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Does your heel ever hurt right after you drive or while running? Over 50 percent of Americans will experience heel pain at some point in their life. However, only 20 percent of people that suffer from heel pain visit their podiatrist, and according to the majority of podiatrists, one-third of their patients suffer from heel pain. It is clear that heel pain is not a problem to be ignored and, although not life threatening, it is something to look out for. Every mile that you walk puts 60 tons of stress on each of your feet. Your feet can handle a heavy load, but too much stress pushes them over their limits. When you pound your feet on hard surfaces playing sports or wear shoes that irritate sensitive tissues, you may develop heel pain, which is the most common problem affecting the foot and ankle. Heel pain will usually get better on its own without surgery if you give it enough rest, but many people will often ignore the early signs of heel pain and continue with their activities, causing further pain. Heel Pain Experienced While Running Running with heel pain can be agonizing. For those who have active lives, it is often hard to adjust and limit physical activity and routines once you exhibit heel pain. It is important to know the symptoms and treatment methods for some of the most common types of heel pain that develop among runners. The most common type of heel pain that can develop with excessive running is plantar fasciitis. When runners have exercise routines that are too long, and stressful on their feet and plantar fascia, they can develop heel pain. Combined with shoes that lack proper support, extensive running routines put repetitive stress on the plantar fascia. This causes tears in the fibers, resulting in inflammation and severe pain in the heel. Runners that have developed plantar fasciitis may gradually notice the heel pain, which is characterized as a dull aching and is most noticeable when pressure is placed on the foot after long periods of rest. The best way to stop heel pain and inflammation from getting worse is to stop running. Taking breaks from running allow the plantar fascia to relax is a good way to avoid putting constant, repetitive pressure on your heel. Putting unnecessary or excessive force on the inflamed plantar fascia will only aggravate it. If you must exercise, begin slowly in order to prevent the plantar fascia from being overworked. Treat your Heel Pain In order to properly treat heel pain, you must absorb shock, provide cushioning and elevate the heel to transfer pressure. Treatment begins at home when heel pain is caught in its early stage: • Stretching exercises
• Avoid going barefoot
• ICE
• Limit activities
• Shoe modifications
• Medications If you are still experiencing pain after several weeks, consult your podiatrist in Concord for further treatment. Continue with preventative measures, even after treatment, to prevent any other developments. Your Concord podiatrist will be able to help you with a proper prevention plan.
Sean Hartmen writes for premier podiatrist Harrisburg, Dr. Kevin McDonald. He had practiced in Georgia for close to twenty years before moving to North Carolina in 2005. Dr. McDonald has a keen interest in professional development and ongoing educational training, allowing him to provide the best in quality podiatric care including heel pain, diabetic foot care and bunions in Harrisburg.
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