What is Causing My Heel Pain?

Find out if plantar fasciitis could be to blame for your foot pain.heel pain

Heel pain can be a real nuisance. It can make going about your day tough and it can certainly put a damper on your exercise regimen. But don’t fear! Our Hampton and Williamsburg, VA, podiatrists, Dr. Sara Bouraee and Dr. Mahmoud Salem, are here to tell you why heel pain happens and what can be done to eliminate it.

Do you experience heel pain that radiates under the heel and sometimes affects the arches of your foot? Is your heel pain often worse in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time? If so, then you could be suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and it’s usually the result of overuse. This means that this inflammatory condition often comes about gradually over time rather than suddenly. Plantar fasciitis affects the thick ligament known as the plantar fascia that runs from the toes along the soles of the feet to the heels. The plantar fascia also provides support for the arches, which is why you may also experience achy or painful arches if you have this condition.

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s impossible to properly diagnose yourself without first visiting your Hampton and Williamsburg foot doctors for an evaluation. This is because plantar fasciitis isn’t the only reason heel pain occurs. In fact, heel pain can also be the result of:

  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Bursitis
  • Heel spur
  • Osteomyelitis (a bone infection)
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Strains and sprains
  • Arthritis
  • Stress fracture
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome

What causes plantar fasciitis?

There are many factors that can play into whether your feet are prone to developing this inflammatory foot condition at some point during your lifetime. Certain factors include:

  • Participating in certain high-impact exercises like running that can put a lot of pressure and force on the plantar fascia
  • Suddenly increasing the duration or intensity of a workout
  • Wearing shoes that don’t provide enough stability and support for the heels and arches
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Regularly standing for long periods of time throughout the day
  • Aging (it’s natural to lose some ligament elasticity as we get older)

Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists offer locations in Williamsburg and Hampton, VA, to serve you better. No matter whether you are dealing with heel pain or you have questions about the services we offer, don’t hesitate to call our office today.

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Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists

Monday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-4:30 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed