When experiencing heel pain, some people keep on with the activities which seem to cause it. Does this describe you? Don't ignore sore, stiff, painful heels. Instead, see your podiatrist in Butte and Bozeman, MT, Dr. Dallin Greene or Dr. Nathan Judd, at Big Sky Foot and Ankle Institute. The most common reason for heel pain is an inflammatory condition called plantar fasciitis, and it can be treated successfully.

What is plantar fasciitis?

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says plantar fasciitis causes most heel pain, particularly in people who wear poorly supportive shoes, are overweight, are on their feet continually, or who are sports enthusiasts involved in a lot of running and jumping. The broad band of connective tissue between the heel bone and the base of the toes becomes stressed, overstretched, and irritated. Without proper rest and support, heel pain and stiffness begins in the morning and may continue through the day.

Solving heel pain

Many foot and ankle conditions, including heel pain, are more easily alleviated then you may think. For instance, plantar fasciitis rarely requires surgery, but rather, common sense interventions from your Butte and Bozeman podiatrist help tremendously.

When you come to Big Sky Foot and Ankle Institute, Dr. Greene or Dr. Judd will look at your foot and watch you walk. He looks for areas of tenderness, redness, and swelling and also how you place your feet on the floor as you ambulate.

Many people with heel pain also have heel spurs, tiny benign projections off the front of the calcaneus bone. So, the foot doctor likely will take X-rays or other imaging to see what's going on inside your foot. Afterwards, you'll discuss your customized treatment plan.

Treatment for heel pain often includes:

• Stretching exercises (particularly in the morning)
• A change in shoes
• Shoe inserts, or orthotics, custom-made to correct gait problems or to support flat feet or high arches
• Injections of corticosteroids
• Physical therapy
• Shoe padding
• Night splints to stretch the plantar fascia

Get some relief

Heel pain tends to progress; so if you're in pain, come see the friendly team at Big Sky Foot and Ankle Institute in Butte and Bozeman, MT. Dr. Greene and Dr. Judd will get you feeling better and keep you active, too. Please call (406) 782-2278.

As you age, it becomes even more important to take care of yourself, especially your feet. Foot health tends to decline in seniors for many reasons, including:

∙       Years of walking

∙       Improper footwear

∙       Poor circulation

∙       Diseases related to foot problems such as diabetes and gout

∙       Improperly trimming toenails

When problems are ignored, they may worsen and lead to more dangerous issues. There are easy ways to take care of aging feet and nonsurgical treatments to relieve pain.

When to talk to your doctor

It’s important to know when symptoms are just common aches and pains and when they might be something more serious. Even if your pain isn’t related to something serious, you still need to take care of your feet since they are the foundation of the body. Aging foot pains may cause pain in the knees, hips, or back.

Some symptoms to look out for are:

∙       Brittle or discolored toenails

∙       Discoloration or cold/numb feet

∙       Severe pain in feet and ankles

∙       Blisters or cracked skin

∙       Sores and wounds

Tips for maintaining healthy feet

Taking care of feet is simple and will pay off in the long run. Some easy tips for foot health are:

∙       Inspect your feet and nails regularly

∙       Use soap to wash your feet and always thoroughly dry them

∙       Use lotion to prevent dry, itchy, and cracked skin

∙       Wear properly fitted shoes and clean socks

∙       Trim your toenails regularly

∙       Don’t cross your legs

∙       Elevate your feet when seated

Taking care of aging feet is simple, and your dedicated foot doctors are here to help. Foot care is something you shouldn’t avoid, and individuals that aren’t able to take care of their feet are encouraged to see their podiatrist for foot care appointments. If you have any questions about taking care of your aging feet, call our office today to make an appointment!

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