American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) notes that heel pain is the number one condition that prompts people to seek treatment from a podiatrist. It is estimated that more than two million people receive treatment for plantar fasciitis (heel pain) in the United States each year. Plantar fasciitis is generally the result of faulty biomechanics (walking abnormalities) that place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. The stress may also result from injury, a bruise from walking, running on hard surfaces, wearing poorly constructed shoes, or being overweight. The pain is often at its worst when arising out of bed in the morning or after a prolonged rest.

A simple quiz was developed by the APMA to help people decide if the suffer from plantar fasciitis.

Yes or No Quiz on Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain)

1. Do you experience heel pain first thing in the morning? If so, does walking relieve the pain?
2. Do you have heel pain when you rise after sitting for a prolonged period of time?
3. Do you have heel pain during or just after driving?
4. Have you ever successfully used over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication for relief of heel pain?
5. Does your heel hurt after physical activity?
6. Have you suffered from heel pain for more than one month?

If you answered yes to three or more of these questions than you probably have plantar fasciitis and you need to consult a podiatric physician.

Effective treatments are available for plantar fasciitis. Primarily treatment consists of support of the foot, antiinflammatory medication, stretching exercises and tension night splints. Support of the foot can be accomplished with strapping, over the counter supports or custom made orthotic devices. The basis of any type of support is our shoe gear. The role of shoe support cannot be minimized and needs to be taken into account with the treatment of heel pain.

April is Foot Health Awareness Month as recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). For more information on foot health please see their web site www.apma.org.

Dr. Ravick is past president of the DC Podiatric Medical Association, a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, in private practice at Capital Podiatry Associates since 1980 and often quoted in national and local media.

Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association is the nation’s leading professional society for foot and ankle specialists, with membership of over 10,000 doctors of podiatric medicine. For more information on athletic footwear you can visit the APMA website or call 1-800-FOOTCARE to request a free brochure.