5 Common Causes of Heel Pain

5 Common Causes of Heel Pain

Suffering from heel pain? Heel pain can interfere with your day-to-day activities, particularly exercise. If treated quickly and properly, your heel painfoot will heal well, allowing safe return to activity. Dr. Joseph Stuto in Brooklyn-Heights and Brooklyn, NY, offers state-of-the-art treatments for heel pain. Read on to learn about the causes of heel pain. 

1. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain on the bottom of the heel. Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing pain in the heel of the foot. Wearing shoes with poor arch support can result in plantar fasciitis as well. Common treatments for plantar fasciitis include night splints, stretching exercises, medications, walking casts and orthotic devices.

2. Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is the injury of the band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your calf muscles. Symptoms include swelling, or pain, in the back of your heel. Walking or excessive exercise commonly causes this condition. If you think you may have Achilles tendinitis, you should visit a podiatrist in Brooklyn or Brooklyn-Heights. If your foot condition gets worse, your tendon can tear, so you may need medication, or surgery, to relieve the pain.

3. Heel Spur
Heel spurs are pointed bony outgrowths on the heel bone. Although heel spurs are often painless, they can cause heel discomfort. This can make it difficult to stand, walk, or run. Heel spurs are common among athletes and fitness enthusiasts whose activities include running and jumping. Common treatments for heel spurs include shoe recommendations, stretching exercises, physical therapy and orthotic devices.

4. Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of fluid sacs between your joints. Bursitis symptoms include pain and swelling. Overuse or injury to the joint can increase your risk of bursitis. Examples of high-risk activities include painting, skiing, gardening, carpentry, golf, raking, pitching, throwing, tennis and shoveling. Common treatments for this condition include resting the injured area, icing the area and taking anti-inflammatory medicines.

5. Stress Fractures
A stress fracture is severe bruising within a bone or a small crack in a bone. Most stress fractures are caused by repetitive activity and overuse. Stress fractures are common in runners and athletes who participate in running sports. The symptoms of stress fractures include pain and swelling. Its treatment includes wearing a brace or using crutches. Surgery, however, is sometimes necessary to ensure complete healing of some types of stress fractures. 

Life always offers another chance to get back on track. It's called today. Call Dr. Stuto at 718-624-7537 today to schedule an appointment in Brooklyn-Heights, NY, call 718-567-1403 to schedule an appointment in Brooklyn, NY. Get your life back on track by receiving the best heel pain treatment available.

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