Heel Pain Treatment in Danbury & Plainville, CT
Heel pain affects everyone from time to time. However, when it persists for longer periods of time--after the uncomfortable shoes have been taken off and the feet have been rested after a busy day of strenuous activity or standing--and does not resolve on its own, it could be a sign of plantar fasciitis. The doctors at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut, P.C. in Plainville, Danbury, and New Milford, CT will be happy to help you understand the cause of your pain and come up with the solution that is best for you.
Signs and Symptoms of Heel Pain
The heel bone and toes are connected by a thick band of connective tissue that stretches across the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. Inflammation of this tissue leads to a sore or sharp pain that is most intense with initial weight bearing, the first thing in the morning, or after sitting/inactivity. Others may find that the longer they are on their feet during the day, the more discomfort they have.
Causes of Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
While anyone can develop plantar fasciitis, the most common causes of the condition include:
- Misalignment of the bones of the feet
- Overuse from running and other athletics
- Being overweight
- Walking/working out with shoes that do not provide adequate support, especially for people with a high arch, flat feet, or biomechanical issues that cause weight to be distributed unevenly as a person walks and stands.
How Does the Plantar Fascia Become Inflamed and Injured?
The plantar fascia primarily provides shock absorption to the heel and foot. It has inherent elasticity (like a rubber band) that allows the foot to flex and adapt to the ground. Through increased pressure, repeated stretching, and wear and tear, the plantar fascia can develop small tears that lead to painful swelling and inflammation.
In addition to the strain from athletic activities and obesity, plantar fasciitis can also develop as a result of other factors, including:
- Improper shoe gear for an individual's foot type
- Physical activities like ballet and other sports that involve added stress and pressure on the heels
- Occupational risks for developing chronic heel pain are higher for professionals who spend long hours and shifts on their feet, such as teachers, nurses, factory workers, and retail workers
- Abnormal gait, structural misalignment of the feet, and overpronation
What are the Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis?
At our office, everyone is treated as an individual, so your personal evaluation will be very important in determining the underlying cause of your foot discomfort. Based on the cause of your plantar fasciitis, our doctors will come up with appropriate treatment options for you and work with you to decide what will be in your best interest for initial treatment.
Possible treatment options include:
- Discussion of appropriate shoe gear for daily use
- The use of specific over-the-counter shoe inserts (some are much better than others)
- At home, self-administered physical therapy
- Professionally administered physical therapy
- Custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics)
- Injection therapy
Before any treatment, you can expect that you will have a very good understanding of what your condition is and what is causing you to have plantar fascial symptoms, as well as any other symptoms. Our doctors firmly believe that your treatment is likely to be much more successful if you have a good understanding of what is causing the problem, what can be done to treat the problem, and realistic goals and expectations about your treatment. There is no one treatment that works for everyone for any condition; individual evaluation and a personalized treatment plan are key to you getting the best possible results.
For Relief From Chronic Heel Pain
Contact our experts at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut, P.C. today to schedule an appointment. You can reach us in our Danbury, CT office at (203) 748-2220 or our Plainville, CT office (860) 747-2200.