When your heel hurts...
Do you feel unbearable pain in the heel area in the morning? After a long period of inactivity, do you feel that the ailments increase significantly as soon as the weight of your body lands on your heel? It is a common ailment that effectively discourages any activity.
Some people, in order to avoid burdening the sore part of the body, begin to limp and even develop an incorrect walking style that becomes a habit for them. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way! There are proven methods thanks to which you will be able to fully enjoy the comfort of life again.
Know your opponent
In order for you to win the fight against this unequal opponent, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the causes of heel pain in the first place. In most cases, the culprit is thickening and damage to the plantar fascia. It is a band of tissue located along the sole of the foot that connects the calcaneus to the other bones of the foot, acting as a shock absorber.
Other causes of heel pain include:
- fasciitis
- inflammation or rupture of the Achilles tendon
- overweight
- calcaneal spur
- heel injury (bruise or fracture)
If such pain persists for several weeks, be sure to consult your GP or make an appointment with a podiatrist - a specialist dealing with foot problems. While waiting for your appointment, use our proven methods that will bring you the desired relief in the blink of an eye.
Relieve your heel pain and enjoy your life again
One of the most effective ways to help you relieve nagging pain is regular stretching and strengthening of the lower legs. Focus on both the calf muscles and plantar fascia by stretching them with your hands or a tennis ball.
You can use it for pain relief ice packs on a sore heel. Such therapy will quickly help you deal with the problem of sore and overly sensitive heels. Remember, however, not to apply ice directly to the body, but to apply a compress. After about 20 minutes, you will feel a definite relief. In extreme cases, take too painkillers available without a prescription, which will additionally relieve any inflammation.
It is also a great option use of special, rigid insertswhich will take care of the proper cushioning of your feet, effectively counteracting frustrating ailments. There are also gel pain insoles available on the market that will effectively relieve heel pain.
Don't forget that heel pain can be caused by putting too much weight on your feet. Combine regular exercise with a balanced diet to lose weight and keep your weight at a healthy level. Your feet will thank you!
Also, make sure that your feet, especially heels, are provided with enough rest. Avoid long walks and standing still for hours. If you plan to go for a walk, be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
What shoes to wear when your heel hurts?
Remember that heel pain does not have to mean giving up all plans and having to stay at home. By wearing properly fitting shoes, you will not only prevent nagging pain, but also avoid the escalation of the problem.
Avoid completely flat shoes. Ideally, you should wear shoes with a low to moderate heel that will provide support to your feet and provide adequate cushioning in the heel area.
To reduce heel load, choose anatomically shaped shoes that will reduce over-pronation and distribute your weight evenly across the foot, reducing heel load and pain.
Also, take care of additional shock absorption, and when doing sports, choose footwear that is designed for a specific activity. This will prevent repetitive pressure on your feet when running or jumping, which can lead to unbearable pain.
Choose flexible, even springy shoes in which walking will not feel like torture, but will become a real pleasure. Avoid heavy shoes, which could further aggravate the symptoms. Instead, opt for lightweight models that will provide you with invaluable support and comfort throughout the day.
Don't let heel pain hold you back
Heel pain, although mild at first, can escalate over time if left untreated and make life much more difficult. Don't let this ailment stop you from taking action and make sure you wear the right footwear. However, remember that even the right shoe models wear out over time, and cushioning and support become weaker and weaker. For this reason, do not forget to replace your shoes regularly as soon as you notice obvious signs of wear on the sole.