Heel pain often appears suddenly, and may be difficult to treat by yourself. However, there are always steps you can take to improve your pain. As long as you haven’t experienced a traumatic injury to your heels or feet, you may be able to relieve the worst of your pain using the following tips.
Whatever the cause of your pain, don’t hesitate to visit your podiatrist if the pain doesn’t improve or gets worse over time. For heel pain treatment in Silver Spring, call (301) 439-0300 today. Our caring and experienced podiatrists are ready to help you treat the source of your problem.
Problem: New footwear
Have you recently gotten new shoes? You may be wearing shoes that don’t provide the proper support for your feet. But even if your new shoes offer improved support, sometimes your muscles simply need a little time to adjust.
Solution: Consider whether your new shoes provide enough room and support for your feet. If so, spend a few weeks gradually increasing the length of time you wear them. This will help your muscles adjust with minimal pain. If you’re still having trouble after this, it’s probably time to try a different kind of shoe.
Problem: Worn-out or non-supportive footwear
Have you been wearing the same shoes for a long time? Worn-out shoes eventually begin to cause problems, and shoes that compress your toes or foot may cause pain over time. Heels and dress shoes are common culprits, but ill-fitting sneakers or athletic shoes may be a source of pain as well.
Solution: Replace your old shoes with ones that provide proper arch support and room for your feet to spread out comfortably. If you must wear heels, keep them to an inch or lower and try to limit the amount of time you spend wearing them.
Problem: Increased physical activity
Have you started a new activity lately? Common sources of heel stress include a change in your exercise routine or a new job where you’re on your feet a lot.
Solution: In addition to checking your footwear, stretch your calves and the bottoms of your feet before and after any physical activity. If you can, back off on your physical activity and gradually increase it to the desired level. Your pain should resolve in a few weeks after your muscles have time to adjust. If it doesn’t, that’s a sign that something more is going on.
Self-Care for Heel Pain
Here are a few techniques you can use to help relieve your pain as needed:
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Foam rollers on the bottoms of your feet
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Professional massage
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Stretching your calves and feet throughout the day
Heel Pain Treatment in Silver Spring, MD
If your heel pain worsens or doesn’t resolve on its own, it’s important to seek prompt treatment. Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland is ready to help you ease your heel pain. Call (301) 439-0300 for an appointment in our Silver Spring office, or request your appointment now!