Heel and Arch Pain
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spur
Syndrome
Click here for information on Extracorporeal Shockwave Treatment for Heel Pain
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
The most common cause of heel and arch pain is a condition called
plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammation of a thick band of tissue
that runs along the arch of your feet from your heel to your toes, and
aids in stabilization of your arch during walking and running.
Symptoms involve two areas -- the arch, and more commonly, the inside
heel area. Severe pain can be present, especially in the morning on
arising. Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Pain in the morning when you first get out of bed
- Pain and stiffness when you start to walk after sitting for a
while
- Increasing pain in your heel or arch towards the end of the day
- Tired feet at the end of the day
Other causes of heel and arch pain include arthritis, infection,
fractures and sprains, or even certain systemic diseases. Because of
the multiple possible causes you should see your podiatrist for a
thorough evaluation if you are experiencing heel or arch pain.
WHAT CAUSES PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Heel and arch pain is usually the result of faulty biomechanics (
walking gait abnormalities) that place too much stress on the heel bone
and the soft tissues that attach to it. This increased stress causes
local inflammation and pain.
The most common cause of this increased stress is a condition known
as "over-pronation", which means that your feet roll inward too much
when you walk. As they roll inward the arch of the foot flattens and
the arch lengthens. When the arch lengthens there is increased tension
on the plantar fascia.
HOW IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS TREATED?
At the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington we are specialists in the
treatment of plantar fasciitis and other causes of arch and heel pain.
It is the most common complaint of clinic patients and we find that well
over 99% of the time it responds well to our specialized treatment
program. Surgery is almost never required.
Our treatment program focuses on two main areas:
- We want to relieve your pain and get you back participating
fully in the activities you enjoy. To this end, we try to relieve
the inflammation which is causing your pain. This may involve
exercises, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, heel
cups, OTC arch supports, custom orthotics, or a combination of
therapies.
- More importantly, we will find the underlying cause and devise a
personalized treatment plan to not only relieve your pain in the
short run, but also prevent it from reoccurring. We will evaluate
your feet, walking pattern (gait), shoes, activities, exercise
methods, and other relevant information and then devise your
treatment plan.
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS:
In more difficult cases of plantar fasciitis you may have custom
functional orthotics prescribed for you. Research indicates that in
cases of mechanically induced heel and arch pain which does not
initially respond to treatment, the most effective treatment is quality
prescription orthotics.
Orthotics for plantar fasciitis are prescribed specifically to help
take tension off of the plantar fascia. In order to ensure best
outcomes we first perform a detailed examination, including slow motion
video analysis, of how you walk and how your big toe joint works. A
mold of your foot is then taken in a very specific position and the
orthotic devices are prescribed in a manner to ensure best function of
your feet.
Dr. Larry Huppin and Dr. Doug Hale are specialists in orthotic
therapy and, in fact, teach orthotic therapy to other doctors at
seminars throughout North America. We take great pride in providing our
patients with the best possible orthoses for their particular problem.
The quality of orthotic devices varies considerably and depends on many
factors. We guarantee our patients that their orthoses are the finest
quality and biomechanically accura
Non-invasive treatment for persistent heel pain?
Extracorporeal shockwave treatment, also known as ESWT, is a
non-invasive, non-surgical treatment option for the intense, persistent
heel pain associated with chronic plantar fasciitis. Click the following
link for more information on ESWT -
Extracorporal Shockwave
Therapy
Is Surgery Ever Necessary?
There are rare cases of plantar fasciitis which do not respond to
conservative treatment. If surgery should be necessary, we will provide
you with comprehensive, state-of-the-art care.
You should, however, always give conservative treatment at least 6
months to work. Conservative treatment should include several of the
following: physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, exercises, shoe recommendations, prefabricated arch supports and quality
prescription orthotics.
Don’t live with heel pain or arch
pain. Call today to make an appointment in our convenient Seattle
office.
All pages on this website © 2008
Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM
Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
The material provided on this web site is for informative purposes only.
If you need specific medical advice, please contact the office for an appointment.
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