Heel Pain Relief

Research has determined some very specific ways to alleviate often excruciating heel pain, which can affect the legs and back as well.

Types

There are varying types of heel pain. Heel spurs are a common contributor to heel pain. When too much stress has been put on the plantar fascia ligament, a heel spur can form where the heel bone and plantar fascia meet. The spur itself is actually a hook-shaped bone fragment that grows upward from the bottom of the heel, causing extensive pain. The spur works its way through the delicate tissue on the bottom of the foot.

Types

Plantar fasciitis is probably the most common cause for severe heel pain. When the plantar fascia ligament becomes inflamed due to ligament strain, the tissue becomes torn. This can be caused by several different situations, including weight gain, excessive running, excessive exercise or wearing unsupportive shoes.

Prevention/Solution

Preventing heel pain is probably the best way to ensure heel pain relief. Wear supportive shoes with comfortable soles and insoles. Visit a podiatrist prior to and during any excessive physical training like playing sports or running any distances. Be mindful of increasing the support in your shoes if you find you are gaining weight. In the case of pregnancy weight gain, discuss foot and heel care with your doctor.

Use of Ice

Ice may provide significant help when seeking heel pain relief. A good rule of thumb is to ice the afflicted heel for 20 minutes and then remove the ice for another 20 minutes. Repeat this process as often as possible until achieving the desired relief. Anti-inflammatory medications can be used when icing the area is not practical. Be sure to follow package directions.

Orthodics

Orthodics undoubtedly provide the best and longest relief for people suffering with heel pain. Orthodics can provide the support necessary to prevent the pain of plantar fascia. Each orthodic can be designed specifically to provide accupressure to exact places on the heel, taking weight shifts and pressure points into consideration.

A podiatrist will take a mold of the foot and analyze the mold to ascertain the location of pressure points where additional support is specifically needed. The mold then gets sent off to an orthodic manufacturer.

Benefits

Wearing orthodics will provide heel pain relief but it may not be instant. While patients are first getting used to the feel of the new orthodics, they may still want to use an anti-inflammatory and ice the heel on occasion. Once the body adjusts to the orthodics, the heel pain will be relieved.

Patients suffering from severe heel pain will find that once the heel pain is relieved, their overall physical health will feel significantly better. Heel pain can wear on a body, causing headaches and fatigue in addition to the serious heel pain. Heel pain relief will be the beginning of whole new feeling of well being.

Resources

• Foot Smart, ePodiatry