Follow these helpful tips to manage your heel pain at home.
Did you know that the average pair of feet walk about 110,000 miles or 220,000,000 steps during their lifetime? Your feet are natural shock absorbers, taking on a ton of force and pressure whenever you stand, walk or run. Of course, at some point you may face heel pain. This is a common problem often caused by plantar fasciitis. Before you go rushing to see our Houston, TX, podiatrists at Podiatry Associates of Houston, here are some steps you can take now to treat your heel pain,
Pop a pain reliever: Taking an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen can help to alleviate swelling and pain, especially during the first few days after heel pain has flared up.
Take time to rest: If you are dealing with heel pain or any foot problems the best thing you can do for your feet is to rest. Limit how much you are moving around throughout the day and avoid high-impact activities until the heel has completely healed.
Always wear shoes: Since walking around barefoot can exacerbate your heel pain it’s a good idea to wear supportive shoes throughout the day, regardless of whether or not you are out and about or at home.
Stretch your feet: Just because you have to take a break from the gym doesn’t mean that you can’t still perform certain exercises designed to promote healthier, happier feet. These stretching and strengthening exercises that target both the feet and the calves can bolster the surrounding ligaments, tendons and muscles to prevent heel pain from happening in the future.
When Should I See a Doctor?
It may be time to visit our Houston, TX, foot doctor if your heel pain is severe, getting worse or isn’t responding to at-home care. If you’ve been resting and caring for your affected foot for about five days and don’t see a change, give us a call.
If you are dealing with pain accompanied by tingling, numbness or weakness in the heel or foot it’s important that you see a doctor right away, as this could be a sign of something more serious.
If you are dealing with severe heel pain that makes it difficult to go about your daily routine, contact our Chimney Rock, Memorial City, Katy, Willowbrook and Woodlands, TX, team here at Podiatry Associates of Houston. Call us at (713) 666-0287, (713) 467-1299, (281) 579-0186, (832) 912-7792 or (281) 849-9891.