Have your home treatments failed to improve your heel pain? A visit to your Naperville, IL, podiatrist Dr. Nancy Jagodzinski may help relieve your painful symptoms.

Common heel pain causes

Heel pain can be caused by:

• Stone Bruises: The bruises form on the fat pads under the skin on the bottom of your heel. You may be more likely to develop a stone bruise if you participate in a sport or activity that involves running or jumping, wear shoes that don't adequately support or cushion your feet, or have stepped on a small rock or toy. In some cases, stone bruises may be caused by structural problems that affect your feet. These bruises usually go away in a week or two as long as you limit the time you spend on your feet. If you continue to experience pain or develop the bruises often, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your Naperville foot doctor.
• Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. The condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a tough band of tissue that connects your toes to your heels, becomes inflamed. Inflammation can occur if you stand for hours, run, are overweight, or have flat feet or high arches. You're more likely to develop plantar fasciitis between the ages of 40 and 60. To help relieve pain, your podiatrist might suggest exercises that stretch the plantar fascia. You may also benefit from night splints, devices that hold your foot in the optimum position while you sleep, and orthotics that cushion your feet and improve their alignment. Surgery may be needed occasionally, although most people recover from plantar fasciitis without it.
• Achilles Tendinitis: The condition causes inflammation in the Achilles tendon, the taut tendon at the back of your heel. Ignoring Achilles tendinitis symptoms can increase your risk of developing a partial or full tear in the tendon. Luckily, your podiatrist offers treatments and devices that can help ease your pain, such as corticosteroid injections or prescription orthotics that reduce pressure on your heel. You may also benefit from exercises that help strengthen the muscles that support your tendon. Surgery is generally performed only if you have significant pain and your condition doesn't improve after months of treatment.

Are you concerned about lingering heel pain? Podiatrist Dr. Nancy Jagodzinski can help. Call Ankle & Foot Center of Fox Valley, LTD, at (630) 778-7670 and schedule an appointment with her today!