What the Source of Your Heel Pain Could Be

Wow, is your heel sore when you get out of bed in the morning! What's going on? Why not contact your podiatrist at his Huntington office? Dr. William Weissinger understands heel pain. He'll diagnose and treat the source of your discomfort so you stay mobile and feel good.

Why does your heel hurt?

The sources of persistent heel pain are many and varied. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons says they may include:

• Arthritis
• Stress fracture of the calcaneus (heel bone)
• Nerve issues
• A cyst
• Tendonitis
• A bone spur, a calcified projection off the front of the heel bone

However, most heel pain observed by your Huntington foot doctor is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the broad band of connective tissue which runs from the heel to the base of the five toes. This plantar fascia becomes stressed through repetitive activity, such as dancing or simply standing for long periods of time. Age and obesity may cause the condition as well.

Other factors which aggravate the plantar fascia include:

• Obesity
• Jobs which require a lot of standing, particularly on hard surfaces
• Flat OR high arches
• Overpronation or other gait problems
• Habitually going barefoot or wearing poorly supportive shoes, such as flip flops

Diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis

Your foot doctor in Huntington sees many cases of plantar fasciitis. Thankfully, the vast majority do not require invasive interventions, such as surgery. After examining your foot and taking digital images as needed, Dr. Weissinger will formulate a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.

Your strategies may include:

• Rest (simply reduce your activities, and stay off your heel)
• Ice to the affected area (20 minutes on and 20 minutes off)
• Elevation (above heart level)
• Physical therapy, including stretching exercises for the calf muscles
• Injection therapy (cortisone to reduce inflammation)
• Over the counter analgesics, such as ibuprofen
• Night splints
• Removable walking casts
• Customized shoe inserts (orthotics)
• Quality shoes with good arch support (stop wearing flip-flops and other flat shoes)
• Avoiding going barefoot for long periods of time
• Padding in the shoe
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Don't wait

Heel pain can be managed with the expert help of Huntington, NY, podiatrist, Dr. William Weissinger. Phone his office today for a consultation: (631) 271-8500. We have office hours Monday through Saturday for your convenience.