What is the Source of Your Heel Pain?

Are you suddenly dealing with heel pain in Leander TX? Find out what’s going on.

Unfortunately, we don’t often think much about the health of our feet or how much our routine impact them until they begin to hurt. Consequently, one of the most common problems treated by Dr. Dennis Fassman, your podiatrists in Westbury, NY is heel pain. Although there are many reasons why someone may be dealing with heel pain, this discomfort is most often caused by inflammatory conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Read on to learn more.

Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a thick ligament that runs along the soles of the feet, connecting the toes to the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which this ligament becomes inflamed, and it is most common in athletes, as well as those who are obese or who have to stand for long periods of time.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Heel pain at the bottom of the foot that may worsen in the morning
• Pain that occurs after extended periods of inactivity
• Heel stiffness
• Pain that extends to the arches of the foot

This condition is the result of an overstretched or overworked Achilles tendon. This tendon is the longest tendon in the body, and it connects the calf muscles with the back of the heel. If you’ve suddenly intensified the length of your workout, you may be prone to developing this problem.

• Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
• Heel pain located above the heel bone
• Pain that is worse in the morning
• Pain that gets worse with activity
• Swelling and stiffness of the Achilles tendon

The key differences between these two conditions are the location of the heel pain as well as whether your heel pain gets worse with activity. Heel pain that originates on the bottom of the foot is usually the result of plantar fasciitis, while pain above the heel bone usually affects the Achilles tendon. Achilles pain will often get worse with activity while plantar fasciitis-related pain usually improves with movement.

Need Relief? Give us a Call.

Do you think that you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis? Are you having trouble getting your heel pain under control on your own? If so, don’t hesitate to call Dennis Fassman, DPM in Westbury, NY at (516) 333-5566 for comprehensive and gentle care.