What is causing my heel pain?
Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems Americans experience, and it is also one of the foot problems that we treat frequently. The two most common causes of heel pain we see in the office are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
Plantar fasciitis develops when the ligament that connects the ball of the foot and heel bone becomes inflamed, weak and swollen. The pain can range from mild to debilitating. Many patients feel a stabbing pain in their heel with their first steps in the morning. This problem is common in runners , pregnant women and people who are overweight.
Achilles tendonitis involves the inflammation of a tendon. However, it is found in the back of the ankle, not the bottom of the foot. Like plantar fasciitis, this leads to irritation, inflammation and pain located in the back of the heel. It’s common in athletes and runners.
You don’t have to live with heel pain. If you reside in the Sammamish, Issaquah, Bellevue or Redmond areas, call Dr Khanh Le at Plateau Foot & Ankle Clinic . We are here to get you back on your feet again!
Can I run with plantar fasciitis?
If you want to try running with plantar fasciitis , one of the most common sources of heel pain, reduce your running time by 25-75%. This will help the injury heal and you can still continue your workout. Avoid running uphill and sprinting. If your symptoms are too severe to run, but you still want to exercise, try a low-impact activity. This can include cycling or swimming.
Once the injury has healed and you return to your usual running routine; start out with short, slow runs. Working out on a soft, flat surface is best. If you don’t experience any pain within a day, you have found the right balance between running and recovery. Returning to your regular training routine will depend on the severity of your injury. If you have heel pain , call Dr. Dr Khanh Le at our Sammamish, WA office today!
