In short,
- Heel pain can be caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.
- You can try simple home remedies, but it’s important to know when to see a doctor.
- Treatment options are available to manage heel pain and make walking easier.
Heel pain is a common problem that can make daily activities, like walking, difficult. Understanding what might be causing your pain and what treatments are available is the first step toward feeling better.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Heel Pain?
Many things can cause pain in your heel. Finding the exact cause is important so you can get the right treatment.
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is a common reason for heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot that connects your heel to your toes, becomes inflamed. This often causes a sharp, stabbing pain that’s worse in the morning or after you’ve been resting.
The pain might get better as you move around, but it can come back after you’ve been active for a while.
Things that can make you more likely to get plantar fasciitis include high-impact exercises, being overweight, not having enough arch support in your shoes, and tight calf muscles.
Other Potential Causes
Beyond plantar fasciitis, there are many other factors that can cause heel pain. These conditions might need different treatments, so it’s important to get a correct diagnosis.
- Achilles tendinitis:This is when the Achilles tendon, the large tendon in the back of your ankle, becomes inflamed. It can cause pain and stiffness in your heel and calf.
- Heel spurs:These are bony growths on the heel bone that can develop over time from strain on the plantar fascia and nearby muscles. Heel spurs don’t always cause pain, but they can add to the discomfort.
- Stress fractures:These are small cracks in the heel bone, often caused by doing too much repetitive activity or overuse. They can cause pain that gets worse when you’re active.
- Nerve entrapment:This is when nerves in your foot, like the tibial nerve, get compressed. It can lead to heel pain, numbness, and tingling.
Relieving Heel Pain: First Steps
There are several things you can do at home to manage your heel pain. These steps can help you feel better and heal, especially if the pain is mild to moderate and you’ve just started feeling it.
Simple Home Remedies for Heel Pain
- Rest:Avoid activities that make your pain worse. Spend less time standing or walking.
- Ice:Put ice packs on the painful area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This helps lower swelling and pain.
- Stretching:Stretch your plantar fascia and calf muscles regularly. This can make your foot more flexible and reduce tightness.
- Supportive footwear:Wear shoes that have good arch support and cushioning. Don’t wear flat shoes or go barefoot, especially on hard floors.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers:Medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen can help with pain and swelling. Follow the directions on the label and ask your doctor if you have any questions.
See your foot and ankle doctor if your pain doesn’t get better or gets worse, even after trying these things.
Walking and Heel Pain Management
Walking can be hard when you have heel pain. Changing how you walk and using supportive devices can help you feel more comfortable and prevent further injury.
Tips for Walking with Plantar Fasciitis
- Wear supportive shoes or orthotics (arch supports). These can help spread your weight evenly and take pressure off the plantar fascia.
- Don’t walk barefoot on hard surfaces. This can make the pain and swelling worse.
- Take breaks often to rest your feet. This gives the plantar fascia time to recover and lowers the chance of more strain.
- Stretch your plantar fascia and calf muscles before and after you walk. This can improve flexibility and reduce pain.
Pay attention to your body and stop walking if the pain gets worse. Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist for advice on how to manage heel pain while walking.
Treatment Options for Persistent Heel Pain
If home remedies aren’t helping your heel pain, you might need professional treatment. Talk to your doctor to find out what’s best for you. They might suggest one or more of these options:
- Physical Therapy:Exercises can make your muscles stronger and more flexible. A physical therapist can teach you stretches and exercises to ease pain and improve how your foot works.
- Orthotics:These are arch supports that you can buy over-the-counter or have custom-made. Orthotics can help correct how your foot is aligned and reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
- Injections:Corticosteroid injections help reduce swelling. These can give you relief for a while, but they’re not a long-term solution.
- Night splints:These are worn while you sleep to stretch the plantar fascia. They can help reduce pain and stiffness in the morning.
Surgery is rarely needed to release the plantar fascia. It’s usually only considered if other treatments haven’t worked.
Is It Time to Seek Professional Care for the Heel?
It’s important to see a doctor if your heel pain is severe, doesn’t go away, or keeps you from doing your daily activities. Getting diagnosed and treated early can prevent problems in the future and improve your life.
Contact The Podiatry Group of South Texas if you have any of these:
- Severe pain that makes it hard to walk.
- Pain that doesn’t get better after trying home treatments for several weeks.
- Numbness or tingling in your heel or foot.
- Signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or fever.
Finding Relief from Heel Pain in San Antonio
If you live in San Antonio and have heel pain that won’t go away, The Podiatry Group of South Texas can help. Our experienced podiatrists can find out what’s causing your pain and create a treatment plan just for you, so you can get back on your feet.
We offer services like:
- Complete foot and ankle exams
- Diagnostic imaging
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
Don’t let heel pain stop you from doing what you enjoy. Contact us today to make an appointment. Call us at (210) 227-8700 option #2 or use our online appointment request form.
