Your heels provide you with invaluable support and flexibility for walking, running, and maneuvering. But when they start to hurt, all you 
may want to do is have a seat. Understand some of the most common causes of heel pain so that you can get back to your normal activities. A podiatrist at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland in Olney, Silver Spring, Clinton, and Kensington, MD can help you figure out the cause and treat your feet.
Plantar Fasciitis
The most common cause of heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis. It is inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue under your foot caused by too much pressure. Some patients wonder how irritated tissue that runs under the foot can cause the heels to hurt. This is because the plantar fascia ligament connects the heel bone to the front of the foot. The pain can be felt at the base of the heel.
Flat Feet and Heel Spurs
Patients who have flat feet are also more likely to have issues with plantar fasciitis and heel pain. The formation of small bone spurs on the bottom of the heel (heel spurs) may also contribute to discomfort. They are also common in people who have plantar fasciitis. Your Olney, Silver Spring, Clinton, and Kensington can treat these problems with orthotics, physical therapy, and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT).
Haglund's Deformity and Calluses
Women who wear fashionable but poorly designed high heels are at a higher risk of developing Haglund's Deformity, which can cause heel pain. The heel swells and a bump starts to form. As the bump grows, it can also cause problems with the Achilles tendon. If you have ever purchased a pair of shoes that was a half a size too small, that decision could also be contributing to heel pain. As shoes that are too tight squeeze and rub up against the back of the heel, calluses and sores develop.
Ask a Foot Doctor About Heel Treatments
If you are currently managing heel pain that won't go away, seek help from a podiatrist at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland in Olney, Silver Spring, Clinton, and Kensington, MD. Call today to schedule a time and date to visit Dr. Michael Frank, Dr. Marc Goldberg, or Dr. Adam Lowy.