Standing for long hours or pounding the pavement can cause heel discomfort for most of us, but when the pain is persistent, intense, or even debilitating, it could be due to plantar fasciitis.

Pain on the bottom of your feet can have many causes, and Dr. Robert J. Valins of Total Foot and Ankle in Tampa Bay, with locations in Wesley Chapel, Apollo Beach, Zephyr Hills, Sun City Center, and Valrico/Bloomingdale, can help pinpoint the source of your heel pain and work with you to make being on your feet comfortable again.

What is plantar fasciitis?

This type of heel pain is the result of inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes.

What can cause heel pain?

• Wearing flimsy, high heeled, too big or small, or unsupportive shoes
• Prolonged standing
• High body weight
• Tight calf muscles
• Flat feet or high arches
• An intensive exercise that puts constant pressure on your feet

What are the signs of plantar fasciitis?

The symptoms of heel pain include pain on the underside of your foot, on or near the heel, along with swelling or stiffness of the heel. You may find the pain increases in the morning or when standing for extended periods of time. Your podiatrist at our Wesley Chapel, Apollo Beach, Zephyr Hills, Sun City Center or Valrico/Bloomingdale locations will feel examine your feet for tenderness on the heel, pressing on the area while bending your toes forward.

How can I treat my heel pain?

Depending on the source and severity of your heel pain, your podiatrist at our Wesley Chapel, Apollo Beach, Zephyr Hills, Sun City Center, or Valrico/Bloomingdale locations may advise one or more of the following:

• Icing the area
• Physical therapy
• A cortisone injection in the foot
• Wearing a splint or brace during the night
• Choosing supportive, well-fitting shoes
• Using cushioning shoe inserts
• Taking an over the counter pain reliever
• Stretching your arches
• Switching your exercise routine from high-pressure activities like running and jumping to those which put less stress on the heel, like swimming or biking
  
  

In extreme cases, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone.

Let your heel pain be a thing of the past with help from the podiatrists of Total Foot and Ankle in Tampa Bay. Reach our locations in Wesley Chapel, Apollo Beach, Zephyr Hills, Sun City Center, and Valrico/Bloomingdale at 813-788-3600.