Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis Assessments in Calgary

Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis—a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or, rarely, a cyst. Because there are several potential causes, it is important to have heel pain properly diagnosed. Dr. Crosby of the North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic is highly trained to distinguish between all the possibilities, determine the underlying source and offer treatment for heel pain in Calgary. Contact us today.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis in Calgary is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed—resulting in heel pain. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

• Pain on the bottom of the heel
• Pain that is usually worse upon arising
• Pain that increases over a period of months

People with plantar fasciitis often describe the pain as worse when they get up in the morning or after they’ve been sitting for long periods of time. After a few minutes of walking, the pain decreases because walking stretches the fascia. For some people, the pain subsides but returns after spending long periods of time on their feet.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to the faulty structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches—either overly flat feet or high-arched feet—are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can also lead to plantar fasciitis. This is particularly evident when a person’s job requires long hours on their feet. Obesity also contributes to plantar fasciitis.

Treatments

Once plantar fasciitis is diagnosed, its treatment depends on the nature and severity of the symptoms. Some common ways to treat it are:

• Medication: Some types of anti-inflammatory drugs help to control the swelling associated with the condition.
• Steroid injection: If the pain and swelling are too severe, a steroid injection is an effective way to manage them.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy is a long-term solution to address plantar fasciitis with the help of a range of motions.
• Custom orthotics: Custom orthotics can help balance the distribution of pressure in your heel and relieve your pain.
• Shock-wave therapy: Shock-wave therapy attacks the source of pain directly and encourages blood flow and healing.

If you have any questions regarding treatment options for plantar fasciitis, please contact us.

Why Is Treatment Important?

If you suspect you're suffering from plantar fasciitis, it is essential to get a diagnosis so that you can access the right treatment. Ignoring the problem can lead to chronic heel pain, which might prevent you from participating in sports and other activities. Moreover, heel pain often forces you to change your gait, which will affect your legs, back and knee. If you suffer from severe heel pain, we advise you to schedule an appointment with us immediately.

Contact Us

If you require treatment for plantar fasciitis in Calgary or discuss any of our other treatments, please get in touch with us.