Have A Lot Of Heel Pain? This May Be Caused By Plantar Fasciitis

If you have a lot of heel pain this can be very painful, especially when you walk. There are many things that can cause you to have heel pain, one of which is plantar fasciitis. Below is some information about what plantar fasciitis is, as well as treatment options available to you.

What is Plantar Fasciitis

There is a ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, including the heel. This ligament is called a plantar fascia. If this ligament gets too much pressure on it, this can cause the ligament to stretch or to be damaged. If this happens, then your heel will develop plantar fasciitis.

To help determine this, you should see a podiatrist. This type of doctor specializes in foot problems, including problems with the heel. The doctor can run tests to see if you are having this problem. They may first do an X-ray of your foot, and then if the doctor suspects this is the problem, he or she will order an MRI to allow them to see much more in your heel. The doctor will also help determine this by asking you where you are feeling the pain.

Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

Once the doctor determines that you do have plantar fasciitis, you have different treatment options available. The doctor may first ask you to see a physical therapist. This therapist can help you learn exercises that will strengthen the plantar fascia ligament. Once it is strengthened, your pain should then go away. The doctor may also prescribe pain medication for you to take if you are having severe pain in your heel until the pain goes away.

Along with physical therapy, the doctor may suggest a steroid injection in your heel. The doctor will use a special type of ultrasound so they can determine what part of the ligament is damaged. They will then insert the needle into this area to deliver the steroid. You should notice results very quickly. This injection may ease your pain for a few months.

If you continue to feel pain in your heel, the podiatrist may suggest shock wave therapy. With this, the doctor uses a special device to emit sound waves into the ligament. This will help your ligament heel faster, as well as help you with pain.

The podiatrist will determine what is causing you to have plantar fasciitis so you can make changes to prevent this problem from happening again in the future. For more information, contact companies like Collier Podiatry PA.


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