Auto enthusiasts—like those you find in the Mustang Owners Club of Austin, TX—can be a passionate bunch. Many are rather loyal to a particular car manufacturer and love hitting the open highway. While cruising on a long road trip, you certainly don’t want to experience intense heel pain when you finally step out of your car to fill up the tank. If this scenario sounds familiar, you might be dealing with plantar fasciitis.

There are various causes of heel pain, but plantar fasciitis is rather distinct in the fact that it will cause pain after extended periods of inactivity, like when you wake in the morning or have been sitting—possibly in the driver’s seat of a classic car—for a while.

The pain you experience is the result of repeated stretching and tearing of a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. This band is your plantar fascia and it supports your arch and provides shock absorption for the forces that accompany walking, running, and jumping. When it is repeatedly stretched, the fascia sustains tears and then becomes inflamed.

Factors that make it more likely for you to suffer from this condition include:

  • Age – The condition often affects those between 40 and 60 years of age.
  • Activity – Certain physical activities—like running, dance aerobics, and ballet—place excessive stress on your heel and the fascia that connects to it.
  • Weight – Those individuals who are overweight or obese apply extra force to their feet.
  • Foot structure – Flat feet, high arches, and other abnormalities that affect gait and how weight is distributed increase the likelihood of this condition.

The pain may be intense, but the good news is that treatment options exist and are often successful. Our practice has helped many patients who had this condition and we can help you, too!

Are You Looking for a Heel and High Arch Pain Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for heel pain care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatristAustin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Comments are closed.