What's the best way to treat heel pain? Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Center in Land O' Lake FL offers the latest and most effective techniques to help patients stay mobile and pain-free. Your podiatrists, Drs. George and Kathy Tjamaloukas, often see plantar fasciitis as the cause of heel discomfort. Just remember that your former podiatrist Wesley Chapel, FL is now in a new location!

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition affecting people of all ages. Related to overuse and overstretching of the arch of the foot, this inflammatory problem presents with a sharp pain in the arch and heel, particularly after rising in the morning or after prolonged inactivity. Pain lessens through the day, but over time, the condition worsens.

The plantar fascia is the connective tissue between the calcaneus (heel bone) and the base of the toes. As you walk or run, this tissue flattens and springs back. If your gait is unbalanced or if you carry too much body weight, the plantar fascia swells and becomes increasingly tender.

Sometimes, people with plantar fasciitis also have heel spurs, small projections off the front of the heel bone itself. Heel pain may originate in a stone bruise or simple wear and tear arthritis.

Diagnosis and treatment of heel pain

See your podiatrist at Comprehensive Foot and Ankle formerly in Wesley Chapel and now in Land O' Lakes FL. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, look at your feet, and take digital X-rays. With plantar fasciitis confirmed, you can start on a care strategy to relieve inflammation and pain and to maximize your mobility. Your treatments may include:

• Resting
• Icing your arches and heels
• Physical therapy to include daily exercises (calf stretches)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Custom-designed shoe inserts (orthotics) to cushion your heel and support your arches
• ESWT, or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, an in-office application of sound waves to decrease inflammation, increase circulation, and help the healing

Luckily, most patients do not need surgery. However, if plantar fascia release is an option, count on Dr. Tjamaloukas for a well-executed procedure and your complete recovery.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) says that simply walking one mile puts 120,000 pounds of pressure on each foot. That's 60 tons! So good foot care is a must.

Contact us

If your heels hurt, please don't hesitate to call your podiatrists, Drs. George and Kathy Tjamaloukas, for a complete podiatric exam. The team at Comprehensive Foot and Ankle formerly in Wesley Chapel and now in Land O' Lakes FL cares. They can help you resolve your heel pain. Phone today for a consultation: (813) 909-0865.