Gritting your teeth through the pain doesn't always make you stronger, despite common wisdom. Although uncomfortable twinges often go away quickly if you've suffered a minor heel injury, ignoring severe or lingering pain may lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and other problems, in some cases. Your podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Center offer a variety of heel pain treatments at our offices in Fairfax/Burke, Ashburn/Leesburg, McLean/Great Falls, or Reston/Herndon, VA.
What causes heel pain?
Heel pain can occur due to:
- Fractures: Pain that occurs after you fall or jump may be a sign that you have a fracture, particularly if you can't put any weight on your heel. Stress fractures can also occur if you're an athlete and have begun training harder or longer than usual.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, occurs when the long band of connective tissue called the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. The fascia runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your toes to your heels. The condition is more likely to occur if you're a runner or dancer, spend long hours on your feet, are overweight, or have high arches or flat feet. Pain is often felt first thing in the morning and when you rise after standing or sitting.
- Achilles Tendinitis: Pain in your heel may also be caused by inflammation of the large tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heels. You may feel an aching or burning sensation in your heel and notice that it's red and feels warm.
- Retrocalcaneal Bursitis: Your Achilles tendon glides over your heel smoothly thanks to the presence of the retrocalcaneal bursa. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac on the back of your heel. Walking and running can trigger heel pain if you have retrocalcaneal bursitis, as can moving your foot up and down.
How can a visit to my podiatrist help?
If your pain lasts more than a week or two or is severe or disabling, it's a good idea to visit our foot doctors. After performing a thorough examination, we can offer treatments that will ease your pain and help you avoid long-lasting complications.
Is it about time you did something about your heel pain? Schedule an appointment with the podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Center by calling (703) 273-9818 for the Fairfax/Burke, VA, office, (703) 723-9267 for the Ashburn/Leesburg office, (703) 556-8637 for the McLean/Great Falls office, or (703) 723-2719 for the Reston/Herndon office.