Many people suffer from heel pain that is so severe that it may stop experiencing everyday things in life. Today, heel pain is a very common type of foot condition. The discomfort can begin as an annoying pain that you feel every now and then, and escalate into a sharp pain that is felt every day. Sometimes, heel pain can go away on its own, but, if left untreated, this type of foot ailment can get much worse.
Heel pain is usually felt in two main sections of the heel, under the heel and in the back of the heel. Usually, when people suffer from pain in the back of the heel it is related to wear and tear or inflammation of the Achilles tendon. When people suffer from heel pain, it can be caused by a person stepping on a large stone or rock which bruises the heel, or the plantar fascia can be inflamed. A heel that is hurt by a sharp object will heal on its own over time. Nevertheless, if the pain in the heel is a result of inflammation of the plantar fascia, there are a few things that need to be done to help including heel pain exercises and orthotics.
The soft tissue on the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia, connects the heel to the toes. Under usual conditions, the plantar fascia is a flexible and strong region of the foot that enables the foot to hold up our weight and keeps us balanced. If the foot is facing abnormal stress, such as excessive body weight, repetitive movements from sports, age or compromised foot function, it can create small tears in the plantar fascia. These tiny tears typically appear near the calcaneus bone (heel bone), where they become inflamed and cause pain. If this tissue is stretched over and over it can trigger the development of heel spurs. Heel spurs are bonelike growths on the heel that can be the source of a lot of pain.
If you are having heel pain, a suggested strategy to remove the stress on the fascia is to use orthotics and do plantar fasciitis exercises, which will make the bottom of the foot stronger as well. One of the common heel pain exercises is to stretch the foot before rising from bed. The Plantar Fascia tends to tighten during sleep, which tends to cause the intense pain that people feel as soon as they get up. By stretching the plantar fascia before you put pressure on it, you can help reduce the pain that you experience with your first morning steps. Another helpful exercise for stretching out the plantar fascia is to roll a tennis ball or rolling pin with the arch of your foot. As this becomes less and less arduous you can try doing the exercise standing.
The next crucial thing to do is immediately put on a good pair of shoes and orthotic insoles. This will help to cushion and support the bottom of your foot and help to keep it from additional injury. If you use the proper heel pain exercises and orthotics, you will see a great improvement in your heel pain. Make sure to pay attention to your body and if you are experiencing foot pain, talk to a doctor as soon as possible. This will ensure that your pain does not turn into a more serious problem.
