If the simple act of walking can put immense pressure on your feet, what more with running or jumping? The weight of our body is supported by our feet daily, which is why it is commonly prone to pain and inflammation. With the heel being the largest bone of the foot, it bears most of the stress and pressure in that part of your body. This is why it is important to understand how to properly manage heel pain.
In general, you can manage heel pain with help from your podiatrist, Dr. Supreet Ghuman of Prairie Foot and Ankle, P.C, in Elgin and Chicago, IL, and by following some simple lifestyle modifications and home remedies. But first, why do you have heel pain?
Common Heel Pain Causes
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common culprits of heel pain. When too much pressure is placed on the feet, the plantar fascia ligament is damaged, resulting in stiffness and pain. Other injuries that could result in heel pain include:
- Fractured bone
- Achilles tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Osteochondroses
- Reactive arthritis
Pain Management at Home
Depending on the severity of the pain or inflammation, many suffering from heel pain can readily find a quick remedy from home. This means that an emergency trip to the doctor is not always the best solution. The important thing is to understand where the pain is coming from and what caused it. That being said, here are some quick home remedies for managing heel pain:
- Resting: Foot fatigue often leads to pain. By limiting your activities that put immense pressure on your heel, you will be able to mitigate the pain.
- Icing: Icing or cold compress therapy could help ease any pain you may be feeling in your heels. Ice therapy is done in 20-minute intervals to reduce pain and any inflammation.
- Feet Support: Always provide ample support for your feet when wearing any footwear. The support should be enough to make your arch and heel comfortable.
- Stretching: Loosening up those muscles in your calves and feet daily will lessen any chances of injury and pain. Stretching has likewise been proven to relieve pain, especially when it's connected to plantar fasciitis.
Time for The Foot Doctor
So, when is the right time to visit your podiatrist? Generally speaking, if the pain has been consistent for about two to three weeks, then you should head to one of our offices in either Elgin or Chicago. What else?
- Experiencing severe pain
- Start of sudden stabbing pain
- Redness or swelling of the heel
- Your pain has made walking almost impossible
After a thorough examination, your podiatrist may recommend any or some of these medical treatments:
- Physical Therapy
- Cast or Brace for Walking
- Steroid Injections
- Surgery
Take note that podiatrists would normally use surgery as a last resort and would discuss with you which of the possible surgical procedures would be right for the cause of your heel pain.
Need Help with Your Heel Pain? We Can Help
Set up an appointment with your podiatrist, Dr. Supreet Ghuman here at Prairie Foot and Ankle, P.C. Dial (224) 227-6973 to reach either one of our offices in Elgin or Chicago.