If you have heel pain, you’ll need a foot doctor to help you treat the problem so you can get on with the good parts of life. The first step of treatment is to determine what’s wrong. Your foot doctor will ask questions about your pain such as when it started and when it happens most often. They will also do an examination to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment. This may include comparing one foot or leg to the other and manipulating your feet, ankles, and legs to determine where and how the pain originates.
The most common causes of foot pain are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. For heel pain caused by one of these, conservative therapy is often tried first. This could include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching, and well-fitting shoes. Arch supports and custom orthotics are often helpful as well. If none of that works, your foot doctor may recommend a cortisone injection, or for those who don’t like shots, it comes in pill form too! Extracorporeal shockwave therapy works for chronic nonhealing heel pain and promotes healing of the inflamed tissue. This is always recommended before we even consider surgery.
If you have nerve entrapment causing heel pain, this may be treated with many of the same conservative remedies as plantar fasciitis. Occasionally, a nerve entrapment may need to be treated with surgery to free the nerve and stop the foot pain. Tarsal Tunnel is one such type of nerve entrapment type syndrome. Bracing like you do for the related condition carpal tunnel often helps and those are available at your podiatrists.
Arthritis and gout can also cause foot pain; the usual treatment for these includes medications such as anti-inflammatories and rest. If gout is causing your foot or heel pain, you may be asked to experiment with leaving certain foods out of your diet to reduce the attacks of gout.
Sciatica and nerve compression might also cause heel or foot pain, and for this your foot doctor might recommend physical therapy, medication, or an orthotic shoe insert or device. If this does not help or if the nerve in question is not in your foot or leg, you may be referred to a different specialist for further treatment.
The foot doctors here at Beaver Valley Foot Clinic based in Pittsburgh, PA, can inform you of the various options available for your particular foot pain and help you determine what you want to try first. You may also be advised about how to prevent further heel pain with appropriate levels of exercise, properly fitting footwear including the right socks, stretches, self-massage techniques, ESWT and information about when to stop and rest.
If I Stand For Too Long Will It Increase Feet Pain?
Yes, if you stand for long periods pain will start increasing in your feet greatly. This is more common especially if you are suffering from an underlying condition like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs or Achilles tendonitis. It’s because the longer you stand the more pressure will build up on your feet and since the already injured feet cannot take any more strain, which in result causes more pain and inflammation. Consider wearing supportive and more comfortable shoes to help your feet, plus take frequent breaks and let your feet rest.
Is Walking Barefoot Bad If You Have Heel Pain?
Yes, unfortunately if you have heel pain walking barefoot is not only bad but dangerous too, so you should consider stop doing it! Walking barefoot increases pressure on the heel and makes conditions like plantar fasciitis worse, especially if you walk on harder surfaces. That’s why consider trying out some cushioned slippers, even if it’s indoors, you can’t take any risks at all! You will receive necessary support which will reduce strain and will help you heal faster.
How Long It Will Take For Heel Pain To Improve After The Treatment?
The duration of your heel pain recovery usually depends on the underlying cause as it’s the root of your pain, once it’s gone you will be fine and won’t suffer from pain any further. If you have been suffering from common conditions like plantar fasciitis then you will see improvement in your heel pain within a few weeks after the treatment. Things like rest, stretching, and even supportive footwear can greatly help you elevate pain much earlier.
However, if treatments like physical therapy, orthotics, or anti-inflammatory medications are used, you will see improvements in 3 to 6 months, which is why these treatments are best for more chronic conditions.
Home Remedies for Heel Pain:
To relieve heel pain at home, try the following home remedies:
Aloe Vera 1.
Aloe vera’s bioactive substances contain anti-inflammatory qualities that aid in reducing the inflammation brought on by plantar fasciitis.
2,5 To reduce inflammation, apply aloe vera gel topically to the soles of the feet. Thus, heel discomfort may be lessened as a result.
Don’t let heel pain keep you down. With the right treatment, and the right foot doctor, you can get back to all your favorite activities