Find out when it’s time to see a doctor about your heel pain.

Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems that is treated by our Naperville, IL, podiatrist, Dr. Nancy Jagodzinskim. Luckily, it’s also often easy to treat.

The most common cause of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the soles of the feet from the toes to the heels. If you are experiencing pain under the heel bone that possibly extends to the arches of your feet, you may be dealing with plantar fasciitis.

More about Plantar Fasciitis

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include,

• Stiffness and/or tenderness in the heel
• Pain that radiates to the arches of the feet
• Pain that gets worse after activity or periods of rest
• Pain when putting weight on the heel

It’s most common to develop plantar fasciitis in only one foot; however, it is possible to develop this problem in both feet. This condition is most likely to appear after an athlete has either upped the intensity or duration of a workout, or if an athlete has changed the terrain where they run or work out (e.g. going from a treadmill to running on uneven or rocky terrain).

Here is the initial course of action for treating plantar fasciitis,

• Rest your feet and avoid high-impact activities such as running or jumping
• Elevate the foot to reduce swelling
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers
• Ice the heel 2-3 times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time to ease pain and discomfort
• Splint or brace the foot, which can provide additional support to the arches

If this is your first time dealing with plantar fasciitis then chances are good that you won’t be able to tell whether this is truly what’s causing your heel pain. This is when it’s a good idea to turn to our Naperville, IL, podiatry doctors for an evaluation. You should also come into our office if,

• At-home care isn’t improving your symptoms
• Your heel pain is severe or getting worse
• Your heel pain is recurring
• You can’t put weight on the affected foot
• You’re also experiencing numbness, fever, or redness in the heel

Need Relief? Give Us a Call!

If in doubt about the symptoms you are experiencing, don’t hesitate to schedule a checkup with our Naperville, IL, foot doctor here at Ankle & Foot Center of Fox Valley. We will be able to quickly diagnose your heel pain and help you determine the best course of action to eliminate your heel pain. Our number is (630) 778-7670.