Heel pain? Try stretches, orthotics, new shoes

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Posted on: KABC-TV/DT

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Two million Americans suffer from plantar fasciitis. It's one of the most common complaints people have when it comes to foot pain. But there are steps you can take to not only treat it, but prevent it.

Walking: Our feet average 115,000 miles of it in our lifetime. But with overuse feet can develop heel pain often caused by plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the feet.

"Usually for the first week or two they'll write it off and say this is going to get a little bit better, they'll stretch maybe, but usually the symptoms don't go away," said sports physical therapist Christine Panagos.

Athletes and people who are either overweight or stand for long periods of time are most prone to plantar fasciitis.

Wearing old, worn-out shoes is another culprit. Make sure to replace yours every three to six months.

Early intervention includes a good balancing and stretching program.

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If a stretching program doesn't help after six weeks, you may be referred to an orthotist for custom-made orthotics.

Before you spend a lot of money on pricey custom-made orthotics, experts recommend trying over-the-counter inserts first.

Another tip? Take a look at the soles of your shoes to see if there's a distinct wear pattern.

That can help a podiatrist tell whether or not you're over-pronating.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office in Las Vegas anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ FallCenter.com or www.walkwithdiabetes.com.   The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!