Plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, can affect anyone. However, it is more frequent in runners, people who are overweight, and those who spend long hours on their feet. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed due to overuse, poor footwear, or foot structure issues. The condition often causes sharp pain near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. The foot may look normal but feel tender, tight, and sore when walking or standing. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition through physical examination, gait analysis, and imaging if needed. Treatment options include stretching exercises, orthotic devices, supportive footwear, and other therapies to reduce pain and inflammation. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist if heel pain is limiting your daily activities. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Joseph M. LaCava, DPM  from Arkansas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pregnancy can bring significant changes to the feet, causing discomfort and affecting mobility. Weight gain and hormonal shifts can lead to swelling, low arches, and a flattened foot shape. Changes in the center of gravity may cause an unsteady gait, increasing the risk of falls. Swelling can create tightness and discomfort in shoes, while low arches may contribute to foot fatigue and pain. These issues often result from increased body mass, fluid retention, and ligament laxity caused by pregnancy hormones. A podiatrist can help by assessing foot structure, recommending supportive footwear or orthotics, providing exercises to strengthen the feet, and other solutions for managing pain. If you have foot pain during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief tips.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Joseph M. LaCava, DPM from Arkansas. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain is one of the most frequent foot complaints, but it does not always have a single cause. While plantar fasciitis is often blamed, fat pad atrophy or nerve entrapment can produce similar discomfort. Each cause has different symptoms. Plantar fasciitis often creates sharp pain with the first steps in the morning, while fat pad atrophy feels more like a deep bruise from loss of natural cushioning. Because symptoms can overlap, an accurate diagnosis is important in choosing the right treatment. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, activity level, and gait patterns to pinpoint the true source of pain. Treatments may include stretching, custom orthotics, footwear changes, or other targeted therapies. If heel pain is interfering with your daily comfort, it is suggested that you schedule a podiatric evaluation to find the most effective treatment solution.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Joseph M. LaCava, DPM of Arkansas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hot Springs, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.