“Plantar fasciitis” is the most common condition that causes heel pain. When plantar fascia (a tough band of connective tissue) gets inflamed, a person experiences pain. That condition is called plantar fasciitis. People experience plantar fasciitis when they run, jump or stand for a long time. The pain is worst first thing in the morning when affected person gets out of bed or when seats for a long time and gets up.
To diagnose plantar fasciitis healthcare provider needs to ask questions about symptoms and perform physical exam. Sometime X-rays or other tests are needed to rule out problems that may cause similar pain.
There are exercises that help to relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Also, rest, putting ice for up to 20 minutes four times a day, taking over-the-counter pain-relieving medications “NSAID’s” that include ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (brand name: Aleve), using sturdy shoes with arch and heel support and wearing splints at night may alleviate symptoms of foot and heel pain.
Health care provider can also do a foot or heel injection with numbing medication and corticosteroids to help with pain and inflammation.
