THE MASTERS, TIGER, AND PLANTAR FASCIITIS---OH MY!!!
It’s a common foot condition that can happen to anyone, even professional golfer Tiger Woods.
Symptoms, Causes and Treatments for Heel Pain
(FAKE) NEW ALERT – JANUARY 2017
President-elect Donald Trump will issue an executive order on his first day in office to declare January National Heel Pain Awareness Month, according to unnamed sources affiliated with his transition team.
While we at Foot Healers think this may be fake news, we agree that January is a great time to discuss heel pain!
Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis — an inflammation of the band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. This often occurs in January because many people gain a few pounds in November and December. Then they resolve to get healthy and launch new exercise routines in January. Weight gain and exercise changes are among the primary causes of foot and heel pain.
Causes
- Faulty structure of the foot. People who have high arches or flat feet are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.
- Obesity or weight gain.
- Overuse or adding new activity (walking, running, jumping, etc.).
- Wearing non supportive footwear especially on hard, flat surfaces.
Symptoms
- Pain on bottom of heel
- Pain in arch of the foot
- Pain usually worse in the morning when waking up or when getting up after sitting for a long period of time – typically after a few minutes of walking, the pain decrease because walking stretches the fascia. However pain may return after being on their feet long periods of time
- Pain that increases over a period of months
- Swelling on the bottom of the heel.
Treatment
- Stretching exercises – exercises that stretch out the calf muscles can help ease pain.
- Avoid going barefoot.
- Ice.
- Limit activities.
- Shoe modifications.
- Medications – NSAIDS such as ibuprofen.
- Padding, taping and strapping – placing pads in the shoe to soften impact. Taping and strapping can help support foot and reduce strain on the fascia.
- Custom molded orthotics.
- Injection therapy.
- Night splint.
- Physical Therapy.
- Last resort – Surgery.
Heel Pain / Plantar Fasciitis can return if not taking the proper precautions and it’s recommended to continue with preventative measures once the pain has subsided.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Preparing Your Feet for Spring
As Spring approaches now is the time to transition your feet from winter boots to lighter footwear.
Foot Doctors Near Me
Beginning your search for a "foot doctor near me?" Consider why you should, and sooner than later.
Are Your Toenails Ready For The Beach?
Summer seems like a distant thought at the moment, but it will be here soon so now is the time to start preparing your nails, particularly if you have discolored fungal toe nails.
Winter Foot Health Care
Winter can be a particularly tough time to keep your feet on the top of their game.
Let's Get You Active with Custom Orthotics
Knowing this is the time of year we all want to get active for the new year, Foot Healers is running their annual two-for-one custom orthotic special. A custom orthotic made specifically for your foot and gait to keep you moving comfortably.