It is common for runners to experience pain in their heel as a result of injuries or over stretching your feet. However, there may be a number of reasons why you are experiencing heel pain in Jacksonville, FL. If you have pain in one or both heels, have swelling or bruising on or near your heel and if the problem has been going on for a while or continues to get worse, it is important to visit a podiatrist. A podiatrist is a medical doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating problems with the feet. There are several different reasons why you may be experiencing heel pain in Jacksonville, FL, including plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused by an inflammation in a ligament in your foot. The ligament can become tight after walking, running or standing for long periods of time and when the ligament tightens up, it causes pain in the heel of your foot. Other common causes of heel pain may include:
• Bone spurs which are calcium deposits that build up under the heel bone. The bone spurs can cause pain during physical activity, such as running when you are putting pressure on the heel.
• Heel bruising can occur if you step on a hard object, such as a rock while walking or running. In some situations, the bruise is not visible because it is under the heel bone.
• Stress fractures can commonly occur in people who do repetitive activities, such as long-distance running. Common symptoms of a stress fracture may include bruising and/or swelling in the heel of your foot as well as pain and sometimes difficulty walking.
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the result of a pinched nerve in the tarsal tunnel. If you have tarsal tunnel syndrome the symptoms may include tingling, numbness, pain and/or burning in the foot and heel area.
In most situations the pain can be relieved by resting the foot. Depending on the type of heel pain you are experiencing and the cause, the podiatrist may recommend changing the type of shoe you wear, heat and ice therapy, or an orthopaedic device to wear inside of your shoes for support. To know more, contact First Coast Foot Clinic.