The Good Times running series continues July 15th in Lowell with the Joker’s Wild 5K. Comedy and running are mixing, and the results are sure to be fun. Don’t let heel pain get in the way of your running this weekend. Laser treatment can relieve your discomfort and get you back in the race.

The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This happens when the plantar fascia, or the thick band of tissue in the foot connecting the toes to the heel, becomes inflamed. It can happen to anyone, but is seen more frequently in people who are on their feet all day. The more pressure you put on your plantar fascia the more likely you are to injure it. If you usually feel pain or tightness in your heels first thing in the morning and then it gets better throughout the day, this is probably what you are suffering from. If you don’t get the plantar fasciitis treated it can lead to heel spurs, which will add to your pain.

Treatment for pain relief from plantar fasciitis can include using a shoe orthotic or taking anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by a doctor. If it becomes too advanced there are other courses of action to take. Laser therapy is a viable option for many people. It targets problem areas using specific wavelengths, and it is painless for the person undergoing the procedure. The goals of laser therapy are to speed up recovery time, fight inflammation, and ease your pain. In very extreme cases you might need surgery, and we are well-equipped to deal with that as well.

Call Dr. Mitchell Wachtel at (978) 794-8406 to schedule an appointment at one of three Massachusetts office locations. We are here to help you maintain your foot health so you can enjoy life unhampered by pain.