Two Painful Conditions That Will Keep You Off Of Your Feet

You get out of bed in the morning and can't put any weight on one of your feet. This is just one symptom of a series of painful foot or heel pain problems that will keep you from going to work or school. Here is what you need to know about these conditions and how they can be treated.

Plantar Fasciitis

A narrow band of tissue runs along the bottom of your foot called the plantar fascia. It connects your heel bone to the base of your toes and gives your foot stability. It also helps to hold your arch in place. When this tissue is overstretched or irritated, it becomes inflamed and painful. Some of the symptoms of this condition include:

• burning sensation on the bottom of your foot
• severe heel pain when pressing on the bottom of your toes or heel
• inability to place weight on your foot

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Some of the common causes for the irritation of the plantar fascia include:

• poorly fitting shoes that rub on the sole of your foot
• inadequate warming up of the feet before exercising
• bone spurs on the heel

Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

A podiatrist will evaluate the severity of the irritation and recommend treatment based on the cause. Some of the common treatments include:

• anti-inflammatory and pain medications
• custom orthotics in the shoe to relieve pressure from the bottom of the foot
• physical therapy to slowly stretch out the tense plantar fascia

Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon attaches your calf muscle to your heel bone. It controls the up and down movement of your foot and helps hold the arch in place. Irritation of this large tendon causes pain and inflammation. While you may be able to put weight on your foot, you may not be able to flex it as you walk. Other symptoms you may experience include:

• severe pain when you press on your heel or flex your foot
• pain radiating up into your calf muscle
• burning sensation at the back of your heel

Causes of Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon can be irritated a number of ways, such as:

• shoes that rub on the tendon
• poor warm-up technique before exercising
• over-stretching the tendon or calf muscle

Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis

The podiatrist can offer a number of treatment options, including:

• anti-inflammatory and pain medications
• ankle and foot braces to support the foot while the inflammation goes away
• physical therapy to stretch out the tense tendon and calf muscle