The most common reasons for heel pain are stress fractures, arthritis, nerve irritation,and tendonitis. However, sharp and stabbing discomfort in the heel region is often associated with plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury commonly found in athletes or physically active individuals. The condition often requires non-surgical heel pain treatment and surgical interventions are only recommended when discomfort continues despite seeking every available non-surgical treatment. In today’s post, there is a detailed description of the available options for foot and ankle pain treatment, including both surgical and non-surgical methods.
What are the reasons for heel pain?
Heel pain must be diagnosed properly to understand the underlying cause of the discomfort. Plantar fasciitis is often identified as the common reason for heel pain, whereas foot and ankle fracturescan also result in irritated tissues and joints in the heel region.
A proper diagnosis by a foot specialist can help you understand the root cause more efficiently, however, discomfort related to plantar fasciitis occurs due to the following reasons:
- Faulty foot mechanics: high arches or flat feet
- Non supportive footwear
- Abnormalstrain on feet
- Obesity
If a job requires standing for long hours and the foot is always resting on a hard and flat surface, the chances of developing plantar fasciitis are high. Moreover, faulty foot structures like higharches or flat feet can also lead to painful heel spurs.
How do you identify heel pain?
Discomfort in the heel region is often associated with strenuous physical activities. This pain usually subsides on its own after adequate rest. However, if the pain doesn’t subside and even increases over a period of time then it needs immediate medical attention. Secondly, heel pain related to plantar fasciitis is similar to a stabbing pain at the bottom of the heel and it worsens upon arising after a long sitting period or upon getting up from the bed.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
A detailed foot examination along with an in-depth discussion of medical history is helpful in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. X-rays and imaging modalities are used to identify the root cause of the discomfort. A detailed biomechanical assessment helps a foot surgeon identify the underlying reasons for discomfort and find a personalized treatment plan.
What are the non-surgical treatment options for heel pain?
Not every patient diagnosed with plantar fasciitis requires surgery. The initial treatment starts with non-surgical methods such as:
- Ice pack:It is an at-home remedy that patients can try for immediate relief. Inflammation can be reduced by applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the heels for 20 minutes.
- Medication:Adequate rest is recommended to naturally treat the pain and discomfort. Further, doctors may also prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Exercise:Stretching exercises are also recommended to ease the pain.
The above remedies can be tried for the first few weeks, if no improvement is observed, a foot specialist will recommend the following treatment:
- Orthotic devices:Based on the foot structure, a podiatrist will prescribe the best suited orthotic support. Custom designed orthotics are helpful in reducing the strain on the heel and help with inflamed plantar fasciitis.
- Walking cast:If adequate rest is not a viable solution then the immobilization approach can be used. A removable walking cast is given to let the foot heal on its own.
- Night splint:The discomfort of plantar fasciitis also creates sleeping difficulties. Therefore extended stretch is achieved with night time splints. This approach also reduces the sharp pain that patients experience in the morning.
- Injection therapy:Corticosteroid injections are also prescribed for excessive pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Foot specialists can also put a patient on a personalized physical therapy routine to provide relief.
Surgical treatment for heel spurs
A large number of non-surgical treatments are available for plantar fasciitis and a majority of patients respond to these methods. However, surgery becomes essential in some cases of heel pain.
A foot doctor will suggest non-surgical treatments for a few months, if pain persists then surgery is recommended. The options will be discussed to identify the best-suited approach.
There are various types of types foot surgery options for those who are suffering from excruciating heel pain. Heel surgeries are also called plantar fascia release. A surgeon will cut a part of the plantar fascia ligament to relieve the inflamed tissue. It is a minimally invasive surgery that is often performed on an outpatient basis. In addition to this, a surgeon may also consider the complete removal of a heel spur. A couple of smaller incisions are made to remove the bony growth in the heel region.
Surgery is not necessary for every patient diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Surgical interventions are often considered the last resort. So, if a surgeon recommends surgery, consider it the best suited approach.
Conclusion
Heel pain can go away with adequate rest and some first-line non-surgical treatments. However, surgeries become essential if the patient doesn’t respond to these treatment methods and the pain increases over a period of a few months. Schedule an appointment at the Orange County Foot and Ankle Group for a foot examination. The board certified podiatrists specialize in foot & ankle surgeryand will recommend the best treatment plan for you.
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