Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is a common type of heel pain that often begins without a noticeable injury. The ligament on the bottom of the foot, the plantar fascia, gets inflamed and is painful while walking or standing.

If this condition continues and is not treated, it can cause additional leg and hip injury as you compensate to avoid walking on your heel.

Plantar fasciitis is usually the result of overuse. Your heel may become tender or swollen from:

• Shoes with poor support or shock absorption
• Running too much or on hard surfaces, like concrete
• Tightness in your calf muscle or the Achilles tendon
• Sudden inward or outward turning of your heel
• Landing hard or awkwardly on the heel
• Being overweight

A stretching program is the primary treatment for this kind of heel pain. Medication can reduce the swelling, and shoe inserts may relieve the pressure and pain. Steroid injections or walking casts are used for more extended injuries. Very rarely, surgery is recommended.

To make an appointment with one of our orthopedic foot specialists or learn more about our services, locations and treatment options, please call 410-448-6400 or request an appointment online.