Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel N. Verville
October 24, 2016
Heel pain can be excruciating, and Frisco area podiatrist Dr. Verville treats several patients a year for it. But what she’s found in this age of asking “Dr. Google” for a diagnosis before seeking advice from a medical professional is that often, Frisco patients are experiencing a completely different condition than they suspect. Read on for a discussion of different causes of heel pain, and how a skilled podiatrist like Dr. Verville can help you treat the cause of your pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
Many Frisco patients with Heel Spurs are actually suffering from Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar Fasciitis is a painful foot condition that develops slowly as small tears and rips occur in the Plantar Fascia – which is the tissue supporting the arch on the bottom of your foot and connects your heal bone to the front of your foot. A biomechanical problem, such as Flat Feet, can also cause Plantar Fasciitis. After an extended period of time, the Plantar Fascia can become weak, swollen, inflamed and irritated. For patients, this results in the classic pain of Plantar Fasciitis when you stand on your feet or walk, especially first thing in the morning.
Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis depends on how long you’ve had the condition, and its severity at the time of diagnosis. For mild to moderate cases of Plantar Fasciitis, treatment may include resting from sports (if you play one), physical therapy, exercises to rebuild mobility and strength and medication for inflammation and pain relief. For severe Plantar Fasciitis, surgery may be the only option.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis occurs when you overuse the Achilles tendon – the largest tendon in the body that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Achilles Tendonitis can be extremely painful. Your podiatrist will diagnose Achilles Tendonitis by looking for swelling at the back of your heel and the Achilles tendon, thickening or enlargement of the Achilles tendon, and determining the point of pain. If podiatrist Dr. Verville diagnoses you with Achilles Tendonitis, she will likely have you rest from the activity that caused it, ice your heel, prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and recommend physical therapy and strengthening exercises. If your pain does not improve after 1 year of treatment, podiatrist Dr. Verville will likely suggest surgery.
Stress Fracture
A Stress Fracture in the foot occurs from overuse or pushing yourself too hard. Often, heel pain is one of the most common symptoms of a Stress Fracture. While your recovery plan will depend on the severity of your Stress Fracture, it may include rest, a pneumatic boot, and last as long as 6 to 8 weeks.
I Have Heel Pain. What Should I Do Next?
If you are in the Frisco area and are suffering from heel pain, you should contact podiatrist Dr. Verville for a comprehensive exam. Call (214) 385-8822 to schedule an appointment today. You don’t need to suffer needlessly any longer. Get your feet back to feeling good so that you can start living your life to its fullest today. If it’s playing that sport you love, dancing, or just going for a walk around the block, don’t let pain get in your way.
