Did you know that Surprise’s youth sports programs are always on the lookout for volunteer coaches? These coaching opportunities are a great way for the athletically minded to give back to the community and serve as a mentor to our children. If you suffer from heel pain, though, you might find it harder to keep up with the kids! Knowing the cause of your pain is the first step toward treating the problem and alleviating your discomfort.
One of the most common culprits of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. It is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and forms the arch of the foot. This tissue can be aggravated by overly intense activity, prolonged standing on hard surfaces, or improper footwear. Runners, people who are obese, and those with flat feet also frequently suffer from this problem.
Another source of heel pain is Achilles tendinitis. This is an injury caused by severe or repeated strain on the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Like plantar fasciitis, this condition can also be prevalent in those who are overweight, have flat feet, or engage in overly intense running or activities without the proper conditioning.
The similarities between these two conditions don’t end with causes. Both are also capable of creating pain when you wake up in the morning that gradually lessens as you move around. So how do you determine the culprit? Location is key. If the pain is felt beneath the heel bone, it is more likely plantar fasciitis. If it’s felt at the back of the heel, Achilles tendinitis is a prime suspect.
If your heel pain is instead keeping you up at night, you may have tarsal tunnel syndrome. In this condition, the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel becomes compressed. This may cause sharp, stabbing, shooting, burning, tingling, or numb sensations in the heel and the sole of the foot. Symptoms usually grow worse with increased activity.
If you’re experiencing heel trouble of any type, don’t just live with it. Let Dr. Peyman Elison and Dr. Viedra Elison at the Fixing Feet Institute expertly diagnose the problem. Then we can provide treatments to alleviate your pain and make activities more enjoyable again. Call (623) 584-5556 to schedule an appointment at our Surprise, AZ office.
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