Heel pain often results when you injure or overuse your heel. This pain can range from mild to debilitating. The key to finding the right solutions for heel pain is to find the root cause of the problem, which can be complex. There are several things that can cause heel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is located at the bottom of the feet. This tissue connects your tones to your heel bones. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissue gets inflamed. This inflammation can occur as the result of a strain injury.
Fracture
A fracture is a medical term for a break. This problem has to be treated by a medical professional. A healthcare provider can put the broken foot in the cast, which will keep it in place while it heals. A severe foot fracture will require surgery.
Reactive Arthritis
This is a form of arthritis that is triggered by an infection. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.
Bursitis
The bursae are sacs inside of your joints. They are filled with fluid and are designed to cushion your joints. Bursitis can cause heel pain.
Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains are extremely common injuries. They often occur as the result of physical activity. The injury can be mild or severe.
How to Treat Heel Pain
The treatment for heel pain depends on the cause. However, in many cases, you can treat the condition at home. If the pain is caused by a strain, sprain, bursitis, or plantar fasciitis, then you can do the following.
Use an Ice Pack
You can use an ice pack to reduce the swelling and pain. The ice should be applied several times per day. Apply it for up to 20 minutes at a time.
Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
An over-the-counter pain reliever can be used to alleviate any discomfort that you have. It can also reduce inflammation.
Rest
Resting is the best thing that you can do if you have any type of injury. Try to stay off your feet as much as possible until you have healed.
Exercise Your Feet
Even though you should be resting as much as possible, you should still exercise your feet once the pain has subsided. Foot exercises can help you feel better. It can also alleviate or prevent the pain.
In most cases, heel pain will go away within a few weeks if you take proper care of the issue and rest. However, if your heel pain does not get better with conservative treatment, then it’s time for you to see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you think that your heel pain is caused by reactive arthritis. The infection that is causing the reactive arthritis will need to be treated.