The short answer is yes. While heel pain may not go away on its own, you can take steps to alleviate the symptoms of this common issue that many people face in order to try and help it resolve more quickly.
These three tips will get you started:
- Exercising your calf muscles is one of the most beneficial things you can do for heel pain. This will lessen the strain on these tissues and reduce inflammation throughout your lower limbs, which could be causing some of the discomfort in your heels. Performing calf raises or toe dips are exercises that may help with this type of problem specifically.
- Ice packs work well to numb nerve endings in order to relieve pain quickly while reducing swelling as well. It’s best to use ice packs at least three times a day over periods lasting 20 minutes each time so that they have enough time to work their magic before being removed again. Experimenting with different cold temperatures (i.e., placing them inside plastic bags) can help determine what feels the most comfortable.
- If pain is limiting your ability to exercise, try alternating between walking and sitting for a while instead of running or performing other vigorous activities until the symptoms subside. This will also give you a chance to take in some fresh air if it’s been hard to do so while working out due to discomfort.
As time goes on, these tips may help alleviate the heel pain that has afflicted you thus far and provide relief from this common condition that many people face at one point or another throughout their lives.
5 signs your plantar fasciitis is getting worse
- During the day, the pain does not go away.
Plantar fasciitis is distinguished by the fact that it worsens in the morning. It hurts a lot to put pressure on the inflamed point after a night of rest and healing. The pain usually subsides after a few applications. If it doesn’t go away and remains excruciatingly painful throughout the day, it’s probably getting worse.
- The pain worsens over time.
What a nightmarish scenario! It’s reasonable to anticipate that a condition like plantar fasciitis will take some time to heal. However, the discomfort should gradually subside over time. If it’s gotten so bad that you can’t bear putting pressure on your heels, it’s not going to get any better.
- The pain spreads to new areas of your feet.
Plantar fasciitis pain is typically restricted to the heel. If the pain spreads into the arches of your feet, it may be getting worse. It may affect one foot more than the other, or it may affect only a portion of the arch or the entire arch. There is no doubt that this can be excruciatingly painful.
- Your knees begin to ache.
If your feet are constantly painful to walk on, your gait will most likely change as a result. To avoid causing yourself more pain, you may begin to put new pressure on your knees instead, which can cause your knees to ache by the end of the day.
- Your hips and lower back begin to ache.
If your gait is off and your knees are out, the dysfunction is likely to spread to your hips and lower back as well. If the source of the problem (plantar fasciitis) is not addressed quickly, it can lead to serious complications.
Remember, The 3 Arches of Your Feet Still Need Support!
Maybe you have already felt the first symptoms of balance disorders or you want to prevent them from appearing in the first place. Consider getting a foot orthotic device or simply take care of your feet. Start by washing them thoroughly with a gentle soap whenever you take a shower. Being a very complex support system, your feet are your first line of defense against balance-related issues, since their arches provide you with the stability you need in your daily life. It’s time to put your foot down and push back against balance issues. With both feet on the ground, dedicate yourself to keeping them comfortable and healthy. Give us a call and we will scan your feet to make you custom orthotic inserts.
The Shoe Doctor has specialized in providing custom orthotics for 20 years. The right orthotic insoles can greatly reduce foot, knee and hip pain while increasing performance and comfort. Russell at The Shoe Doctor will help educate and assist you in finding the perfect solution for your particular situation. We will create a 3D map of your feet and make custom orthotics for your hiking boots, everyday shoes, and everything else in between. These orthotics, along with our expert advice, will get you using orthotics like a pro, and have you performing at the peak of your abilities in no time! If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, give The Shoe Doctor a call to get the best custom orthotics in the area! We are here to assist you, schedule your free consultation here!
