3 Effective Ways to Treat Heel Pain
3 Effective Ways to Treat Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is a tear and inflammation of the strong facsia band on the bottom of the foot, which can cause acute/ chronic heel pain. When the thick web-like connective tissue that runs from your toes to the heel bone suffers prolonged wear and tear, it becomes susceptible to inflammation. The problem typically is a result of poor foot mechanics and overuse activity.
The following factors can increase your risk of chronic heel pain:
Poor foot mechanics/balance
Age: It is commonly observed in individuals between the ages of 30 and 60.
Obesity: Excessive body weight can put undue stress on the plantar fascia.
Prolonged standing: Standing on hard surfaces for several hours or longer puts strain on the tissue.
Although you must see a Podiatrist for a diagnosis, here are three ways that can help you reduce inflammation and pain:
Ice your feet
You must apply ice three to four times a day to reduce the pain and swelling. You can ice the heel by:
Using a tensor bandage to wrap a bag of ice to your heel. Place a thin cloth barrier between the ice and your skin to avoid skin damage.
Freeze a 500 ml water bottle and place it under your foot. You can roll the bottle back and forth from heel to toe to massage the heel and arch. Cover the bottle with a thin sock or a piece of cloth if it is too cold.
If you have an ice tape, wrap it around your foot. It'll provide compression for extended periods without causing skin irritation.
Take Ibuprofen medication (Advil or Aleve), providing you are not allergic to it or have stomach/intestinal disorders, i.e., ulcer.
Wear a compression sock
Damage to the plantar fascia usually occurs gradually as micro-tears accumulate due to excessive overpulling and repeated pressure.
The best time for micro-tears to heal is during the night or when you are at rest, as the foot remains in a neutral stress-free position.
Try off-the-shelf foot Insoles
Poor foot biomechanics are behind common foot conditions like Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain) and Metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain). You can place orthotic insoles inside your shoes to correct faulty foot function. These are over-the-counter support devices that help the arch uniformly distribute weight while standing or walking. It reduces the amount of stress on the fascia. Prescription orthotics re-align the feet and ankle bones into their neutral position, restoring the natural foot function. Prescription orthotics from a Podiatrist is the number one treatment for plantar fasciitis.
About Accent on Feet
When home remedies and over-the-counter shoe inserts aren’t effective, you must book an appointment with a Podiatrist. If you are looking for a foot care clinic in Toronto, Accent on Feet should be your one-stop destination.
We have been correcting foot issues for the last 39 years and aim to help patients with foot conditions live comfortable lives. We have a team of professionals for foot heel pain treatment. You can book an appointment by calling us at (416) 635-8637 or 1-866-535-8637 (toll-free). Save time by bringing along a completed copy of this new patient form.
