD podiatrist is here to tell you about the most common culprit.
Plantar Fasciitis
Sometimes known as heel spur syndrome, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissues that starts at the heel and ends at the toes. Causes include,
- Improper footwear
- Being overweight
- Overpronation
- Activities/workouts that are new or too advanced
- Standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time
If you are a runner you could be part of the 10 percent that experience plantar fasciitis; however, you don’t have to be a workout buff to have this condition. Don’t be like everyone out there and let your heel pain nag at you. Instead, call your foot doctor in Silver Spring and let me create a treatment plan that will get you back on your feet and enjoying life again.
So how do we treat plantar fasciitis?
An early diagnosis means that we can lessen symptoms before things get worse; however, no matter how long you’ve been dealing with this condition, we have several options to alleviate symptoms.
There are some things you can do to help lessen your heel pain in Silver Spring, MD. We recommend taking anti-inflammatories to decrease swelling. We also recommend icing your heel before and after activity for about 20 minutes. One handy approach is to take a frozen bottle of water and roll it under the arch of your foot and your heel.
We will also offer some stretching exercises that you can do from the comfort of your own home. However, if you’re a professed athlete, it can be frustrating to give up your daily workouts. But now you don’t have to. Instead we will recommend swapping your standard running routine for an activity like swimming or biking, which removes some of the pressure from your heel.
Based on your medical history, your feet and your symptoms, we will come up with a unique treatment plan that will target and relieve your heel pain.
Have you been dealing with foot pain in Silver Spring, MD? If so, it time you say goodbye to this problem once and for all. Get back on your feet and get back to living life. Let your Silver Spring podiatrist help you. Call us today at (301) 439-0300!
Already diagnosed with plantar fasciitis? If so, were there any self-management tips that helped alleviate your heel pain? If so, we know our patients would love to hear more. If you have any advice that helped ease your pain, we want to know about it!