Heel Pain Treatment: What You Need to Know
There are effective heel pain treatments that can reduce the pain as quickly as possible and prevent it from returning. When treatment is done correctly, the pain subsides within a few weeks and normal activity can be resumed. This can almost always be done through conservative, nonsurgical methods.
Reasons for Heel Pain Treatment
The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. In fact, in our Seattle foot clinic, plantar fasciitis is the most common problem we treat. In this condition, the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes (the plantar fascia) become swollen and inflamed. One or both feet might experience soreness due to the irritation. Without treatment, plantar fasciitis can worsen over time.
This problem can occur at any age, but it's most common in people over 40 and those who are athletes or on their feet a lot. If you are having symptoms, you'll notice stiffness and pain when you walk, stand, or run. This pain can be the most intense first thing in the morning and become a dull ache later in the day.
If you have plantar fasciitis, it might be due to the following:
Having feet that roll inward when you walk (known as over-pronation)
Wearing shoes that are worn out
Wearing shoes that don't fit properly
Walking, running, or standing on hard surfaces
Tight Achilles tendon or calf muscles that need stretching
Having flat feet or high arches
Being overweight or obese
Treatment Goals
The first step in treating pain on the bottom of the heel is to reduce the tightness in the plantar fascia area. If this doesn't happen, treatment will fail and a sore heel will continue to hurt. To do this, it's important to cushion and support the foot. Try over-the-counter arch supports first. If that doesn't provide relief, then consider custom orthotics. A podiatrist may also recommend wearing the right shoes, and allowing the foot to rest by using special taping or a "walking boot."
Next, work to reduce the soreness and pain in the heel through using anti-inflammatory medications and ice. If your pain still continues, then a podiatrist may recommend physical therapy or even steroid injections.
If your heel pain doesn't resolve in a few weeks, it is important to meet with an experienced podiatrist. This visit will include an evaluation to determine the cause of your heel pain and a treatment plan. Together, you can work through conservative approaches. In the majority of cases, your pain can quickly be reduced.
What to Do When Pain Persists
If your soreness is persisting and you've tried conservative options, discuss your concerns with to your podiatrist. Plantar fasciitis that has not been treated properly or has persisted for a long time can be less responsive and require additional care. In rare cases, surgery is considered, but you should always give conservative treatment at least 6 months to work.
Talk to your podiatrist and make sure you have the correct diagnosis. Since there are multiple causes for pain in the heels, it's important to get a complete evaluation.
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