Our Woodbridge, VA heel pain doctor can help you seek the relief you’re looking for. Heel pain can be tricky, because we often expect it to go away after a couple days. Sometimes it does, but we’ve seen too many cases where, what started as some small aches and pains, eventually developed into debilitating discomfort. Your feet are too important to neglect. At Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center, we’ll identify the root cause of your pain so that we can get started on restoring your comfort and full mobility as soon as possible. Our team always goes the extra mile for our patients, because we believe that’s what you deserve, especially when you’re dealing with chronic pain. We pride ourselves on our personalized approach and our high standard of service. Contact our Virginia podiatry practice today to set up an appointment and learn more about how we can help.
How Heel Pain Happens
Heel pain often develops from a combination of overuse, strain, or structural issues in the foot. Many of the cases our Woodbridge heel pain doctor treats stem from the following conditions:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis refers to when your plantar fascia, the tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes strained and inflamed. It’s usually caused by excessive standing or repetitive stress to the feet, especially when combined with unsupported footwear. Over time, plantar fasciitis can cause people to change up the way they walk in an attempt to avoid feeling as much pain, which often causes additional strain on other parts of your foot, ankle, and leg.
Stress Fractures
Heel fractures are common among athletes, runners, and anyone who suddenly increases their activity level without proper preparation. They happen when repeated impact or overuse causes tiny cracks to form in the heel bone. Left untreated, these fractures can lead to more significant breaks or other long-term complications.
Achilles Tendinitis
This condition occurs when your Achilles tendon becomes irritated or inflamed. We often see it in athletes, especially runners and people who play sports that involve a lot of jumping. Overuse, sudden increases in activity, and tight calf muscles can all place strain on your Achilles, which can cause swelling and a great deal of pain in your heel area. It’s extremely important to address Achilles tendinitis, as it can develop into more severe issues like tendon tears that may require surgery to repair.
Heel Spurs
These are calcium deposits that develop on the underside of the heel bone. They’re often a response to chronic strain on your foot. While not all heel spurs cause pain, when they do, our patients describe it as a pin or knife pressing into their heel. Heel spurs can exacerbate any pre-existing foot conditions (they’re commonly associated with plantar fasciitis), which makes it extra critical to address both the spur and any underlying causes.
Get Comprehensive And Personalized Treatment
Our Woodbridge heel pain doctor will evaluate your condition and work with you to develop a treatment program designed to effectively address the root cause of your pain. Contact us today to set up an appointment and take that first step toward relief.
Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis
If you're experiencing persistent heel pain, it’s important to consult our Woodbridge, VA heel pain doctor to identify the root cause. Heel pain can be the result of various conditions, with plantar fasciitis being one of the most common. Our foot and ankle specialists at Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center have years of experience helping patients with plantar fasciitis, and we can offer you effective treatment tailored to your specific needs.
What Plantar Fasciitis Is
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. This condition typically causes stabbing pain, especially in the morning when first getting out of bed. As the tissue stretches throughout the day, the discomfort may subside but can return after long periods of standing or physical activity.
Contributing Factors To Plantar Fasciitis
Several factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. One key factor is overuse or repetitive stress, often from activities like running, walking, or standing for long periods. If you're engaging in high-impact activities without proper footwear or support, it can place extra pressure on the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation. Obesity is another significant risk factor, as excess weight increases strain on the feet. Additionally, people who have flat feet or high arches may be more susceptible to this condition due to abnormal foot mechanics.
How Footwear Affects Plantar Fasciitis
Footwear plays a significant role in the development and treatment of plantar fasciitis. Shoes that lack proper arch support, cushioning, or flexibility can exacerbate the problem. If you're wearing shoes that don't provide adequate support, you might be unknowingly contributing to the strain on your plantar fascia. Our foot pain doctors can assess your shoes and provide recommendations for footwear or custom orthotics to help alleviate pressure and discomfort.
Treatment Options For Plantar Fasciitis
Our Woodbridge heel pain doctors offer a range of treatments for plantar fasciitis, including non-invasive therapies like physical therapy, stretching exercises, and custom orthotics. For more severe cases, more advanced treatment options such as corticosteroid injections or shockwave therapy may be considered. In rare instances, surgical intervention may be required, but our foot specialist will always explore conservative measures first to address the issue.
The Importance Of Follow-Up Care
Regular follow-up care is essential to making sure that the treatment plan is effective and that your feet are healing properly. Our Woodbridge heel pain doctors are dedicated to offering comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our highly skilled team understands the importance of getting you back on your feet, and we are committed to providing the highest standard of care.
Get Help From Our Heel Pain Doctors
If you're experiencing heel pain or suspect that you may have plantar fasciitis, don't wait for the pain to worsen. At Dynamic Foot and Ankle Center, we are here to help you find the relief you need. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and let us assist you in regaining your comfort and mobility.