Heel pain is a common problem and symptom of several foot and ankle problems. Depending on the severity and underlying cause, many 
instances of heel pain can be managed and resolved with conservative treatments. However if heel pain persists for more than a few days or is recurring, it can be a sign of an injury. The podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland offer diagnostic and treatment options for a number of orthopedic conditions and injuries in the greater Washington, D.C., area including Kensington, Olney, Silver Spring, and Camp Springs/Clinton, MD.
Heel Pain Diagnosis and Treatment in Kensington, Olney, Silver Spring, and Camp Springs/Clinton, MD
Sometimes the cause of heel pain can be as simple as wearing uncomfortable shoes or spending a long day on your feet. But over time, the strain of working long hours on your feet, participating in certain types of sports or physical activity, wearing the wrong type of shoes, and the design of your arches can increase your risk of heel pain and injuries.
One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the long band of tissue that stretches from the ankle to the base of the toes and is responsible for shock absorption when you walk, run, and jump. Strain and small tears to the plantar fascia can result in heel pain.
Other common causes of heel pain include:
- Stress fractures
- Arthritis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Bone/heel spurs
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Tendon ruptures
Conservative treatments are usually the first line of defense for most instances of heel pain. Typical treatments include rest, icing, medication, physical therapy, supportive footwear and/or orthotics, and surgery in rare cases.
Find a Podiatrist in Kensington, Olney, Silver Spring, and Camp Springs/Clinton, MD
For more information about the causes, treatment options, and prevention tips for heel pain, contact Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists by calling (301) 924-5044 in Olney, (301) 868-7670 in Camp Springs/Clinton, (301) 439-0300 in Silver Spring, or (301) 942-8110 in Kensington.