Here’s are some tips to help you get your heel pain under control.
While there are many reasons why you may be experiencing heel pain the most common cause is an inflammatory condition known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed and irritated, often from repetitive movements that put too much pressure on or overstretch the ligament. The good news is that there are ways to try to alleviate your heel pain on your own before turning to our New Haven, CT, podiatrists for treatment.
Here’s how you can manage heel pain,
- Take an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, which can reduce inflammation and pain.
- Try wrapping or bracing your foot, particularly at night before going to sleep. This can minimize pain and stiffness first thing in the morning. Your New Haven, CT, foot doctor can show you how to properly wrap your foot to prevent or reduce morning heel pain.
- Perform specific stretching foot exercises to help retrain and strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments while also reducing stiffness and pain.
- Avoid any activities that could put additional stress on the inflamed plantar fascia such as running. Try to rest as much as possible and prop your foot up when resting.
- Always wear shoes even when indoors, as this can provide your feet with cushioning and support.
Wondering when you may need to see a foot doctor about your heel pain? You should give us a call if,
- Your heel pain isn’t responding to home care and it’s been about one week
- Your heel pain is getting worse despite rest and home care
- You notice tingling, numbness or weakness in the foot (give us a call as soon as possible)
- You can’t put weight on the foot or are having trouble walking
- Your heel pain is severe, or there is severe swelling
While heel pain is rarely an emergency situation, if you find that you are having trouble walking or putting weight on the foot then you should visit our New Haven, CT, podiatrist for an evaluation. Due to Covid-19, Foot and Ankle Surgeons is still providing emergency care as well as offering expanded Saturday hours to accommodate those in need. To schedule an appointment please call (203) 397-0624.