How Heel Pain Symptoms Differ Between Plantar Fasciitis And A Stress Fracture
Heel pain is a common condition that has a variety of causes. Some types of heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis, are very common, while others, such as a heel stress fracture aren't as common. When you have heel pain, it may be difficult for you to decide if you need to see a doctor and what could be wrong. Here's how to tell the difference between plantar fasciitis and a stress fracture and when you should see a heel pain doctor.
Signs You Might Have Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis has distinctive symptoms, so it's fairly easy to tell when you might have this foot condition. However, the only way to know for sure is to see your doctor for an evaluation and testing. With plantar fasciitis, your heel pain gets worse after you've been sleeping at night or sitting in a chair for a while. When you stand and take your first steps, you may have sharp pain in your heel that makes you limp. As you walk, you stretch your feet and the pain gets better.
So, as long as you stay active, your pain is generally less than it is if you rest for long periods. That's why your heel pain doctor may recommend you wear a brace or boot while sleeping at night. The brace keeps your foot in a stretched position like it is when you're walking. That, combined with ice for pain might help manage your condition while your foot heals.
Signs You Might Have A Stress Fracture
The symptoms of a stress fracture are quite different from plantar fasciitis symptoms. With a stress fracture, your heel hurts worse when you walk on it. When you rest, the pain is relieved. Treatment might include ice for pain and wearing a cast so your fracture can heal. Both plantar fasciitis and a stress fracture can take weeks to heal, so you have to be patient.
Signs You Should See A Doctor
If you're an athlete, you may have frequent injuries that you deal with on your own. However, when you have heel pain and it doesn't get better quickly, then you should see a doctor for a diagnosis. You'll also want to see a doctor if your pain is severe and you can't walk on your foot. Your doctor might take X-rays or an MRI of your foot to see what's causing your problem so the right treatment can begin.
You can develop heel pain whether you're an athlete or not. To help the pain heal and to prevent further injury, be sure to wear supportive shoes and begin an exercise program gradually since a sudden increase in running or other activity might cause an injury to your heel.