5 Ways To Ease Heel Pain

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At Texas Foot Specialists, one of the most common reasons patients come to see us is heel pain. When you make an appointment at our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston office (713-664-6677), our podiatrists Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum will examine your feet and do any imaging studies or tests needed to determine the source of your discomfort. Some common causes of heel pain include:

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Heel spurs

  • Overuse or an exercise program that is too strenuous

  • Arthritis

  • Stress fracture

  • Haglund’s deformity

  • Bursitis

  • Achilles tendonitis

  • Neuroma

The source of your heel pain will determine the appropriate treatment. The foot doctor will prescribe medication, physical therapy or maybe even a custom orthotic device to wear in your shoes, depending on what is causing your heel to hurt.

There are, however, steps you can take on your own to reduce your risk of heel pain and ease soreness:

1.       Choose your shoes carefully. Footwear should fit your feet properly. If you haven’t done so in a while, have your foot professionally measured. Don’t wear shoes that are worn down at the heel or sole.

2.       Prep for exercise. Don’t skip warm-up exercises and stretching before workouts and sports. Make sure you have proper form when executing exercise moves and increase the duration and difficulty of your workout gradually. Allow rest days.

3.       Maintain an appropriate weight. Excess pounds can greatly increase pressure on your heels and the rest of your foot. If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan. Good nutrition and regular exercise will help and be beneficial for your overall health as well.

4.       Avoid walking barefoot. Without shoes, your feet lack arch support which can cause your heels to hurt, particularly if you are walking on hard surfaces.

5.       Don’t put off seeing the podiatrist hoping heel pain will go away on its own. If pain and discomfort persists for more than a couple of weeks, contact us and make an appointment to come in.