What can I do to treat my heel pain?
Do you feel a sharp pain in your heel when you get up in the morning, but also at the end of a long day spent on your feet? What if it was plantar fasciitis or a heel spur (Lenoir’s thorn)? The podiatrists at the Clinique Podiatrique Stéphanie Bonneau Inc. in Longueuil help you recognize these pathologies and treat them effectively!
How to identify plantar fasciitis or heel spur (Lenoir’s thorn)?
The most recognizable symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel when repeatedly pressing or stretching the foot. These repeated stretches can cause micro-tears and then inflammation of the fascia, the fibrous ligament of the lower or plantar part of the foot, which will be responsible for the pain felt in the heel.
This pain usually appears in the morning when you get up and is in many cases reduced as the day goes on.
Plantar fasciitis should not be confused with heel spur (Lenoir’s thorn), which is identifiable by a slight growth on the heel. This is not painful and is diagnosed following an X-ray of the foot.
What are the causes and risk factors?
The causes of plantar fasciitis can be multiple, however, significant stretching, even wrong movements or repetitive movements are most frequently responsible.
There are other causes of plantar fasciitis such as wearing unsuitable shoes, overloading the foot (for example during sudden weight gain or pregnancy) or after heavy physical exertion. Often seen in new runners, plantar fasciitis is also seen in other athletes following exercise.
Ultimately, people with flat feet will also be more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
What are the possible treatments ?
Before feeling intense heel pain that could impact your quality of life, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist who will be able to carry out a complete diagnosis and provide you with the appropriate care.
Treatments for plantar fasciitis are varied. We find in particular:
- Wearing custom-made foot orthotics
- Functional bandages
- Stretching
- Wearing a splint at night
- Foot massages
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Cortisone injections
- Shock wave therapy
- Laser treatment
A podiatrist can advise you and suggest a treatment adapted to your needs. The podiatrists at Clinique Stéphanie Bonneau Inc. in Longueuil are at your service. Do not hesitate to contact us!
