Hope For Those With Heel Pain

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Do you suffer from heel pain? The odds are you could be experiencing plantar fasciitis which affects more than one million people every year.

Plantar fasciitis can affect people who are athletes as well as those who are sedentary.

There are certain people at greater risk, including those who are obese, run excessively or who have prolonged standing. The tell tale sign is heel pain that occurs with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. There is a sheath of sorts that runs down the bottom of your foot called the plantar fascia and it can become inflamed and irritated and, like with most foot problems, it can become a real irritant.

Sometimes the most effective treatment is rest and wearing sneakers that provide good support but, in other cases, anti-inflammatory medications are needed. If you see a physician you will probably be given prescription medications and foot orthotics and possibly injections but the good news is nine out of ten do quite well.