The most common cause of pain in the heel is plantar fasciitis. Pain on the bottom of the heel that is worse with the first steps out of bed in the morning is the major characteristic of this condition. People most likely to get this problem are on their feet a lot especially on hard surfaces and have tight calf muscles. If you run or walk for exercise, dance, or your job requires you to stand or walk on hard surfaces you are at risk.
Consider the following story:
A very pleasant woman came to me for pain in the bottom of her heel that began 3 weeks after a new exercise program. She was admittedly overweight since delivering her last child 2 years ago and wanted desperately to lose weight. The pain is like a knife going straight into the bottom of her heel when she gets out of bed, but goes away after just a few steps. She works on concrete floors wearing shoes that lack support. When she sits at lunch the first few steps are painful again like the morning, but goes away quickly. By the end of the day her heels are just aching so bad she can barely walk.
After detailed examination sitting, standing, and walking, the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis was made. This patient needs to continue to work and exercise so treatment consisted of stretching the calf muscles and plantar fascia using exercises and plantar fascia night splints. The pain and inflammation were treated with oral medications and icing exercises. Her shoes, lacking support, were helped by adding prefabricated foot orthotics (shoe inserts).
This story might sound similar to yours or even less severe than yours. Other treatment options for more severe pain include steroid injection, physical therapy, and even casting in some cases. Most patients suffering from heel pain/plantar fasciitis get relief without surgery.
Dr. Stephen Geller, AZ Podiatrist
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State of Arizona Board of Podiatry Examiners
THE BOARD
The Board of Podiatry Examiners licenses and regulates doctors of podiatric medicine in the state of Arizona.
Welcome from the Director
Welcome to the revised WEB site of the Board of Podiatry Examiners. While areas of the site are under development, it contains or will contain a variety of information ranging from a directory of licensed podiatrists to consumer information.
Who is a Podiatrist?
The podiatry profession has undergone considerable growth and change in recent years. The following information has been provided by the Australian Podiatry Association to provide other health professionals with an overview of these developments and to outline the role of the podiatry profession in the treatment of problems of the feet and lower limbs.
A podiatrist is a health professional who deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs.
The conditions podiatrists treat include those resulting from bone and joint disorders such as arthritis and soft-tissue and muscular pathologies as well as neurological and circulatory diseases. Podiatrists are also able to diagnose and treat any complications of the above which affect the lower limb, including skin and nail disorders, corns , calluses and ingrowing toenails. Foot injuries and infections gained through sport or other activities are also diagnosed and treated by podiatrists.
To become a podiatrists a practitioner must complete a Bachelor’s Degree and be registered with state podiatry registration boards.
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