What Helps Relieve Foot Heel Pain?

Heel pain is a common complaint. It is often due to plantar fasciitis and can be very debilitating. The pain sometimes lasts for months. Early treatment usually leads to quick recuperation.

Causes

• You can get heel pain from a number of reasons. According to heel-that-pain.com, "Most often, it does not result from a single injury, such as a fall or injured ankle. Instead, heel pain usually occurs as a result of excessive or continuous stress or repetitive pounding on the heel."

Considerations

• While you heel pain can persist for months, there are a lot of things you can do to avoid aggravating the pain. According to Cameronmedical.com, "going up and down stairs, walking or running on hills, squatting, lifting heavy items and
  walking on uneven terrain all aggravate this condition."

Treatments

• Stretch your calves and foot fascia, ice the heel after activity and get sufficient rest. Consider getting arch supports and heel cups. Lose weight, especially if you are a woman.

Medication

• Take anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Continue the treatment to heal the reason for your pain. The medication will only mask the pain and help control inflammation, but will not cure the source.

Expert Insight

• Try the ball trick for pain relief. According to Cameronmedical.com, "Take a tennis ball, soft ball or even a rolling pin and roll your foot over it to help stretch out the plantar fascia." Do not continue if it is painful.