Don’t let heel pain get the better of you. Find out how to manage your symptoms.
Dealing with heel pain can be really frustrating. Not everyone understands what might be causing their symptoms and what can be done to manage the issue until the foot heals completely. Our Olney, Silver Spring, Kensington and Clinton, MD, podiatrists offer up some simple yet often effective ways to manage your symptoms to reduce pain and discomfort.
The First Course of Action
You’ll be happy to hear that most people are able to effectively treat their heel pain from the comfort of their own home with these simple, non-invasive options:
- Using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers to reduce pain and swelling
- Icing the heel for anywhere from to 10 to 20 minutes several times a day, particularly for the first few days following an injury
- Conversely, soaking the heel in a warm bath, which also alleviates discomfort if ice isn’t doing the trick
- Avoid certain high-impact activities such as running or contact sports. If you want to continue exercising, opt for low-impact options such as swimming or a stationary bike.
- Perform stretching and strengthening exercises a couple times a day to ease your pain
- Only wear shoes that offer ample cushioning, support and shock absorption
Handling More Serious Heel Pain
If your heel pain persists for over a week or progressively gets worse even with these treatment options, then it’s time to call our Clinton, MD, foot doctor. In more severe or persistent cases, heel pain may be treated with more aggressive measures such as steroid injections, shockwave therapy, laser therapy or surgery.
Do you have questions about your heel pain and how to treat it? Are your at-home treatments not offering you the relief you want? Then call Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland in Olney, Silver Spring, Kensington and Clinton, MD to get on the books! Let’s get to the bottom of your heel pain.