With spring around the corner, many runners who have been quarantined to the gym or treadmill are ready to get outside! In Smithtown, NY, the St. Patrick’s Go for the Green 5K and Fun Run is coming up March 22, 2014. Hundreds of participants show up for this event, making it a fun time for the whole family—unless you are sidelined by pain.

Whether you are a beginner, seasoned runner or just someone starting out a “get healthy” spring exercise routine, heel pain can stop you in your tracks. It can truly hinder any springtime activity, such as running a 5K or just window-shopping downtown. It is important to remind you that pain in your foot isn’t normal—it is a sign that something is wrong and needs your attention. Too often we continue with our busy lives, hoping it will just go away when usually it only gets worse.

There are a couple of common problems that we treat when patients come in complaining of heel pain. One is called plantar fasciitis—when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your toes to your heel bone. Stress and tension from poor footwear or overtraining can cause inflammation and pain in your arch and heel. A second condition is a heel spur—an abnormal growth on the bottom of the heel bone. It can cause pain during exercise or while simply standing or walking. Certain activities, an abnormal gait and poorly fitting shoes can lead to this condition.

These are just two common conditions that could cause pain in your heels. If you have symptoms that are not improving, it is important to get the injury properly diagnosed so the right treatment can be applied. Quicker is always better when it comes to preserving your foot health. Contact Mark Gasparini, D.P.M. today if you have heel pain and need help. Call our office in Massapequa, NY at (516) 804-9038 and make an appointment today.

Photo credit: marin via freedigitalphotos.net

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