Heel Pain Solutions: Strategies for Managing Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs

Tired of living with heel pain? Dr. Justin Pointer, Dr. Nishani Kuruppu, and Dr. Tomika Coleman of Southern Maryland Foot and Ankle in Waldorf, Clinton, and California, MD, offer personalized and effective treatment techniques. 

Managing Heel Pain 

Experiencing pain in the heels is a common issue, which is unfortunate as our feet are so heavily involved in our daily lives. The problem is that such heavy involvement can lead to various issues, including plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. In this guide, Dr. Pointer, Dr. Kuruppu, and Dr. Coleman of Southern Maryland Foot and Ankle in Waldorf, Clinton, and California, MD, share what these two conditions are and how you can manage heel pain caused by them. 

What Is Plantar Fasciitis? 

Along the bottom of your feet runs a thick band of tissue that connects the heels to the toes. This is called the plantar fascia. Often, this band becomes inflamed due to overuse, leading to a great deal of pain. 

What Are Heel Spurs? 

Heel spurs are bony growths or bony protrusions on the heel bones. These don’t always cause pain, but they often do. Though heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are two separate conditions, the tightness and inflammation of the plantar fascia is typically the cause of heel spurs. 

How to Manage the Pain 

In most cases of heel pain, conservative approaches are effective. These begin with addressing the cause of the pain, which normally includes: 

• Decreasing your level of activity or changing the type of activity 
• Therapeutic exercises that stretch the tight band and relieve tension 
• Icing the foot to relieve inflammation 
• Custom orthotics to provide the necessary support for your arches 
• Splints that you can wear to bed to keep your feet positioned healthily while you sleep

Techniques like laser therapy can also be beneficial in relieving tension and inflammation, as well as stimulating recovery of the soft tissues. When conservative approaches are not enough, surgical intervention might be recommended. 

Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are not the only causes of heel pain, but they are among the most common. Don’t let heel pain keep you down. Visit Dr. Pointer, Dr. Kuruppu, and Dr. Coleman at Southern Maryland Foot and Ankle in Waldorf, Clinton, and California, MD, for relief. You can reach our Waldorf office at (301) 843-9581, our Clinton office at (301) 868-3899, or our California office at (301) 690-6044.