According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, heel pain affects 40 percent of all Americans. Although heel pain is common, it is not normal. If left untreated, heel pain is more difficult to overcome. With the guidance of your podiatrist, a combination of identifying the cause of the heel pain and determining the appropriate treatment will keep you a step ahead of a possible chronic issue.
Behavior Modification
Heel pain, often caused by overuse, can sometimes take months to subside. The more conservative approach to treating heel pain is to avoid standing for long periods of time or exercising with impact. Rest the feet whenever possible. Stretch the feet often by rolling the bottom of your foot over a plastic soda pop bottle that has been filled with water and frozen. Wear properly-fitted shoes to give your feet appropriate support. Apply ice to the area to reduce inflammation and pain. These treatments are typically appropriate for heel pain that is caused by plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissues within the arch of the foot) or posterior tibial tendinitis (inflamed tibial tendon).
Functional Orthotics and Gel Cushions
A functional foot orthotic is a device that is prescribed and fitted by a podiatrist and fits in the arch of normal shoes. The functional orthotic corrects the abnormal pronation of the foot that causes heel pain. Gel cushions are pads that are placed in the heel of a shoe and provide added cushion. This treatment is good for those whose heel fat pad is thinning, causing heel pain.
Splint
A rigid splint, typically worn at night, stabilizes the foot at a 90-degree position to keep the muscles on the bottom of the foot from tightening. This treatment is good for someone with plantar fasciitis or posterior tibial tendinitis that causes heel pain.
Oral Medication
No matter what the cause of heel pain, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as ibuprofen, help to reduce pain and inflammation. Always discuss with you doctor before taking any medication.
Extracorporea Shock Wave Therapy
Extracorporea Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a treatment typically for heel pain that has been caused by plantar fasciitis. This noninvasive treatment uses sound or shock waves from outside the heel to stimulate the body's own healing process. The procedure takes about 30 minutes with a minimal recovery time of about 24 hours. Side effects include bruising, numbness, tingling and swelling. ESWT is not a treatment for everyone or for all heel pains and should be discussed with your podiatrist.
Conventional Surgery
Conventional surgery may be used if heel pain is severe and has not subsided after six months of treatment. One endoscopic procedure involves releasing the plantar fascia from the heel bone by cutting the plantar fascia or flexor digitorum brevis muscle. Other surgical procedures involve removal of heel spurs or bursa sacs. Surgical procedures leave the arch of the foot unstabilized and vulnerable to improper function. Therefore, orthotics are necessary to support the foot.
