OUCH! Heel pain. Foot Health: A quick look at a common foot problem.

After a 40-minute basketball game, my game my feet ache. Do I have the right shoes? Is it poor running technique? Do I need to stretch more? Or is it just overuse? These are some common questions. Referees run approximately 2.5 to 3 miles per game. During the season, you can easily have four games in five nights. That's 15 miles of pounding the hardwood in five days. With this much time on your feet, referees need to invest in foot health. I spoke with Dr. Roxann V. Clarke, Podiatric Surgeon, Wound Care Specialist from Downtown Podiatry in New York City, to get her incite on a common foot ache.FOOT PAIN CAN BE A PAIN IN THE HEEL If you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your heel after a long run or new pair of shoes, this may be the first sign of a common problem called Plantar fasciitis.  WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?Plantar fasciitis is a condition of pain in the heel area of the foot that is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia (a fibrous band that helps hold the arch of the foot up during standing and walking). Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that is treated by foot specialists. It is the most common cause of heel pain (1,2).WHAT CAUSES PLANTAR FASCIITIS? There are many causes of this condition: • The most common being the tightness and lack of flexibility in the calf muscles and hamstrings of the leg.  • Small tears in the plantar fascia from over-use and strain at the heel bone attachmentA common symptom of this condition is a pain in the heel at its worst when first getting up from rest. (first step of the day after sleeping, first step when getting up from being seated at desk at work). Plantar fasciitis affects all foot types, whether you have a high arch or flat foot.HOW DO I TREAT PLANTAR FASCIITIS?Treatments for this condition include:• Physical therapy to help stretch tight calf muscle and hamstrings• Night splints that can be worn during rest to help stretch calf muscle complex (1)• Local injections using an anesthetic and a steroid to relieve pain and inflammation in the area• Orthotics or arch supports help relax the plantar fascia during walking and standing.  When all these treatments fail, surgical options such as:• Plantar fasciotomy, which involves cutting the plantar fascia, so there is no longer a pull at the heel bone• Topaz procedure that turns chronic inflammation into acute inflammation, which is easier for the body to heal from (2) HOW CAN I PREVENT MYSELF FROM GETTING PLANTAR FASCIITIS?• If you are an active individual, always take time to stretch out calf muscles and hamstrings before and after activity. • Extra support in athletic shoe gear is also good at preventing the plantar fascia from putting strain on your heel bone. 1. Lance D. Barry, Anna N Barry, Yinpu/The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Vol 41, Issue 4, P221-2272. M.D. Sorensen et al. / The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery 50 (2011) 165–170Thanks, Dr. Roxann V. Clarke, for your insight.Dr. Roxann V. Clarke DPM, MS, AACFASPodiatrist located in Kings County, Brooklyn, NYThe Foot Specialty Practice, Brooklyn, NYPhone (appointments): 718-345-3450 | Phone (general inquiries): 718-345-3450903 Utica Avenue, Floor 2, Brooklyn, NY 11203