Heel pain is a common problem of the foot that causes interruption of the daily regular movements. Generally, pain is felt on the bottom of the heel or in the arch of the foot.
The pain occurs gradually and can be severe especially in the morning upon waking up. In addition, wearing flat shoes can also cause the pain.
Causes of heel pain
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Injuries
- Pinched nerve
- Wear and tear of the heel pad
- Being overweight
- Accidentally pounding the foot on a hard surface
- Wearing ill fitting shoes
- Placing excessive pressure on the feet where it damages the plantar fascia ligament or plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Osteochondroses or bone disorders in adolescents and children
- Reactive arthritis
- Bursitis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Lastly, reactive arthritis
Treatment
- At first, rest the affected area as much as possible. Avoid performing activities that result to pain in the area and delays the healing.
- Ice the affected area in the form of a cold compress to lessen the inflammation and the pain.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter medications to lessen the pain and the inflammation.
- Apply warm oil on the area and massage the area by applying gentle pressure on the sole of the foot for at least 10 minutes several times until pain subsides. Massage the area before performing exercises such as running and before going to sleep at night. In addition, it lessens the pain, relaxes the muscles, relieves the pressure, lessen the stiffness and increases the blood circulation in the area.
- Wear the prescribed night splint to gently stretch the plantar fascia while sleeping and lessen the pain.
- Lastly, perform simple stretching exercises with the help of the physical therapist to lessen the pain and strengthen the tendons and muscles of the foot.
Tips
- Wear properly fitting shoes, use heel lifts and inserts for shoe.
- Avoid being overweight.
- Warm up and stretch the muscles before performing exercises.
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces
Disclaimer / More Information
The material posted on this page on heel pain is for learning purposes only. Learn more about the causes and how it is managed by taking a first aid and CPR class with one of our training providers.
FACT CHECK
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181453.php
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/heel-pain
https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/heel-pain-(plantar-fasciitis)