Heel Pain Treatment: What You Need to Know
Article by Douglas Hale
There are effective heel pain treatments that can reduce the pain as quickly as possible and prevent it from returning. When treatment is done correctly, the heel pain subsides and normal activity can be resumed. This can almost always be done through conservative, nonsurgical methods.
Reasons for Heel Pain Treatment
The most common reason people need heel pain treatment is due to plantar fasciitis. In this condition, the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes (the plantar fascia) become swollen and inflamed. One or both feet might experience soreness due to the irritation. Without heel pain treatment, plantar fasciitis can worsen over time.This problem can occur at any age, but it?s most common in people over 40 and those who are athletes or on their feet a lot. If you are having symptoms, you?ll notice stiffness and pain when you walk, stand, or run. This pain can be the most intense first thing in the morning and become a dull ache later in the day.
If you have plantar fasciitis, it might be due to the following:
* Having feet that roll inward when you walk (known as overpronation)
* Wearing shoes that are worn out
* Wearing shoes that don?t fit properly
* Walking, running, or standing on hard surfaces
* Tight Achilles tendon or calf muscles that need stretching
* Having flat feet or high arches
* Being overweight or obese
Heel Pain Treatment Goals
If you need treatment for heel pain, it is important to meet with an experienced podiatrist. This visit will include an evaluation to determine the cause of your heel pain and a treatment plan. Together, you can work through conservative approaches. In the majority of cases, your pain can quickly be reduced.
The first step is to reduce the tightness in the plantar fascia area. If this doesn?t happen, the heel pain treatment will fail. To do this, it?s important to cushion and support the foot. Try custom orthotics, wearing the right shoes, and allowing the foot to rest by using special taping or a ?walking boot.?
Next, work to reduce the soreness and pain in the heel through using anti-inflammatory medications, ice, physical therapy and even steroid injections. Finally, the pain must be kept from returning with the use of arch supports or custom orthotics.
What to Do When Heel Pain Persists
If your heel pain is persisting and you?ve tried conservative options, discuss your concerns with to your podiatrist. Heel pain that has not been treated properly or has persisted for a long time can be less responsive and require additional care. In rare cases, surgery is considered, but you should always give conservative treatment at least 6 months to work.
Talk to your podiatrist and make sure you have the correct diagnosis. Since there are multiple causes for heel pain, it?s important to get a complete evaluation.
About the Author
For more inforamtion on heel pain in children and their tretment, visit Footankle.com