What causes Heel Pain?
The structure of the foot may be involved in the development of heel pain. People with very high or low arches are more susceptible to it. Footwear that doesn't provide good support, being overweight, stress, and working many hours on a hard surface, such as concrete floor, can stress the plantar fascia and cause it to swell.

Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Plantar Fasciitis can cause heel pain that lasts for most of the day. Sometimes, heel pain has other causes, such as tendonitis, arthritis, a nerve problem, or even a stress fracture. The presence of a heel spur can complicate the situation.

When plantar fasciitis is the problem, the fibrous band of tissue that runs between the heel and toes is inflamed. The pain occurs in the sole under the heel and is usually at its worst when first putting feet to the floor in the morning. As time goes by, that discomfort lasts longer and longer into the day. It is sometimes relieved by walking because the motion stretches the band.

Overpronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens the foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this causes inflammation.

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
A foot examination, medical history, and x-rays or other diagnostic testing may be used to discover the presence of plantar fasciitis. Conservative treatment may consists of using ice, stretching the plantar fascia with exercise, and adjusting your shoes to provide more comfort. Othotics, padding, and strapping the heel are sometimes prescribed. Splints, injections, a walking cast, and physical therapy are other treatments. In persistent cases, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment (ESWT) may be used to treat the heel pain. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Relieve heel pain with no incision necessary!
Shock-wave therapy is being used increasingly to successfully treat heel pain. Among the advantages of this technique are the fact that no incision is required and the lasting relief it offers. In fact, studies have shown about 80% improvements in most patients who undergo the procedure.

Heel pain in adults in most commonly cause by the stretching and even tearing of the plantar fascia, the thick tendon that runs along the bottom of the foot. Shock-wave therapy using a lithortiptor focuses waves on the exact site of the problem. The shock waves actually cause tiny fractures and bone marrow hemorrhages, which cause the body to heal the area. This healing response results in new bone formation, which reduces inflammation and relieves pain.

Shock-wave therapy is done on an outpatient basis, and most patients find thy can perform their regular activities in their own shoes that very next day. Often, heel pain can be treated with conservative measures that bring relief, but in very difficult cases, shock-wave therapy has been shown to have lasting effects. If you suffer from chronic heel pain, give us a call. There are a number of treatments available that could relieve you discomfort....maybe even for good.

Great Foot Care News

Associated Podiatrits of North Haven will be moving to a newly renovated office.Our new address is 83 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 06473 (to the right of Super Stop & Shop) and we hope to move during February 2010.

We are now providers of SteriShoe, of the easiest and most effective ways to sanitize the inside of your shoes. Click on the icon for more information!

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