Though heel pain is a common ailment, it’s not always easy to diagnose its cause. However, if left unaddressed, it can be persistent and unbearable. When this happens, you’ll have to consult foot specialists for a proper diagnosis and treatment. To understand more about heel pain, here are some facts you should know.

What Could Be Causing My Heel Pain?

Heel pain can have several causes, including trauma, stress fractures, sprains, infection, and arthritis. However, the most common causes are plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of your plantar fascia. This tight tissue band connects the base of your toes to your heel bone and forms your foot’s arch. Often, your foot’s structure is to be blamed for this condition, especially if your arch that is too low or too high. Other risk factors include prolonged standing on hard surfaces, obesity, and age. On the other hand, Achilles tendonitis happens when the tendon connecting your heel and calf muscles become inflamed because of overuse injuries.

How Can I Soothe It?

Most of the time, simple treatments will take care of your heel pain within a few months. Still, you need to determine the exact cause of your pain in order to receive appropriate treatment. The following are some tips on how you could get relief. 

• Wear Appropriate Footwear: Get shoes that have arch support and fit perfectly. You should also avoid walking barefoot because this places more stress on your foot tissue.

• Apply Ice: Rest your feet on an ice pack or bottle for about 20 minutes a few times each day to reduce inflammation.

• Rest & Stretch Your Foot: If you’re overworking your feet, give them a break. Stretching will help relax your foot, and prevents your plantar fascia from tightening up.

• Take NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) can alleviate the pain and reduce swelling, but it’s better if you ask your doctor for a prescription.

If these treatments don’t work for you, it’s time to seek help from your local foot specialists. They can recommend other treatment options such as taping, physical therapy, and the use of other assistive devices.

Heel pain can be debilitating and diminish your quality of life. Professional podiatrists at Eastern CT Foot Specialists in Norwich and North Windham, CT, are ready to provide their compassionate and specialized services to relieve your  foot pain, ankle pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, and other foot issues. Call (860) 887-3538 for the Norwich office or (860) 456-9593 for the North Windham office to schedule your appointment. Visit their website to browse their treatment options.