Heel Pain Ice Pack: Effective Icing Techniques for Plantar Fasciitis Relief

26.06.202001.05.2021 by alexxlab

How does icing help with plantar fasciitis. What are the best practices for applying ice to heel pain. When is the optimal time to use ice therapy for foot inflammation. How long should you ice your feet for plantar fasciitis relief. What are the dos and don’ts of icing for heel pain.

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Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and the Role of Ice Therapy

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by inflammation and small tears in the plantar fascia ligament, which spans the arch of your foot from heel to ball. This ailment often results in significant heel pain, particularly in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Ice therapy has emerged as a popular and effective method for managing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Why is icing recommended for plantar fasciitis. Ice therapy serves two primary purposes in treating this condition:

Reducing inflammation in the affected area
Providing temporary pain relief

By applying ice to the bottom of the heel and arch area, you can help minimize swelling and alleviate discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis. However, it’s essential to understand that icing alone is not a cure-all solution. For optimal recovery, combine ice therapy with other treatment modalities such as rest, specific heel stretching exercises, and appropriate orthotic support.

The Science Behind Ice Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

How does ice therapy work to alleviate plantar fasciitis symptoms. When you apply ice to the affected area, several physiological responses occur:

Vasoconstriction: Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the area and helping to minimize inflammation.
Nerve conduction slowdown: Ice therapy can slow down nerve impulses, which helps to reduce pain sensation in the affected area.
Metabolic slowdown: Cold temperatures can slow down cellular metabolism in the affected tissues, potentially reducing further damage and promoting healing.

These mechanisms work together to provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis. However, it’s crucial to use ice therapy correctly to maximize its benefits and avoid potential complications.

Proper Duration and Frequency of Ice Application

How long should you ice your feet for plantar fasciitis relief. The optimal duration for icing your heels is between 10 to 20 minutes. This timeframe allows for maximum benefit without risking potential negative effects. Icing for less than 10 minutes may only provide temporary numbness without significantly reducing inflammation. Conversely, icing for more than 20 minutes can be counterproductive, potentially increasing blood flow to the area and exacerbating inflammation rather than alleviating it.

How often should you apply ice to your feet. For plantar fasciitis, it’s generally recommended to ice your feet twice a day. However, it’s crucial to allow at least an hour between ice therapy sessions to give your tissues time to recover and prevent overexposure to cold temperatures.

The Importance of Proper Timing

When is the best time to apply ice for plantar fasciitis. While icing twice daily is recommended, it’s important to avoid applying ice first thing in the morning. One of the hallmark symptoms of plantar fasciitis is morning heel pain, which typically occurs when you first get out of bed. Your feet need time to warm up and adjust to weight-bearing activities upon arising.

Optimal times for ice therapy might include:

During your lunch break
In the evening, after a day of activity
After exercise or prolonged periods of standing

By the end of the day, you may experience increased discomfort as the plantar fascia ligament has borne the weight of your daily activities. This makes evening an excellent time to utilize ice therapy for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

Do’s and Don’ts of Icing for Plantar Fasciitis

To ensure safe and effective ice therapy for plantar fasciitis, it’s essential to follow these guidelines:

Do’s:

Use a barrier between the ice and your skin to prevent frostbite
Limit ice application to 10-20 minutes at a time
Allow at least an hour between icing sessions
Monitor your skin for any adverse reactions
Combine icing with other recommended treatments for plantar fasciitis

Don’ts:

Apply ice directly to your skin
Ice for more than 20 minutes at a time
Continue icing if you experience loss of sensation or a ‘pins and needles’ feeling
Use ice therapy without consulting your doctor if you have circulatory issues
Rely solely on icing as a treatment for plantar fasciitis

If you experience any unusual symptoms or your skin fails to warm up within 45 minutes of ice application, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Effective Ice Therapy Methods for Plantar Fasciitis

There are several cost-effective and easy-to-implement ice therapy options for managing plantar fasciitis. Here are six popular methods:

Ice Therapy Slippers: These specially designed slippers contain gel packs that can be frozen. They conform to the shape of your foot, providing targeted relief to the affected areas.
Ice Cube Wraps: Fill a towel or plastic bag with ice cubes and apply it to the sore area of your foot. Adding a small amount of water to a sealed plastic bag can help the ice conform better to your foot’s contours.
Frozen Vegetables: A bag of frozen corn or peas makes an excellent makeshift ice pack. Remember to label it for medical use only after the first application and never consume thawed and refrozen vegetables.
Commercial Ice Packs: Various shapes and sizes of ice packs are available in stores, including gel packs that can be heated or frozen. While slightly more expensive, these are versatile and convenient for general first aid use.
Frozen Paper Cups: Fill paper cups with water and freeze them. When needed, peel away the paper to reveal a cylinder of ice that fits well under the arch of your foot. This method allows for a soothing rolling massage action along the sole.
Frozen Water Bottle: Freeze a small water bottle and use it to combine icing with stretching exercises. Roll your foot over the frozen bottle to simultaneously ice and massage the affected area.

Experiment with these different methods to find the one that provides the most relief for your specific symptoms.

Combining Ice Therapy with Other Plantar Fasciitis Treatments

While ice therapy is an effective tool for managing plantar fasciitis symptoms, it’s important to remember that it’s just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. How can you maximize the benefits of ice therapy in conjunction with other treatments.

Stretching Exercises: Perform specific stretches for the plantar fascia and calf muscles before and after ice therapy to improve flexibility and reduce tension.
Orthotic Support: Use custom or over-the-counter orthotics to provide arch support and help distribute pressure evenly across your foot.
Rest and Activity Modification: Allow your feet adequate rest periods, especially after intense activity. Consider low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to maintain fitness while reducing stress on your feet.
Proper Footwear: Wear shoes with good arch support and cushioning to minimize strain on the plantar fascia.
Massage: Gently massage the affected area before and after ice therapy to improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
Night Splints: Consider using night splints to keep the plantar fascia stretched while you sleep, potentially reducing morning pain.

By integrating ice therapy with these complementary treatments, you can create a more effective and holistic approach to managing plantar fasciitis.

Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Treatment

As you incorporate ice therapy into your plantar fasciitis treatment regimen, it’s crucial to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. How can you effectively track your improvement and determine if your current approach is working.

Keep a Pain Journal: Record your pain levels, noting any changes in intensity or frequency of discomfort.
Track Treatment Consistency: Make note of how often you’re applying ice therapy and performing other treatments.
Assess Functional Improvements: Monitor your ability to perform daily activities and any changes in mobility or flexibility.
Regular Check-ins with Healthcare Providers: Schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor or physical therapist to discuss your progress and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

If you don’t notice significant improvement after several weeks of consistent ice therapy and other treatments, consult with your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional interventions or diagnostic tests to ensure you’re addressing the root cause of your plantar fasciitis effectively.

Potential Risks and Precautions of Ice Therapy

While ice therapy is generally safe and effective for managing plantar fasciitis symptoms, there are some potential risks and precautions to keep in mind. What should you be aware of when using ice therapy for heel pain.

Frostbite: Always use a barrier between the ice and your skin to prevent tissue damage from extreme cold.
Nerve Damage: Prolonged exposure to cold can potentially cause temporary or permanent nerve damage. Adhere to the recommended 10-20 minute application time.
Circulatory Issues: If you have poor circulation or conditions like Raynaud’s disease, consult your doctor before using ice therapy.
Skin Sensitivity: Some individuals may have increased sensitivity to cold. Start with shorter application times and gradually increase as tolerated.
Overreliance: While ice therapy can provide relief, it’s not a cure for plantar fasciitis. Avoid relying solely on this treatment and neglecting other important interventions.

By being aware of these potential risks and taking appropriate precautions, you can safely and effectively incorporate ice therapy into your plantar fasciitis management plan.

Remember, every individual’s experience with plantar fasciitis is unique. What works best for one person may not be as effective for another. Be patient with your treatment process, stay consistent with your regimen, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance if your symptoms persist or worsen despite your best efforts at self-care.

Icing Your Feet for Plantar Fasciitis – Do’s and Don’t’s

Why Icing Is Recommended For Plantar Fasciitis

The condition of Plantar Fasciitis revolves around injury to the elastic plantar fascia ligament that bridges the arch of your foot from heel to ball. In this condition, small tissue tears and inflammation commonly develop. Ice is used as a vehicle for reducing inflammation and providing relief. The bottom of the heel is typically the most painful area of the foot in the condition of Plantar Fasciitis, but the arch may also be very sore. If you’ve developed this ailment, your goal must be to recover from it via a combination of rest, icing, heel stretching exercises and orthotic options such as our pain-relieving shoe inserts.

How Long to Ice Plantar Fasciitis

It is ideal to ice your heels for 10-20 minutes. When you ice for less than 10 minutes you may experience temporary numbness but not the added benefits of reducing inflammation. If you ice for more than 20 minutes, your icing may become counterproductive by increasing blood flow to the area and worsening inflammation rather than decreasing inflammation.

The ‘Don’ts’ Of Icing

Do not apply ice directly to your skin – it can cause frostbite. Be sure that ice is kept separate from your skin via a thin hand towel, washcloth, paper towels, or other barriers.
Do not apply ice for more than 20 minutes at a time.
If, while you are icing your feet or any other part of your body, you feel that you are losing sensation or experiencing a ‘pins and needles’ sensation, remove the ice.

If the feeling does not return or your skin fails to warm up within 45 minutes of the application of ice, contact your doctor. You may ice your feet more than once a day but should allow at least an hour between the removal of the first ice pack and the application of a second one. If you have circulatory issues, ask your doctor before using ice.

Six Options For Icing The Plantar Fascia And Heel

Icing is one of the most inexpensive treatment options for plantar fasciitis. Most icing options cost just a few cents for the water you use to make ice, or a few dollars for supplies. Some can be accomplished with what you already have on hand at home. Consider these options and experiment to find which one delivers the most relief for you.

Ice Therapy Slippers – These ice pack slippers are by far the easiest icing solution for heel pain. Shaped like the bottom of your feet, your body weight will distribute the ice gel where you need it most. Store your Ice Slippers in the freezer, and strap them on for 5-10 minutes whenever you need pain relief.

Ice Cubes – Fill a towel or plastic bag with ice cubes and apply to the sore area of the foot. If using a sealable plastic bag, you can even add a little water to help the ice conform to the contours of your foot.

Frozen Vegetables – A bag of frozen corn or peas makes a great ice pack. You can re-use the bag as many times as you like, but be sure to label it as a medical device after the first use. Never eat vegetables or any other food that has thawed and been refrozen. It can cause food poisoning.

Store-Bought Ice Packs – Ice packs come in all shapes and sizes at the market. There are even gel packs that can be heated or frozen. These will cost a little more than using ice you make at home, but they are a good thing to have on hand for first aid in any household.

Paper Cups – If you’re dealing with ongoing symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis, a good tip is to fill paper cups with water and put them in the freezer. Then, when you want to ice your foot, simply peel the paper cup away and you’ll have a nice cylinder of ice that fits well under the arch of your foot. The circular shape of the ice makes it a natural for a rolling massage action along the sole of the foot. This can be very soothing.

Water Bottle – Freeze a single serving water bottle and combine icing with stretching, as shown on our page of free heel stretching videos.

When Is The Best Time To Apply Ice?

In the case of Plantar Fasciitis, it is recommended that you ice twice a day. However, it is not recommended that you apply ice first thing in the morning. One of the hallmark symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis is morning heel pain – pain that occurs when you first get out of bed in the morning. Your feet need a chance to warm up upon arising, so it’s generally best to apply ice later in the day.

Good times might include your lunch break and another session in the evening. While morning heel pain typically resolves after you’ve had a chance to walk around a bit, the pain frequently returns as the day progresses and the plantar fascia ligament bears the weight of your activity. You may experience a great deal of discomfort by day’s end, and this is a great time to utilize ice for its anti-inflammatory and numbing effects.

Icing Doesn’t Equal Healing

Remember that icing an injury is not the same as curing it. If you have developed Plantar Fasciitis, you must treat the injury to your ligament in order to regain your health. Please make use of our extensive library of free information to discover the best non-invasive, natural methods of recovering from this common and painful condition.

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Reduces inflammation and swelling caused by plantar fasciitis and heel spurs
Rest and relax your painful feet after a long day at work
Cool your feet down on a hot day. Ice the entire surface of the bottom of your feet easily and conveniently.
Ease toe pain caused by gout and arthritis
Unique one-size fits all design with adjustable straps fits women’s shoe sizes 5 – 14+ and men’s shoe sizes 4 – 13+

How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis with an Ice Bottle Massage

An ice bottle massage is a way to manage plantar fasciitis at home. Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that develops when the tough band of tissue on the bottom of your foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed.

Plantar fasciitis may occur as a result of high heels, high arches, fallen arches, or repetitive strain on the foot.

The ice bottle massage works by alleviating the inflammation that contributes to foot pain and swelling. It allows you to ice the foot for an extended period of time while massaging taut and constricted tissues.

Antonio_Diaz / Getty Images

Managing Plantar Fasciitis

Before a treatment plan can be formulated, you should undergo a thorough examination by a doctor or physical therapist to determine the cause of your foot pain.

Even though the signs of plantar fasciitis are pretty self-evident, there are other foot conditions with similar symptoms, including a heel fracture, heel bursitis, or heel contusion. The correct diagnosis directs the correct treatment.

The treatment of plantar fasciitis typically involves:

Surgery is only considered in severe cases. Before medications and orthotics are considered, doctors will typically recommend conservative, non-drug therapies aimed at reducing the inflammation that drives the disease.

Ice packs and cold compresses are an ideal way to do this. Also known as cold therapy, the application of ice reduces the blood flow to the affected area by shrinking blood vessels beneath the skin.

By doing so, the swelling decreases along with the inflammatory proteins, called cytokines, that spur inflammation. Icing the foot also numbs the nerve endings just below the skin, alleviating pain.

The problem with ice packs is that you either have to hold them to your foot or put them on the floor and rub your foot over them. Both work okay but can be awkward and cumbersome if you have to do it regularly.

An ice bottle massage is a simple yet smart solution that not only ices swollen tissues but gently stretches the plantar fascia.

How To: Ice Bottle Massage

All you need to do an ice bottle massage is a discarded beverage bottle, some water, and a towel.

Choose a 12-ounce or 20-ounce disposable bottle that conforms to the curve of your foot. If your condition is especially severe, a 32-ounce bottle may work better. Anything larger will do little to stretch the constricted tissues.

To get started:

Fill the bottle 75% with tap water.
Put it in the freezer without the cap for several hours/overnight. (If the cap is on while the water freezes and expands, the bottle can contort.)
Once it’s frozen solid, put the cap back on.

To perform the ice bottle massage:

Place a towel on the floor in front of a straight-back chair. (You’re less able to maneuver your foot in a soft chair you can sink into.)
Lay the frozen water bottle on its side on the towel and sit in the chair.
Slowly roll your foot over the water bottle, using gentle pressure to massage the plantar fascia.
As you roll the bottle to the ball of your foot, lift your heel and give your inner sole a good, long stretch.
As you roll the bottle back to your heel, point your toe downward to stretch the top of your foot.
Continue for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. Never go longer than 20 minutes, as this can lead to frostbite.
Put the bottle back in the freezer until you need it again.

Other Tips

Once the inflammation is under control, you can improve the flexibility of your foot by doing routine exercises.

The plantar fascia stretch and towel calf stretch are two simple yet effective ways to improve the flexibility and strength of not only the inner sole but the ankle and calf as well. After exercising, use an ice bottle massage to reduce inflammation.

Poor foot position can also contribute to plantar fasciitis. Ask your physical therapist or podiatrist to do a foot and walking analysis.

By looking at your gait and the position of your foot, the therapist or doctor may be able to recommend the right orthotic to keep your foot in the correct position while walking, running, or standing.

Kinesiology tape can also be used to support the foot and reduce plantar fasciitis pain.

With regular stretching, strengthening, and icing, you can expect your symptoms to dissipate within six to eight weeks. Severe cases may take longer—up to a year or more.

To prevent a recurrence, you need an exercise routine that engages the hips, lower back, thighs, knees, and ankles. By keeping the lower extremities strong and balanced, you can relieve the excess pressure on your foot and heel.

Swimming and cycling also help. Over time, routine exercise and orthotics can reduce or even reverse the symptoms of plantar fasciitis if you catch it early enough.

How to Use Ice & Heat for Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms

Plantar fasciitis causes sharp heel and foot pain along with swelling and inflammation of the fascia; the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. Using ice or heat for plantar fasciitis is among one of the most common methods for treating these painful symptoms. It’s affordable, effective and easy to do. Here are the best ways to find relief using cold and hot therapy techniques.

Cold Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Cold therapy for the treatment of plantar fasciitis causes the blood vessels beneath your skin to constrict, reducing blood flow. This is called vasoconstriction, which reduces swelling and decreases pain by numbing the nerves in the area. However, you do need to be careful because cold can cause muscles to tighten and spasm. Here you’ll find out exactly how to use cold therapy to manage your plantar fasciitis symptoms.

Standard Procedures for Using Ice

To start, you’ll want to use ice in combination with rest, compression and elevation. This will help to reduce the initial swelling and relieve heel pain. Follow these tips for best results:

Ice on and off for 15 to 20 minute sessions
Avoid direct ice to skin contact, use a towel or cloth barrier to protect your skin
Wrap a towel around the outside of your ice pack or use plastic wrap to apply compression to the affected area. You can also try a foot cold wrap, designed with straps to provide compression and secure ice pack in place or an ankle ice pack that covers the majority of your foot.
Elevate your foot above or close to heart level. This promotes healing and helps to minimize swelling by allowing for proper circulation. Simply prop your foot up with a couple pillows or use a leg rest pillow for convenience.

If you want to skip the ice, you can try using topical gels that provide cool relief. These formulas target pain the same way as cold packs and help to reduce inflammation. Apply throughout the day as needed!

Using Ice + Massage

Massage helps to stretch out and loosen the plantar fascia ligaments making the tendons less susceptible to injury and inflammation. Combining the benefits of cold therapy with massage and stretching exercisescan facilitate recovery and help to further relieve, or even prevent painful plantar fasciitis symptoms. Best part is, it’s as simple as using a frozen water bottle. Here’s how:

Fill a disposable 12 or 20 ounce water bottle ¾ full of cold water. Or use a cold massage ball or roller to achieve the same results.
Put the water bottle in the freezer, leaving the cap off. The water bottle will freeze more evenly without a cap on.
Once frozen, take the bottle out of the freezer and put the cap back on.
Place the frozen bottle on its side onto the ground.
While sitting in a chair, roll your foot over the frozen bottle with gentle pressure into your plantar fascia, ensuring it stays on a hard surface.
Do this for 10 to 15 minutes twice a day, never exceeding 20 minutes.

When to Only Use Ice

At nighttime
If you’re ready to get to sleep and you don’t have time to do contrast therapy at night, only use ice for your foot pain. To really help your pain, also take an Advil (ibuprofen) which acts as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Heat for Plantar Fasciitis

Another technique for treating plantar fasciitis is using heat therapy. Heat dilates blood vessels bringing more blood to the affected area. Heat should be used sparingly with plantar fasciitis because it can cause increased swelling. Read on to learn our recommendations for how to safely get the most out of heat therapy.

Standard Procedures for Using Heat

Generally, the longer heat is applied to an injury the better. Aim for at least 20 minutes, but it may take up to 2 hours for the best results.
Wrap your foot with a heating pad or submerge it in a warm bath ensuring the heel and arch are covered.
To prevent skin burns, never use heat therapy while sleeping.
When treating plantar fasciitis, alternate between heat and cold for the best results.

Ways to Get Relief from Heat

Heating pads
Heating pads are an excellent way to provide heat therapy with an adjustable and consistent temperature. Wrap the heating pad around the foot making sure the arch and heel are fully covered. Some heating pads come with a moisture sheet, letting you choose between dry or moist heat therapy.

Hot baths/foot soaks
A hot bath for your feet is a great way to both relax and give your feet the attention they deserve. Fill a small bucket or bin with warm water. You want the water to be hot enough to penetrate deep into your tissues, but not so hot it will burn the skin. Soak your feet until the water starts to cool down.

Massage
A foot massage will produce friction, which creates warmth. This is a good way to help stretch the muscles and loosen the fascia surrounding the muscles in your feet. Plantar fasciitis pain is commonly felt in the morning after the muscles haven’t been stretched or used all night long. Try to massage your feet before you get out of bed with a foot massage ball or tennis ball to prevent that morning pain.

Heated massage
Using a heated massage combines two of the most well-known treatments of plantar fasciitis pain. You can use heat rubs or a massage ball that has been warmed in a microwave. Apply pressure along the bottom of your foot starting at your toes and roll back and forth down to your heel. The massage will break up scar tissue, loosen muscles, and release toxins. Over time with heated massage you should find that you’ll have less plantar fasciitis pain.

When to Only Use Heat

Ultimately the answer is, very sparingly. Ideally, heat should be used in conjunction with ice. Heat will bring more blood to your foot, helping to increase healing. But, heat alone will cause more pain and swelling.

Alternating Cold & Hot for Plantar Fasciitis

Cold and heat can have positive effects on your plantar fasciitis. Alternating cold and heat therapy is called contrast therapy and can be a great, at-home treatment.

To start with contrast therapy, you’ll need to decide if you will use ice packs and a heating pad or submerge your feet in cold and hot water. Once you’ve picked your method you can begin treating your aching feet. Follow these standard procedures:

Start and end with cold therapy. This will further reduce overall inflammation and pain.
Cold therapy should be done for one minute and then heat therapy should be performed for three minutes.
Alternate back and forth making certain your heel and arch are well covered.

If you find that your pain moves up your Achilles tendon, calf muscle, does not get better, or becomes worse you should talk to your doctor, podiatrist, or physical therapist. They will be able to help you determine the exact cause of your pain and develop an individualized plan.

When to Use Contrast Therapy

Managing Plantar Fasciitis Pain with Ice and Heat

Cold and heat therapy for plantar fasciitis can treat some of the worst symptoms. When used properly in conjunction with other treatments like orthotics, night splints, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and arch support you may find even better symptom relief. However, based on the simplicity and price, cold and heat therapy is an easy place to begin your plantar fasciitis treatment. If your plantar fasciitis pain continues or worsens, we recommend that you seek help from a medical professional.

Sources:

https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/evidence-based-use-of-heat-cold-and-nsaids-for-plantar-fasciitis-2329-910X-2-140.pdf

https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/heat-therapy-cold-therapy/how-apply-heat-therapy

SHOP PLANTAR FASCIITIS PRODUCTS

Massage for Plantar Fasciitis Relief

10 ways to decrease pain caused by plantar fasciitis

Try these remedies for addressing pain and discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis affects many people across the country, especially anyone who spends extended time on their feet. If you walk, hike, bike or stand during your job, you may be at an elevated risk of this disorder.

The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, according to the Mayo Clinic, and overuse can lead to pain in the heel, arch or ball of your foot. Pain from plantar fascists may be most severe in the morning, but because the foot warms up during the day, you may find discomfort subsiding. Overall, being proactive about any issues can lead to relief, even if you are living with a chronic form of the ailment. Here are some of the best ways you can limit or decrease pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

1. Stretch the fascia
Tightness can be an uncomfortable problem, and research published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports found that stretching is one of the best ways to alleviate any issues. One helpful position is to stand against the wall with your heel on the ground and toes up, gently leaning on the affected foot. This slowly stretches the fascia and can help it feel looser. The key is to be gentle to avoid exacerbating the issue. Do this stretch in the morning or throughout the day to address discomfort.

2. Treat the arch
After you’ve stretched, you may find that icing your arch provides extra benefit. Use a frozen water bottle or therapy ball and roll your foot back and forth over it. This works to massage the fascia and relieve tension. Only ice after stretching because over-exerting a very cold tendon could cause more issues.

3. Focus on the calves
Tightness anywhere in your body can contribute to plantar fasciitis simply because it makes your body work harder when doing regular activities like walking or standing. Stretching your calves in particular can lead to limited pain. A nice stretch on this part of your body during the day can be helpful, especially before any exercise.
A simple calf stretch can provide relief for your plantar fasciitis.
4. Consider your footwear
Arch support can be another major consideration when it comes to plantar fasciitis. Old sneakers or uncomfortable shoes can contribute to pain and discomfort, and investing in the right orthopedic support can make a big difference. A supportive insert can be very helpful, as can wrapping your foot during the day. Likewise, a plantar fasciitis sleeve keeps your foot well-protected. By supporting your arch, you limit the problems that can lead to prolonged pain.

5. Wear something at night
The early morning is often when many people experience the worst issues caused by this ailment, and wearing something while you sleep can alleviate future problems. The Nice Stretch Original splint gently stretches your fascia, preventing stiffness or soreness the next day. It is comfortable and sleek but still offers tremendous relief from discomfort. In this way, you can be proactive about limiting plantar fasciitis pain without sacrificing too much of your day.

6. Get a massage
Arch support and regular stretching are helpful ways to alleviate some of the causes of plantar fasciitis and limit the ailment’s impact on your daily life. With time, you can recover within a few weeks or months, although some individuals have more serious or chronic symptoms.
Massaging your fascia can provide soothing relief.
Opting for a massage is one way to reduce pain and discomfort throughout the treatment process. This can be done by a professional, a physical therapist or a loved one who has an understanding of the condition. This relaxes tightness and tension and can be a way to unwind after a day on your feet.

7. Ice your fascia
Aside from a frozen water bottle or other item, simply using an ice pack is another way to find relief from your plantar fasciitis pain. Again, you don’t want to stretch with a frigid tendon, but applying ice while reading or watching television can offer similar benefits as a massage.

8. Stay off your feet
Even with stretching, icing or protective equipment, continuing to spend time walking, standing or exercising can prolong your plantar fasciitis. If you are experiencing serious discomfort or have the opportunity, spend a day or two off your feet to give your arches a chance to recover and recuperate.

Simple Steps to Soothe Heel Pain

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: Other Treatments

If those suggestions don’t help ease heel pain, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:

Wearing a special splint at night. This helps by maintaining a slight stretch of the plantar fascia while sleeping.
Physical therapy
Custom shoes or inserts (orthotics)

For more serious heel pain, more aggressive measures can be taken:

A shot of cortisone to reduce the inflammation. This can be effective, but tends to be painful.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, in which external shock waves are directed to the inflamed areas of plantar fascia. Success with this procedure has been mixed, and it tends to work best with plantar fasciitis patients who are also runners.
Various surgical procedures. This is usually a last-resort treatment, and only if pain is still there after many months of other treatments.

Plantar Fasciitis: Prevention

There are many triggers for plantar fasciitis, so it’s important to learn how to reduce your risk. Being obese puts extra pressure on your feet, so losing weight is a good idea if you struggle with heel pain.

The shoes you wear can also make a big difference in how your feet feel, so protect your feet and heels with shoes that offer good support in the arch and a wide, stable heel. Don’t wear worn-out shoes; replace them when there is noticeable wear on the sole. Also, don’t walk barefoot on hard surfaces.

Exercise will also affect plantar fascitis. Always warm up, and never rush into a new activity — take your time, and let your muscles get used to the exercise. And invest in a pair of cushioned running shoes, which should be replaced regularly.

Heel pain is certainly a bother, but don’t let it stop you in your tracks. Recognize the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, and give your feet the break they deserve.

Cold or Warm Therapy: What’s Better For Your Feet?

What’s hotter right now? Warm or cold therapy.

Each of the two methods have their places in treating foot pain and conditions, although the two serve different purposes. By cold therapy, we mean applying something cold – an ice pack, for example – to an area. Similarly, using warm therapy means applying heat to an area through a towel or a hot tub.

Generally, cold therapy should be used for acute injuries and foot pain as ice constricts blood vessels and swelling. Heat has the opposite effect. Applying heat to an area increases blood flow and relaxes the muscles and encourages an extended range of motion. As such, muscle soreness or tightness may benefit from warmth, rather than cold therapy.

Cold therapy

Cold therapy works best on acute injuries and intense foot pain. Why? Because cold therapy helps restrict blood flow to the area, thus reducing swelling which can aid in normal mobility and joint motion. Additionally, cold therapy numbs sensory fibres which reduces the immediate pain and offers you relief. Finally, restricting blood flow to the area means reduced blood loss after an acute injury, such as a twisted ankle.

Apply cold therapy by doing one of the following:

As a general rule of thumb, you should never apply heat or cold directly to the skin. Instead, use a towel or an intermediary to protect your skin. For example, freezing a water bottle and using that on your feet is better than applying ice directly to your skin.

Use ice packs for 5-10 minutes, or however long you see fit depending on feel. Other methods, like a cold shower, can be used for more minor pain, and can be shorter.

Let’s use a case example to illustrate how cold therapy can help keep your feet feeling their best. Many people are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, which is characterized by inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. This often causes intense pain, especially early in the morning when muscles are tense. The inflammation may be the result of overuse – as is the case with runners – or because your overweight, or over-stretched the area causing micro-tears in the tissue.

As a form of treatment, you can use a frozen water bottle as a form of cold therapy for plantar fasciitis. Icing the area this way reduces pain because it numbs the area, and helps in recovery because ice reduces swelling. However, icing can be part of a greater treatment plan known as RICE – recovery, icing, compression, and elevation.

Those who suffer from metatarsalgia, which refers to any pain found in the ball of the foot, where the metatarsals of the foot lie, may also benefit from cold therapy for the same reasons. Interestingly, both warm and cold therapy

Warm therapy

Warm therapy is best for chronic injuries characterized by soreness, tension, and dull pain. Why? Heat therapy improves blood circulation, as it expands blood vessels. Heat therapy also relaxes muscle fibres, increasing mobility. That’s why, for example, when you do hot yoga, you may feel more flexible than a regular session.

Additionally, warm therapy encourages the healing of damaged tissue as blood vessels of the muscles to dilate, which increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.

So, heat therapy is particularly useful for people suffering from arthritis, muscle stiffness and soreness, and chronic aches and pain.

A variety of methods encompass warm therapy including:

Hot tub/bath
Hot towel
Sauna

Heat therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among athletes. Author Alex Hutchinson has written extensively about the benefits of both heat and cold therapy for Outside. In one research-backed article, Hutchinson notes that “eight weeks of hot-tubbing produces really profound changes in markers of cardiovascular health like blood pressure and artery stiffness, perhaps due to increased blood flow when you’re hot.”

Warm + cold therapy together

There is also a warm-cold method that has been popularized in recent years, although evidence of its effectiveness is relatively unknown. According to the University of Michigan Medicine Department, alternating between warm and cold therapy creates a kind of pump. “Heat causes blood vessels to get bigger and cold causes them to get smaller,” they write. “Alternating between heat and cold means the blood vessels alternate between bigger and smaller. This change in blood movement could help reduce inflammation and swelling, and that could improve range of motion in the joint.”

To alternate between warm and cold, you can try contrast baths. This is how to do it:

Submerge your limb in a bucket of ice-cold water (as cold as can be tolerated) for about two minutes.
The limb is then moved into a second bucket filled with lukewarm (not hot) water, around (40°C), for 30 seconds.

Beyond basic, do-it-at-home treatment, if you continue to experience pain in your feet, book an appointment to see a licensed chiropodist. You can book an appointment below or by calling us at 416.769.3338(FEET).

90,000 Heel pain

Heel pain. “Feeling of a hammered nail at every step”! – this is how patients describe heel pain and believe that it occurs only because of the heel spur. What is a spur? The plantar fascia starts from the median prominence of the calcaneus and attaches to the heads of the metatarsal bones. A calcaneal spur arises on the anterior surface of the calcaneal tuberosity at the insertion of the plantar aponeurosis.

When walking, at the moment of heel lift-off, the fascia is pulled.When wearing uncomfortable shoes, flat feet, sports overload, this tension can become excessive and lead to chronic inflammation of the attachment site of the fascia to the heel bone. When the foot is overloaded, there is a slow stretching of the plantar aponeurosis, detachment from the attachment site to the heel, and gradual calcification of the attachment site.

This process is slow, stretching over the years. Subsequently, calcium salts are deposited in this place, and the picture shows a horizontal “spike” up to 2 cm long (heel spur).Thus, the heel spur is the outcome, not the cause of the disease. When the heel begins to hurt due to tendon inflammation, the bone “spike” is not yet visible on the X-ray. The presence or absence of a heel spur does not in any way affect the diagnosis and treatment of heel pain. Many people have heel spurs on radiographs and have never had pain in their heels. When this osteophyte matures completely, it does not hurt.

So, heel pain should never be blamed on the “notorious” heel spur.What then can be causing heel pain ? And many other serious diseases make their debut or manifest as heel pain. Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a competent treatment. With pain in the heel, the main thing is not to miss a serious illness that can lead to surgery and disability.

Risk factors for heel pain are overweight, high-heeled shoes, flat feet, chronic foot overload, sports injuries, heel contusion when jumping from a height.In this article, we will not discuss the traumatic causes of heel pain. Fractures, dislocations, bruises, sprains require treatment from a traumatologist.

Heel pain: symptoms. Heel pain brings significant suffering with every step. The clinical picture largely depends on the disease that caused the pain in the heel. Heel pains can be aching, dull, sharp, burning, shooting. More often, heel pain bothers when walking. Sometimes pain occurs even at rest, at night, disturbing sleep.The nature of heel pain, as well as the underlying cause, may vary.

Diseases in which there is pain in the heel.

Plantar fasciitis or “heel spur “. The main symptom of the disease is acute pain under the heel, especially pronounced during the first steps after sleep or long rest. The pain can be so severe that during the first minutes, patients move with support on the edge of the foot or toes, avoiding stepping on the heel.After a few steps, the pain in the heel is noticeably reduced. On palpation, the middle of the heel from the plantar side is sharply painful. If such a painful point is absent, then the diagnosis is in doubt.

Achilles bursitis (inflammation of the Achilles tendon and its bursae). The Achilles (calcaneus) tendon attaches the calf and soleus muscles to the calcaneus. The cause of pain in the heel is prolonged chronic overstrain or acute situational overload of the gastrocnemius muscle, taking anabolic steroids or frequent blockade with corticosteroids.Achilles bursitis occurs mainly in athletes, ballet dancers and dancers, often accompanied by tears or ruptures of the tendon.

Pain localized above the heel and on the back of the lower leg, accompanied by lameness and inability to stand on the toes. Clinically, there is tenderness, swelling, and redness on both sides of the Achilles tendon. The calf muscles are tense and painful. Pain in the heel and calf worse in the morning, the patient, when getting up, can hardly lean on the sore leg.

Bursitis of the posterior bursa of the Achilles tendon often develops as a result of excessive friction and pressure from an uncomfortable shoe heel. But it can also be an early symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Such bursitis is clearly visible above the calcaneus, as a round, painless subcutaneous formation.

Ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis can debut with “spontaneous” heel pain in young people even before the onset of typical clinical manifestations of the underlying disease.

Reactive arthritis in infections (chlamydia, ureaplasmosis) has characteristic signs: pain in the heels worries not only when walking, but also at rest, increases at night. In addition to pain in the heels, other joints, eyes become inflamed, urethritis appears (Reiter’s disease).

Radiculopathy S 1 root occurs when a herniated L5-S1 disc falls out. When the S1 root is compressed, the pain spreads along the back of the leg below the knee to the heel.The Achilles reflex falls out, sensitivity in the heel is impaired.

Osteochondropathy in the zone of ossification of the calcaneal tubercle occurs in adolescents 12-15 years old. A delay in realigning this zone during growth causes severe heel pain. The disease is treated conservatively, the effect is weak. In most cases, heel pain goes away on its own after the child stops growing. In adults, this pathology does not occur.
Very rarely, heel pain occurs with tumors, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis.

When should I see a doctor urgently?

when very severe heel pain occurs;
the intensity of pain in the heel increases with time;
with redness, swelling of the heel area;
with an increase in body temperature.

Which doctor should you contact if your heel hurts? In case of acute trauma, consultation with a traumatologist or surgeon is necessary. In other cases, you should visit a therapist who will prescribe an examination and refer, if necessary, to a rheumatologist, orthopedist or neurologist or other specialist for consultation.

Diagnosis of heel pain.
Complete blood count (leukocytes, ESR) confirms inflammatory processes in the body. The higher the leukocytes and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), the stronger the inflammation. An increase in ESR in combination with nocturnal pains indicates a rheumatic disease.

Blood test for rheumatic tests. In rheumatic diseases, the level of CRP is sharply increased. Negative rheumatic tests rule out rheumatic causes of heel pain.A positive rheumatoid factor confirms an association of heel pain with rheumatoid arthritis.

Blood test for antibodies to chlamydia and ureaplasma, scraping from the urethra allows you to exclude reactive arthritis with pain in the heels.

Radiograph displays bone changes in the heel area, excludes traumatic causes of pain in the heel, tumors, osteomyelitis, bone tuberculosis.

MRI of the heel area helps to detect the earliest changes in cartilage, tendons, ligaments.MRI of the lumbosacral spine confirms the presence of a herniated disc in radiculopathy.

Treatment for heel pain depends on the cause. Different diseases require a different approach to treatment. To reduce pain in the heel, there are general rules:

to limit the time spent on your feet;
Provide rest of the lower limb for 2-3 weeks;
give up high heels;
to reduce obesity weight;
to use instep supports, insoles or orthopedic shoes;
to engage in physiotherapy exercises for the feet.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve inflammation pain. Long-term uncontrolled use can cause stomach or heart problems. Be careful with self-medication.

With Achilles bursitis for external use, you can use compresses with Dimexidum or medical bile, ointments with NSAIDs. You should be careful with warming ointments and compresses. In case of injuries, edema, warming up procedures are contraindicated. In this situation, it is better to apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the sore spot for 10-15 minutes.

Physiotherapy and mud therapy are shown. If the tendon is torn off, surgical treatment is required. With a “heel spur”, ointments, compresses, laser therapy, acupuncture and physiotherapy have no effect. Shockwave therapy relieves pain well.

In case of inflammation, a sharp pain in the heel is quickly relieved by therapeutic blockages with corticosteroids directly at the source of the pain. But they should be carried out by competent doctors, strictly according to indications, no more than 3 procedures at one point. Frequent administration of corticosteroids tends to tear off the tendon, so it is dangerous to abuse this method!

Rheumatoid arthritis should be treated by a rheumatologist.The constant intake of specific basic drugs, non-steroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is shown. With radiculopathy, the treatment is carried out by a competent neurologist.

For urogenital infections, antibiotics are prescribed under the supervision of a dermatovenerologist. For tumors, tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, specific treatment is required from specialized specialists.

In my hands, the best treatment for heel pain is interstitial electrical stimulation. Only 2-3 VTES procedures relieve the patient from pain in the heel for several years, or even for life.

Causes of pain in the heel – symptoms, which doctor to see

The human foot is very complicated. With a unique cushioning mechanism, it provides stability, speed and maneuverability with support on the heels. This is the most important part of the foot, which bears a lot of stress. The special structure of the bone and the thick layer of soft tissue allow us to walk comfortably. But if there is pain in the heel, this is an extremely unpleasant sensation. The pain can be sharp, stabbing, aching, constant or intermittent.

The frequency of spread of heel pain is difficult to determine. Many people, periodically experiencing pain, prefer to endure it or treat themselves without going to a doctor.

Causes of heel pain

The cause of heel pain is inflammation. It, in turn, can be caused by various factors.

Injury. Most often, heel pain occurs due to inflammation caused by injury to the heel structures – mechanical damage to the heel bone, tendons, bursae or ligaments.Because of this, pathologies accompanied by pain can develop – cracks in the calcaneus, bruises, sprains of the ankle ligaments and the Achilles tendon, heel spurs and bursitis.
The second most common cause of inflammation and pain in the heel area is metabolic disorders: diabetes mellitus and gout. In diabetes mellitus, the walls of the blood vessels are affected. Veins in the legs are the first to suffer from diabetic angiopathy. With gout, uric acid salts accumulate in the joints and periarticular structures.Vascular disorders in diabetes and uric acid accumulation in gout are the causes of pain.
Occasionally, the heels can hurt during inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases, such as reactive arthritis. Rarely, heel pain can occur due to inflammatory lesions of the heel structures by pathogenic microbes. As a rule, purulent inflammation of the calcaneus is observed in tuberculosis and osteomyelitis.

What can hurt in the heel

Calcaneus. Pain in it arises from inflammation in reactive arthritis, epiphysitis, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, osteochondropathy of the tubercle and fractures.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue. Involved in pathological processes when structures underneath are damaged. Pain in diabetic angiopathy, gout, ankle sprain, heel spur, etc.

Synovial bags. There are two of them in the heel area – the retrocalcaneal and superficial bursa of the Achilles tendon.Pain with bursitis.

Ligaments and fascia. The lateral ligaments of the ankle are most commonly affected. It hurts with bruises and sprains on the dorsum of the foot. Plantar – plantar fascia – usually hurts with plantar fasciitis – heel spur.

Achilles tendon. When it is inflamed, the back of the heel hurts.

Nerves and blood vessels. Nerves are usually inflamed in any pathology of the calcaneal structures.Vascular damage causes pain in bruises, diabetic angiopathy, osteomyelitis and tuberculosis of the calcaneus.

Intermetatarsal joints. The talocalcaneonavicular and calcaneo-cuboid joints usually hurt with gout.

Which doctor should you go to when your heel hurts

First of all, with heel pain, it is necessary to exclude more dangerous diseases that require urgent treatment. Therefore, the first specialist to consult for heel pain is a surgeon.

Diseases in which heel pains are possible:

heel spur, or plantar fasciitis;
bursitis;
Haglund deformation;
tarsal tunnel syndrome;
tuberculosis of the calcaneus;
osteomyelitis;
reactive arthritis;
osteochondropathy;
epiphysitis;
diabetic angiopathy;

90,087 gout;

bruises;
stretching;

90,087 inflammation of the tendons;

cracks.

Common Complaints

If you have pain on the inside of the heel, first of all, you need to exclude the heel spur – for this, an x-ray is taken. If there are no spurs, the cause of side pain may be injuries, foot deformities or excessive loads – excess weight, uncomfortable shoes, hard physical labor.

If the heel hurts when walking and it hurts to step on it, try to reduce the load and see a doctor. With the described symptoms, heel spur, achillitis, osteochondropathy of the heel tuberosity, bursitis or load periostitis are primarily suspected.In addition to them, infectious diseases, oncology and injuries are possible. The tactics of individual differential diagnostics are developed by the attending physician.

Most often, the heel hurts the field of sleep with a heel spur. The disease is characterized by intense pain in the heels in the morning, in the afternoon it subsides.

Diagnosis of heel pain

When visiting a doctor, the examination is carried out according to a specific plan. The doctor asks in detail about the complaints, specifying their nature, type and localization of pain, examines the affected area.If necessary, prescribes a number of laboratory tests and instrumental examinations. These include:

Complete blood count. It is necessary to detect the inflammatory process, reduce hemoglobin in case of anemia, change the level of platelets in case of blood coagulation problems.
Blood biochemistry. The analysis will show the available changes in metabolic processes, will help in identifying diabetic lesions, rheumatoid, gouty arthritis, infections caused by pathogenic streptococci.
Analysis for tumor markers. It is needed if there is a suspicion of bone tumor processes.
Sowing of purulent discharge on the flora. It is necessary in the presence of purulent lesions, the selection of antimicrobial drugs.
Radiography of the bones and soft tissues of the foot. It will help in identifying unexplained pain in the heel, including after injury, against the background of degenerative processes.
Ultrasound in the detection of arthritis, bursitis, neuroma, tunnel syndrome with the determination of the localization of the focus of inflammation.
Puncture of a bone or bursa if an infectious or tumor lesion is suspected.
CT or MRI for accurate diagnosis of damage to any structure in the area of the foot and heel.

Methods for the treatment of heel pain

They try to treat pathologies of the heel area conservatively, but this is not always possible. If conservative therapy is ineffective, this is an indication for surgery. Surgical treatment quickly and permanently removes the cause of heel pain.Modern surgery is based on minimally invasive outpatient techniques with minimal trauma and a short recovery period.

Heel spur

Surgical treatment of a heel spur is indicated if conservative therapy fails within 6 months. Types of operations for heel spur – osteophyte removal and plantar fasciotomy.

Interventions are performed under local anesthesia. Through a small incision, the surgeon inserts an endoscopic probe and microsurgical instruments.Under the control of a micro-video camera, he excises the bone growth, and, if necessary, the inflamed area of the fascia. So that the nerve is not squeezed in the future, the thick part of the adductor muscle of the big toe is dissected.

For more information on diagnostics and methods of removing a heel spur, click here.

If pain with a heel spur is caused not by an osteophyte, but by excessive tension of the plantar aponeurosis, tenotomy is done – a partial dissection of the tendon. The operation is performed without incisions – through punctures using a high-frequency electric current (radio frequency tenotomy).

Bursitis

Bursectomy – surgical removal of the bursa – is indicated when conservative treatment of bursitis is ineffective. The operation is performed without incisions using arthroscopic technique.

Through 2-3 punctures with a diameter of 4-5 mm, microsurgical instruments and a miniature video camera are introduced into the joint. The articular capsule is dissected and removed. A sterile bandage is applied to the incisions. The duration of the procedure is about 30 minutes. The recovery period is 2 days.

Haglund Deformation

If conservative treatment of Haglund’s deformity is ineffective, surgical intervention is indicated. During endoscopic surgery – without incisions – the bone growth is removed from the surface of the calcaneal tuberosity, after which the retrocalcaneal bursa is excised. Thus, the mechanical functions of the Achilles tendon are restored and the cause of the pain is eliminated.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome caused by large pathological formations in the tarsal canal – both congenital and acquired as a result of foot deformity – requires surgical treatment.During the operation, the pathogens are removed and the normal patency of the canal is restored.

Calcaneus tuberculosis

In the late stages of tuberculosis, as well as with the ineffectiveness of conservative therapy, surgical treatment is indicated. During the operation, the dead tissue of the calcaneus is excised and the cavities formed inside it are disinfected.

Osteomyelitis of the calcaneus

In case of osteomyelitis, during the operation, a purulent focus on the calcaneus is opened, it is cleaned of pus and dead tissue, after which the area of localization of inflammation is thoroughly disinfected.

At the initial visit, the surgeon will either rule out an emergency pathology and refer you to a specialized specialist, or immediately begin treatment.

What is heel pain?

Heel pain often occurs in people who spend most of their time on their feet. The increased load on the feet leads to inflammation of the soft tissues, resulting in unpleasant discomfort.

A child can also complain that his heel hurts, it hurts to step on one foot. If the symptom does not go away, but only gets worse, it is necessary to show it to a pediatric orthopedist as soon as possible.During adolescence, especially if the child is active, some develop a serious illness called Haglund-Schnitz disease. This pathology is a necrosis of the bone tissue of the calcaneal tuberosity. Why some children are susceptible to such a disease, doctors still cannot answer for sure. However, a number of predisposing factors have been identified:

hereditary predisposition;
overweight;
violation of metabolic processes;
hormonal disruption;
excessive physical activity;
foot injuries.

From the foregoing, it can be concluded that persistent pain in the heel is associated with inflammatory or degenerative-deforming processes caused by both internal and external factors. Therefore, if every day it becomes worse for a person to step on the heel, he needs urgent medical attention. Treating a disease without finding out its cause is fraught with serious complications.

Why do heels hurt

The foot performs a supporting and shock-absorbing function for the whole body, since during movement it is on the feet that the heaviest load is exerted.When the load suddenly increases, the muscles of the foot do not have time to adapt so quickly to the new conditions, as a result of which sprains, inflammations occur, and the heel hurts when walking. More often than others, people involved in jogging and other active sports face this problem. In these cases, another reason for this syndrome may be the lack of warm-up before a sharp increase in the volume of physical activity.

But discomfort in the feet is provoked not only by sports loads.Many have heel pain on their feet as a result of negative effects on the musculoskeletal system of factors such as:

overweight;
footwork;
uncomfortable shoes;
development of systemic diseases;

90,087 injuries, bruises, sprains;

sedentary lifestyle;

90,087 chronic infections;

oncology.

Therefore, if an adult or a child has a heel pain, the cause of the pain should be clarified first.This will help the doctor choose the correct therapy regimen and cure the pathology.

Diseases that cause heel pain

Common diseases in which the heel hurts severely during exertion and walking:

plantar fasciitis;
plantar fasciitis, aka heel spur;
stress fracture of the heel bone;
inflammation of the Achilles tendon;
calcaneal bursitis;
tarsal tunnel syndrome;
bruise or heel cushion syndrome.

Plantar plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory disease in which pathological processes are localized in the plantar ligament or fascia. Under the influence of negative internal and external factors, inflammation develops in the fascia, the progression of which is accompanied by pain symptoms and problems with walking.

With such a disease, acute pain worries not only during exercise, but also at rest. The discomfort is increased if the patient lifts his fingers.

Common causes of plantar ligament inflammation:

excessive physical activity;
overweight;

90,087 muscle imbalance;

deformation processes in the spine;
flat feet;
autoimmune disorders;
metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus;
cardiovascular pathologies;
irreversible changes in tissues associated with age.

Another common disease in which the heel hurts on the right or left leg is a heel spur or plantar fasciitis. The disease can occur at any age. The cause of its occurrence is a chronic injury to the plantar fascia and the formation of bone growth in this area. The mechanism of development of the heel spur is simple. Under the influence of negative factors, the tissues of the plantar fascia are overstretched, injured and inflamed. Inflammation can spread to adjacent areas of the foot, causing inflammation of the deep bursae and periosteum.

In the place where the fascia is attached to the calcaneus, calcium salts gradually collect, which cause the formation of a hard build-up. Over time, the calcified area increases in size. On an X-ray, it looks like a pointed thorn or spur. With such a disease, it hurts a person to step on his foot, the heel from behind hurts more.

Common root causes of heel spur:

flat feet;
excessive load on the lower body;
complication of joint diseases;
chronic foot injury.

If the heel hurts from the side or back after an inaccurate fall to the feet, the person may have a stress fracture of the calcaneus. This is a serious injury, accompanied by unbearable pain, crunching in the foot, and swelling. With a stress fracture, the victim cannot stand on the foot, because it is very painful.

Damage to the Achilles tendon also causes unpleasant discomfort in the back of the foot. The Achilles tendon is located just above the calcaneus and connects it to the muscles in the back of the lower leg.It is quite strong and can withstand a tensile load weighing up to four hundred kilograms.

More often than others, this tendon is damaged by athletes engaged in:

fast run;
tennis;
basketball;
football, etc.

Adults or children who have just started active sports and have not yet learned how to properly distribute the load can get injured. in medicine, there are 2 states of damaged Achilles:

Tendinitis.A pathological process of an inflammatory nature, which occurs against the background of microtrauma and micro-tears of tendon tissues.
Tendinosis. It develops as a result of untreated tendonitis. With this disease, the Achilles fibers are depleted.

With inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the heel hurts more from the back, redness and swelling of the ankle is also observed. If you do not ignore the pathological signs, the disease in the initial stages can be cured by conservative methods.In advanced cases, Achilles can partially or completely break away from the calcaneus, so surgical treatment is indispensable here.

Calcaneal bursitis, in which an inflammatory complication progresses in the synovial bursa, is also accompanied by aching pains in the back of the foot. In the medical dictionary, there is another meaning of the word bursa – bursa. In total, there are three burs in the foot:

at the point of attachment of the Achilles tendon to the heel bone;
between the heel bone and the plantar part of the foot;
between Achilles and soft tissues.

If untreated, inflammation of any of the three bursae leads to suppuration and the development of serious complications.

At the initial stage of development, heel bursitis causes aching pain in the heel. Most of all, the discomfort is felt in the morning, after sleep. The heel area swells, turns red, becomes hot to the touch. If a purulent process has joined, other symptoms develop:

temperature rise;
weakness, lethargy;
intoxication.

Causes of calcaneal bursitis:

excessive physical activity;
overweight;
unsuitable footwear;

90,087 foot injuries;

chronic infectious foci.

If a person has a side heel pain, it is possible that the root cause of this discomfort is tarsal tunnel syndrome, which occurs due to a pinched calcaneal nerve. With such a violation, the pain does not go away even at rest. But the pain in the soft tissues of the heel can be a consequence of the heel cushion syndrome.This is an inflammation of the subcutaneous fat layer on the heel pad, which occurs for the following reasons:

overload while running;
sloppy landing when jumping from a height;
violation of metabolic processes.

What to do if heels hurt

If a person has a heel pain, what to do in this case? First of all, it is necessary to exclude provoking factors:

heavy physical activity;
uncomfortable shoes;
exhausting workouts.

It is advisable not to overload your legs, rest more, completely eliminate heels, preferring comfortable or orthopedic shoes. To alleviate the condition and relieve discomfort, a cold compress can be applied to the sore spot. In the case when a person cannot sleep due to pain, to relieve the symptom, you can drink a drug of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory group. If in the morning the condition has not improved, but, on the contrary, it has become worse, it is necessary to urgently go to the doctor. After a comprehensive diagnosis, the doctor will explain why the heel on the left or right foot hurts and prescribe the necessary treatment.

When you need to see a doctor as soon as possible

It is not recommended to hesitate with a visit to the doctor if the patient progresses such pathological symptoms:

Redness of the skin in the heel area. Hyperemia and a local increase in temperature indicate the development of an inflammatory process. Sometimes untimely relief of inflammation becomes the cause of suppuration and the spread of the pathological process to healthy tissues.
Swelling of the ankle.Puffiness is also a characteristic symptom of inflammation and can also indicate soft tissue damage.
Problems with flexion-extension of the fingers. This symptom may indicate a tendon injury or a pinched calcaneal nerve.
Spread of pain syndrome over the entire foot, knee. This is an alarming sign, the causes of which can be varied: tendon rupture, inflammation and suppuration of the soft tissues of the foot, swelling.

It is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible if a person finds it difficult to stand on the heel and walk in general, while the pain syndrome does not decrease after reducing the load and at rest.

Which doctor should I contact

When the heel hurts badly and treatment needs to be started urgently, you must first visit an orthopedic traumatologist. During the initial examination, the specialist will collect anamnesis, ask about disturbing symptoms, and feel the affected area. However, examination alone is not enough to determine an accurate diagnosis. To find out the causes of pain and discomfort in the heel area, a referral is given for an additional diagnostic examination, consisting of the following procedures:

radiography;
Ultrasound of the ankle;
CT or MRI of the problem area.

If necessary, an orthopedist-traumatologist can give a referral for consultation to other narrow-profile specialists:

rheumatologist;
neurologist;
infectious disease specialist;
endocrinologist;
nutritionist;
surgeon;
oncologist.

After the final diagnosis becomes known, a specialist or a council of doctors will select an individual treatment aimed at eliminating the root cause of the pathology and concomitant symptoms.

Traditional medicine advice

If the heel hurts, home treatment should be carried out only after all the nuances have been agreed with the doctor. Self-medication is fraught with serious consequences, because discomfort in the back of the foot can be a symptom of severe pathology, sometimes requiring immediate surgical intervention.

But if the diagnosis is not complicated and conservative treatment is prescribed, alternative methods can be used as an auxiliary therapy that will help alleviate health, relieve inflammation, and accelerate recovery.

If heels hurt, what to do at home? First of all, it is necessary to provide rest to the legs, trying to step less on the sore spot. If the back of the foot is swollen and reddened, cool herbal baths will help relieve these unpleasant symptoms. The recipe for such a folk remedy is simple:

Combine herbs in equal proportions: chamomile, sage, plantain.
Boil 2 liters of water, then add 4 tablespoons of the herbal mixture.
Remove heat, cover pan and simmer for another 7 to 10 minutes.
Strain the finished broth, cool to room temperature.
Take a bath for pain in the heels 2 – 3 times a day.

If you urgently need to stop inflammation and pain, you can apply a piece of ice to the affected area for 10 minutes. Then rest for 15 minutes and warm your foot with a heating pad. If the pain is acute, rubbing the heels with ice, alternating with thermal treatments, will help. Warming up can be done with sea salt heated in a frying pan, placed in a cloth bag.

A bath of iodine and salt has a good therapeutic effect:

Add 3-4 tablespoons of salt and 50 drops of iodine to warm water.
Stir the ingredients with honey so that the salt crystals are completely dissolved.
Dip your feet into the solution, take a bath until the water has completely cooled down.

At the end of the procedure, wipe the feet dry and put on woolen socks.

Iodine and salt have a pronounced antiseptic effect, eliminate inflammation, relieve swelling, reduce pain and discomfort.

In case of acute inflammation of the soft tissues of the heel area, clay applications have proven themselves well, which should be used every day after hygienic procedures. Method of use:

Dilute a package of pharmacy clay with boiled water cooled to room temperature.
You should get a soft plastic mass in consistency reminiscent of thick sour cream.
Put plastic bags on your feet and pour dissolved clay into each portion.
Spread the mass over the entire foot, fix the bag securely, and put on warm socks on top.
Keep the product for 15 – 20 minutes.
Then rinse your feet with clean warm, wipe dry and grease with nourishing cream.

Preventive measures

To prevent the development of dangerous diseases of the musculoskeletal system and avoid severe pain in the heel, it is recommended to follow these simple prevention rules:

Control weight, if necessary, go on a light diet in order to normalize body weight.
In case of deformity of the foot or flat feet, wear special orthopedic shoes that evenly distribute the load on the lower extremities.
Avoid injury and damage.
When playing sports, review the level of physical activity in conjunction with a doctor and a trainer, focus on those exercises that will not harm the foot and heel.
Perform special exercises daily to maintain the tone of all muscle groups involved in walking.
Monitor nutrition, diversify the diet with healthy food rich in vitamins, micro- and macroelements.
Eliminate bad habits, lead a healthy lifestyle.
Timely treat foci of infection and prevent them from becoming chronic.
Maintain immunity, temper.

As a preventive measure, visit an orthopedic doctor at least once a year. If a disease develops in the body that affects the musculoskeletal system, the doctor will be able to diagnose it in the early stages and successfully cure it, preventing serious complications.

What shoes to wear

In case of pain in the heel, it is necessary to wear orthopedic shoes, which will reduce static and shock loads on the foot, protecting the affected area from additional injury.Prosthetic models must meet the following requirements:

be made from natural materials;
have a stable low heel and a dense heel with a vertical axis;
midsole hardness, light, non-slip;
the heel area of the insoles should be thickened, to cushion the foot when walking;
the presence of an instep support.

Before buying orthopedic shoes, you need to try on, listen to the sensations.If the model is comfortable, convenient, you can safely buy and wear it, taking care of your health and preventing the development of unpleasant complications.

90,000 What can be when the heels start to hurt | Pyatkin A

Pain in the heel brings many inconveniences, since a person needs to walk daily, and the disease negatively affects the quality of life.

A similar pathology often appears in elderly people, athletes, women while carrying a child.To overcome the disease, you need to figure out what can be if the heel hurts, what are the ways to solve the problem.

The main causes of heel pain

If the heel hurts, this may indicate various factors:

A cause that has no connection with any ailment.
Pathologies with direct damage to the structures of the foot.
Diseases that affect the osteoarticular structure.
Injury.

Why the heels of the feet hurt:

Wearing improperly fitted shoes, having a heel above the norm, a thin sole, a squeezed heel lead to a violation of the natural placement of pressure, which leads to congestion of certain areas of the sole.
Increased activity. With the usual sedentary spending of the day, a person who spends the day actively may be faced with the fact that at the end of the day heels hurt on his feet. The reason is that the fat formed under the skin on the surface of the sole is very thin for such onslaught.
Work capacity associated with standing work. A large load on the lower extremities leads to their congestion, so the heel begins to hurt a person.
Formation of calluses and corns due to improper care or due to the development of plantar psoriasis.What can cause a sore heel? A bladder forms, which can hurt during movement, and thickened skin can burst under pressure, forming painful cracks.

When heel pains appear, the reasons may indicate atrophy of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Heel pain occurs due to sudden weight loss or increased daily activity along with exercise. In addition, when weight gain occurs suddenly, abruptly, stable obesity is observed in a short time, this leads to heel pain.

If the heel is sick and does not stop hurting, after a long rest, you should consult a doctor. The physician will determine the possible factor, what it might be and how to get rid of the problem.

Why does the heel on the left leg hurt?

Life rhythm of a modern person forces a lot of time to be on his feet. The heel is able to withstand a lot of pressure, and with a long stay on the lower extremities, the onslaught increases, and it begins to hurt.

It has been noticed that often people develop pain in the left heel.This is due to the fact that the correspondence of the body, limbs is not absolute. In the course of evolutionary change, the right leg and hand became dominant, control over which was taken over by the dominant left hemisphere of the human brain.

Right-handers have a developed limb on the right. The muscle mass on the right leg is more developed. A rapid decrease in activity is observed on a weak limb, often the limb on the left. The pressure creates uncomfortable sensations, so the left heel begins to hurt.

From which there is soreness in the heel of the left leg and the right heel hurts:

When walking for a long time, staying on your feet, the left heel may hurt.
Compliance with dietary nutrition, increased physical activity leads to a decrease in subcutaneous adipose tissue, which negatively affects shock absorption and the left heel begins to hurt.
Rapid increase in body weight.
Walking in only purchased or uncomfortable shoes, with a tight last, as a result of which muscles are strained and squeezed.

When the left heel continues to hurt for a long time, the causes can be much more serious. Any painful process may occur.
It is possible to recognize the pathological manifestation of the pain syndrome in the presence of the first symptoms that appear:

Painful aching, heel can stab, hurt, stove. All feet are also baked, or on the side of the foot.
When moving, it is impossible to step, the pain syndrome intensifies.
The left heel turns red, swells.
When burning pains in the legs on one side increase in the evenings and in the morning, this indicates signs of arthritis, gout.
If the heel seems to pulsate, this manifestation of pain is characterized by a symptom of trauma.

Regardless of the fact that when supporting to the left, the leg can withstand strong pressure, the integrity of the bone can be compromised. This happens due to:

Physical onslaught
Improper diet
Injuries to the hip joints, feet and surrounding tissue
Inflammatory processes

If the heel is deformed, it does not go away without a trace.Painful sensations begin to appear in the spine and other joints. It can hurt in the hip joint in the left leg from the thigh due to damage to tendons, joints, infections, injuries.

In the absence of therapy for pain in the limbs, the heel of the left leg will cause severe discomfort, and there will be limitations in motor employment.

Pain in the heels in women

Often, the heels of women begin to hurt when walking in high heels all day long, long stay on the feet, wrong shoes.In addition, they will hurt during prolonged physical exercise.

Such actions indicate the presence of ailments associated with the joints and the spine. The heel can often hurt in the presence of varicose veins.

On impact, possibly the appearance of small cracks in the bone of the foot. Pain syndrome manifests itself as a characteristic feature of a spur. In the lower zone of the foot, there is a long flap that connects the heel bone and toes. When this area becomes inflamed, girls develop heel pain when bending over by pulling their toes towards themselves.
Women’s heels can also hurt during pregnancy. The soreness is such that it is unrealistic to step on the foot and walk. The heel becomes stone, there is severe pain.

When heels hurt during pregnancy, most women experience the syndrome around the evening, towards the end of the working day. Others report soreness in the morning. The heel stops hurting when it is slightly apart, but the discomfort may appear again in the evening.

The main reason that heels hurt during pregnancy is a deviation of the center of gravity.In addition, a frequent complaint comes when a woman goes from a high heel to a heel much lower. In this case, the heel will become sore due to weight recombination.

Of course, heels hurt during pregnancy, also due to being overweight. Carrying a heavy load is difficult, and the greatest pressure is actually on this area of the limb. Swelling is also a likely factor behind the pain in the heel. It is important to control so that fluid does not accumulate in the body.

Why the heels hurt after childbirth:

During the period of childbirth, when the baby comes out through the birth canal,
stretches the spine, pelvic floor muscles, ligaments of the pubic articulation
. As a result, the lower back hurts, after which the heel begins to hurt.
The woman in labor feels a pulling pain and weakness in the legs.
The heel may hurt, indicating varicose veins. During pregnancy, the increased blood volume 90,077 and the onslaught of the growing uterus affected the veins.They 90,077 lengthened and expanded. The valves of blood vessels with a reverse outflow of blood did not cope with
, this became a factor of her stagnation in the legs.
Heel is overloaded when carrying a baby. The extra 15 kg that the woman
carried on her legs manifests itself in a negative way after the birth of the child.

Possible pathologies associated with pain in the heels

Pain in the heels leads to unbearable discomfort. This does not allow the patient to move normally, and rather severe pains immobilize.When the causes of heel disease are identified, the symptoms of the syndrome in this area are dealt with. Since the heel may be sore due to various diseases, the symptoms of the disease will differ.

It is important when the heel hurts for a long period of time, immediately consult a doctor to determine the specific pathology and prescribe the necessary treatment.

What diseases provoke pain:

Bursitis
Heel spur
Bruises injuries
Osteomyelitis
Infectious diseases
Arthritis
Epiphysitis
Gout
Other

Injuries ache in the heel:

Tendon ruptures, sprains are transmitted by sudden soreness in the damaged area, puffiness forms.Plantar flexion may become unrealistic due to the severity of the injury. During the palpation of the sore spot, it is possible to determine the damage to the tendon. The factor of defeat is a blow with a hard object, sudden cramps of the muscles of the lower leg.
Bone contusion. Often, patients encounter such a problem when they abruptly land on their feet when jumping from a height, from a blow of a blunt object. A dull, sudden, burning, tingling pain immediately appears, the heel hurts badly. When the entire mass is transferred to the affected side, it feels as if a sharp nail is being introduced into the leg.The patient begins to develop inflammation in this area, the leg swells.
Fracture, bone cracks are manifested by swelling of the leg, the heel is deformed and displaced. The heel hurts unbearably, it hurts to lean on it. In the presence of edema, it is impossible with the ankle to move forward, backward and stretch the tendon.
The consequence of flat feet leads to a lowering of the arch on the inner region of the sole, abnormal placement of the load. When the disease is neglected, it is almost impossible to eliminate the syndrome.

Bursitis

The heel can hurt with a disease due to mechanical and infectious damage. Mechanical factors include injury to tissues, leg bones, tendons. A similar ailment can develop as a result of a strong onslaught on the leg.

Also included are athletes who experience heel pain after running on a treadmill in a gym, after lifting a lot of weight. When the heel hurts after running, the victim develops swelling, the skin turns red, and the local temperature rises.

When touched, the discomfort is intensified. If the inflammation is chronic, the swelling in the back of the heel can become hardened.

Also, bursitis often appears in women who spend most of their time on stiletto heels, when shoes are selected from low-quality material, not comfortable to wear. If you walk in such shoes, there is a change in the shape of the foot, an incorrect distribution of pressure.

Plantar fasciitis

A heel spur is an enlargement of the heel bone in the area of the tuberosity on the side of the sole or at the attachment point of the Achilles tendon.The form of growth is represented by a thorn or wedge.

The disease initially manifests itself as pain when walking or performing other movements. As the pathology develops, the heel begins to hurt at the slightest support on it. Patients compare such pain with the presence of a nail in the heel.

Burning, sharp pain in the heels also occurs. The strength of the pain syndrome depends on the area where the spur is placed. If it is close to the nerve endings, then the heel will hurt more.

External pathological changes in the heel area do not occur.It happens that mild swelling and calcification of the heel area is found. The patient’s gait changes.

The main reasons include:

injuries to the foot, heels – bruises, fractures
pathologies that are accompanied by changes in blood flow
excess weight
presence of diabetes
constant walking on high heels, lack of insoles in shoes, the sole is stiff and thin
longitudinal flat feet
diseases of the spine and joints
gout

Plantar fasciitis

This disease is characterized by the appearance of pain in the area of attachment of the plantar fascia to the heel bone (heel enthesopathy), which can radiate along the median edge of the plantar fascia.

In this case, the inflammatory process does not develop, which predetermines the correct name for such a syndrome as plantar fasciosis.
Fasciitis can be associated with acute and chronic sprains, rupture or degeneration of the fascia in the area of its attachment to the heel bone.

Causes of pathology:

Shortening of the plantar fascia, gastrocnemius muscles.
Sedentary lifestyle
Incorrect walking – severe deflection of the foot.
Long running on hard surfaces
Excess weight
Incorrectly fitted shoes, high heels.

Diseases are susceptible to runners, dancers, people who stay on their feet for a long time or walk on a hard surface for a long time.
Plantar fasciitis is a pain on the surface of the heel during pressure on a limb, often in the morning when getting out of bed. Then the pain syndrome goes away in 15 minutes, later returning again throughout the day.

Often under the heel begins to hurt when pushing off while walking and after rest.
Acute heel pain with local edema may indicate an acute rupture of the fascia.

Some patients feel a burning pain along the median edge of the sole of the foot when walking.

Ankylosing spondylitis

The disease refers to an inflammatory degenerative pathology of the spine and joints. With the disease, antibodies are produced against pathogenic agents and the proliferation of connective tissue.

As a result of such manifestations, the ligaments and joints of the spine freeze, the motor function of the spinal column is completely lost, the vertebrae are fused with each other.The development of intervertebral hernia of the spine is not excluded.

The heel can hurt for the following provoking reasons:

Persistent hypothermia
Infections of intestinal and sexual development
Injuries
Stress
Genetic predisposition

stand on the floor.

Diabetic angiopathy

Pathology is represented by aggravation of diabetes mellitus, manifested in damage to all vessels in the body.With a long course of diabetes, under the influence of inflated glucose numbers that pass through the vessels, destruction of the walls of arteries, veins and small capillaries is observed. In some areas, they become thin and change, in others they become thicker, blocking blood circulation and metabolic processes between tissues.

As a result, hypoxia of adjacent tissues and organs occurs. Often, the legs and heart are damaged, since these parts of the body are most stressed. Therefore, an accelerated change in blood vessels develops here.

The causes of the onset of the disease include:

Injuries that lead to damage to blood vessels
Pathologies of the circulatory system
Changes in metabolic processes
Smoking alcohol
Old age

Problems with the heel are manifested by the following symptoms:

Feet numb , convulsions appear.
The skin on the legs turns red and becomes bluish.
The temperature of the extremities decreases
The skin is dry, thin
The presence of an ulcer on the foot, the sore contributes to the appearance of frequent lameness.
Swelling develops

With a long development of angiopathy and the absence of proper therapy, complications may develop, they can lead the patient to the status of a disabled person.

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon

Pathology is one of the main ones, which often manifests itself as soreness in the heel area. It is often found among athletes with a strong onslaught and overstrain of the calf muscles.

The Achilles tendon is considered the strongest tendon in the body, as a result of which the calf muscle is aligned with the bone in the heel.During movement, running, exercising, this tendon takes over the entire body weight.

When it becomes inflamed, it is unsafe because the tendon has a very low blood supply, leading to long tightening. In addition, the inflammatory process of the tendon can be a factor in its rupture.

Symptoms of pathology are mainly pronounced:

Pain in the heel area, under the calves. Soreness is manifested by burning, sharp pulsations are felt, throbbing pain torments in the morning and increases with the onslaught.Sometimes the syndrome is so severe and painful that it is impossible to move.
Edema develops, swells in the tendon area, it thickens.
The skin turns red
The temperature rises at the site of the lesion
A crunching sound is heard in the ankle when making a movement

The heel can hurt for the following reasons:

Strong pressure on the calves, which leads to overstrain of the tendons, muscles, inflammation develops.
The presence of flat feet, clubfoot.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes
Changes in metabolic phenomena

The damage to the tendon is not life-threatening, however, if the heel is not treated, the disease will remind of itself for a long time.

Osteochondropathy of the calcaneus tuberosity

Haglund-Schinz disease occurs as a result of sterile necrosis of those areas of the cancellous bone of the heel on which there is a lot of pressure. Also, the disease occurs due to heredity, metabolic changes, disorders of the neurotrophic course, frequent trauma to the foot and previous infections.

The heel begins to hurt immediately when the victim is perpendicular, or after a couple of minutes, if you lean on the tubercle of the heel bone. At the site of attachment of the Achilles tendon, a swelling is observed above the tubercle.

It is impossible to move, leaning on a sore foot due to severe manifestations of pain. The victims walk, loading the forefoot and middle section, using a cane, crutches.

In many patients, the skin on the sole of the heel atrophies, tissues swell, and sensitivity increases.It happens that the muscles of the lower leg atrophy.

Arthritis

One of the most common ailments is arthritis. This disease can destroy any joint, not an exception, the heel bone, its joints, the tissue that connects the bone with the phalanges of the fingers.

Reasons why the heel may hurt include:

Strong pressure on the joints in the heel
Injury to the joints
Deformation of the legs
Walking in high heels

During the stage of arthritis formation, the patient feels discomfort, however, if the disease progresses, the symptoms are painful.A sharp pain in the heel develops, the heel aches all the time. Initially, these symptoms form after prolonged physical activity, when the onslaught is on the area of the foot and heel.

When the disease develops, the heel can hurt even with slight pressure, at rest, in the morning.

Epiphysitis of the calcaneus

Pathology can develop during the period of rapid growth of children aged 5-11 years. It is caused by a strong pressure on the plates of the heel bone. In adolescents, the heel bone grows rapidly, relative to muscles and tendons, which leads to overstretching of soft tissues.

Thus, the heel becomes less maneuverable, which leads to additional pressure on the growth plate.
With additional physical and sports loads, deformities on the tendons and muscles, it is possible to develop trauma to the heel plate, as a result of swelling and soreness in this area.

The following types of activities are considered to be the threat of falling ill with a disease of the North:

Running
Jumping
Standing for a long time
Jumping with a rolling pin
Playing football, basketball, gymnastics.

In addition, risk factors such as:

Wrongly chosen shoes
Exercise on a firm plane
The foot has a flat high arch
One of the legs is shorter
Excess weight

The main sign of epiphysitis – the heel starts to hurt a lot. The syndrome is often present at the back, but can affect the sides and bottom of the sole. The syndrome increases with and after physical activity.

Possible concomitant manifestations of the disease:

Puffiness
Redness of the skin
Feeling of stiffness of the foot in the morning after sleep
Feeling of weakness in the foot
Problems during movement

With Sever’s disease, patients limp or walk on toes avoid soreness in the heels.

Rheumatoid arthritis

The disease is manifested by damage to the connective tissue. Regarding the articular structure, the disease has a chronic course and all the time leads to deformation – the leg no longer performs full body support.

The disease often leads to disability and becomes a factor in the absolute completion of the patient’s independent walking.
It is considered a rare symptom when arthritis develops in the heel. However, when it does, it is indicative of attraction throughout all the joints of the foot.

Signs of ailment include:

Stiffness in small joints in the morning
Rapid fatigue and soreness when moving
Swelling, thickening, redness on the skin in the affected area.
Change in general condition resembling influenza.

In case of severe damage, the heel will hurt even at rest, and will be able to lift a person in the middle of the night.

Gout

The disease is considered a painful condition when there is an accumulation of uric acid salts.

In addition, the following can provoke the development of gout:

Irrational nutrition
Drinking alcohol, which leads to a deterioration in the excretion of uric acid by the kidneys.
Excess weight
Presence of hypertension
Renal failure, shock, glycogenosis lead to impaired renal excretory function.

At the stage of development of gout, the patient is faced with the fact that there is acute pain in the ankle joint, in which case the heel and big toes suffer. There is also redness and swelling of the skin over them.

Often, these symptoms appear in the middle of the night. When you touch the heel, you feel an increased temperature, pain.

Often, besides the fact that the heel will hurt, pain can occur in the place of the joint of the big toe, knee and hip joint. Fingers and the Achilles tendon may be present in the inflammatory process.

If gout is not treated, these symptoms can last up to several days or weeks, it all depends on the degree of pathology. The lesion worsens inside the joint and leads to the fact that the cartilage is destroyed.

In severe situations, salts can be deposited in tissues, epidermis.These are tophuses, they are located in the area of the joints, heel.

Osteomyelitis

The disease is caused by bacteria. They lead to the formation of a purulent necrotic phenomenon in the bones and tissues of the heel.

Often, suppuration of the heel is formed as a result of inflammatory diseases (diabetic ulcer, trauma in the area of the foot), as well as atherosclerosis of the vessels of the legs, chronic alcohol intoxication. Rarely, osteomyelitis appears when the immune system changes.

Initially, the patient feels weak, muscles begin to ache.Next, the temperature rises rapidly to 40 degrees.

The affected heel begins to hurt almost immediately. The pain is acute, drills and bursts from the inside, can intensify with slight movement. The heel is swollen, the skin is bright red, the veins in the legs expand.

In the primary chronic form, an ulcer appears on the heel, which does not heal, but slowly grows, deepens. Ointment therapy is ineffective. At the bottom of the ulcer, you can see the calcaneus, which gradually collapses.

The patient is not able to walk on his own, auxiliary devices are used – crutches, walkers.

Osteoporosis

The disease is characterized by thinning of bone tissue due to the loss of calcium salts. This leads to an increase in fragility, permanent fractures, and deformation of the bone. Even an insignificant fall can provoke a fracture.

The disease can kill the skeleton completely, while the area of the forearms, thighs, and vertebrae is more often affected.

Joints with pathology are not damaged, while they are able to get involved in a painful course, due to fractures of adjacent bones, which are affected by osteoporosis.

The main factors in the formation of the disease are:

Disorders in the body that occur over the years
Decrease in female hormones
Decrease in male testosterone
Long-term use of certain corticosteroids, antidepressants.
Lack of vitamin D

The early signs of the disease are nonspecific, which does not allow immediately identifying the development of this disease:

Pain syndrome in the bone area, especially when the weather changes.
Bones ache
Weakness
Stooped
Sleep disturbance
Increased fatigue
The leg muscles contract painfully in the middle of the night

The development of foot disease leads to a decrease in the patient’s height, the hair turns gray early.

Calcaneus tuberculosis

Bone tuberculosis is considered an infectious disease caused by Koch’s bacilli. In almost 100% of cases, the disease is formed as a result of a concomitant ailment, more often with a disease of the respiratory system.

Bacteria travel through the vessels through the body from the site of injury in the lungs. Having penetrated into the cancellous bone, they submerge in it and form a new infectious center.
More often the area of the spine suffers, but tuberculosis of the bones of the heel, face, and thigh is also observed.

With tuberculosis of the heel, large bony foci develop, often with large sequesters.

The patient initially feels pain when pressing on the heel bone, also when stepping on it.Further, the disease over time covers the soft tissues, affecting with infection, which leads to the formation of fistulas.

The heel zone rapidly thickens, swells, becomes rounded. Swelling is observed throughout the foot and ankle.

After a few weeks, the stabilization of the inflammatory process and the arrival of a stable remission can be observed.

Reactive arthritis

This pathology occurs as a consequence of various infections that were previously transferred by the patient.For example, an infection of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system.

This type of arthritis does not belong to an infectious disease of the joints, but is the result of infection with other organs of the body.
In reactive arthritis, the heel may hurt constantly. More acutely, the syndrome appears in the middle of the night during sleep.

The ailment proceeds with the following symptoms:

Joints will hurt
Conjunctivitis appears
A pain symptom in the lower abdomen appears

The reasons for the development of reactive arthritis include:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea

87 Salmonella The heel can hurt both during the onslaught and in a quiet stay.

Malignant tumors

At the stage of the development of pathology, the heel is able to hurt slightly. In the course of the development of the disease, pain discomfort in this area increases, edema of a soft or dense structure is formed, it depends on the type of tumor formation. A network of dilated blood vessels can often be seen above the swollen area.

In addition, there are signs of cancer intoxication:

Weight loss
Anemia
Exhaustion

When tumor growth progresses, pathological fractures of the heel bone may develop.

More often, rapid growth of tumors on the heel is observed in childhood, a slow increase occurs in adult patients.

Infectious diseases

Certain intestinal infections (salmonellosis, yersiniosis), urogenital infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea) can be latent and can often lead to the formation of reactive arthritis.

Heel pain develops both with pressure and in a calm position, in the middle of the night. It is in the middle of the night that the heel is able to hurt the most.

In addition, with a reactive type of arthritis of the heels, inflammation spreads to different joints and eyes. It may start to hurt in the genital area.

How to get rid of heel pain

If heels hurt, this indicates a symptom of a painful condition or an underlying disease. Based on this, a treatment method is selected. However, initially, the patient should adhere to a number of general rules.

What to do if heel hurts:

Leave more time to rest, do not stay long on your feet.
Do not wear low-quality shoes, high heels or no heels at all, otherwise the heel will hurt.
If there is a problem with excess body weight, reduce it.
Use instep supports, wear shoes with orthopedic function.
Perform healing exercises for the legs.

How to treat non-injury heel pain? Pathology is often eliminated by conservative methods of therapy. When pain syndrome is a consequence of the main pathology, the emphasis is placed on its cure.However, based on the disease, therapy is different.

How to cure the heels:

When the heel begins to ache due to a urogenital infection, antibacterial drugs are prescribed to eliminate microorganisms.
Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.
Tuberculosis is treated with antibacterial drugs, synthetic anti-tuberculosis drugs.

If the heel hurts in the presence of a spur, what to do:

Nonsteroidal drugs are prescribed – Diclofenac, Nimesulide.
An extra-articular drug block is performed if non-narcotic analgesics are ineffective.
Physiotherapy procedures
Taping
You can do gymnastics
Lotion on the heel area by mixing Dimexide, Novocaine, Acetylsalicylic acid.
Massaging the legs will help

For certain diseases, orthoses and splints are often prescribed. If there is a fracture of the calcaneus, a plaster splint is applied to the limb for 3-8 weeks.

Diagnostics

If the pain in the heel does not subside for a long time, this is a reason to go to an appointment with your doctor.

The therapist, based on the patient’s complaints, the examination results, will determine why the heels of the feet hurt and how to treat it, having previously prescribed diagnostic measures to confirm the diagnosis.

If necessary, the patient will be referred for additional examination to a rheumatologist, traumatologist, phthisiatrician, surgeon, neurologist.

Laboratory diagnostics may include:

To identify rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, a general biochemical blood test is prescribed.Microbiologic testing, which may include scraping the urethra for chlamydia if reactive arthritis is suspected.
X-rays will show specific abnormalities that are specific to a specific disease.
Research for tumor markers, if there is a suspicion of malignancy.
Puncture biopsy of the heel is indicated for possible presence of osteomyelitis, bone tuberculosis.
Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging will help identify neoplasms.

After diagnostic measures have been taken, the doctor will consider the possible treatments for the heel in each specific situation. Heel treatment will be aimed at eliminating the main ailment.

First aid

First aid for heel pain includes a number of measures:

When unbearable, aching pains are tormented, it is recommended to apply pieces of ice to the heel. This procedure can be carried out in case of injury.
Get rid of pain in the heel with cold baths.
After a long walk in heels, a relaxing hand massage or using massage balls will help relieve foot fatigue.
After the manipulation, the limb should be at rest.
The taping method is used to fix the joint and muscles.
If the heel hurts unbearably, you can use drugs with an analgesic effect – Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, or non-steroidal drugs.
It is allowed to apply ointments that relieve inflammation – Butadion, Fastum gel.

Drug treatment

In order for the consequences to be less severe and the painful sensations to pass quickly, it is imperative to go to the doctor.

In case of a bruise, the heel is treated by applying a cold lotion immediately after the impact. This will narrow the blood vessels, prevent strong blood flow in the tissues. A warm compress is carried out for 3-1 days. It accelerates the blood, the heel will hurt less. Dressings are recommended to be done together with the use of ointments that help blood circulation – Heparin, Ibuprofen.Troxevasin is also prescribed to relieve swelling, pain in the heel area. The lesion site should be lubricated up to 2 times a day.
If the heel begins to hurt, this may be one of the reasons for the existing spur, it is treated with non-steroidal drugs in creams and pills – Flexan, Voltaren. With obvious pain, a blockade of Diprospan with Lidocaine 2%, injected at the point of greatest pain, is required.
In case of gout, the heel is treated with medications that reduce the concentration of uric acid – Milurite, Thiopurinol.Thanks to these drugs, she will stop hurting.
The heel will stop hurting with vascular angiopathy if you take medications that regulate the permeability of the walls and help stabilize the metabolism – Nicotinic acid, Actovegin, Vitamin E.
Infectious ailments are eliminated with the help of antibacterial drugs that are aimed at fighting the microorganisms that caused the disease.
In case of inflammatory diseases, the heel is amenable to therapy with drugs that eliminate the inflammatory process, massage, and therapeutic exercises.
Osteochondropathy involves the use of a special splint with stirrups. In addition, physiotherapy, warming compresses, warm baths, ozokerite applications are needed. You cannot do without products that relieve inflammation and pain, creams.
Therapy for the Achilles tendon, when the heel hurts, begins with the elimination of stress on the affected leg. This will reduce inflammation. Initially, pain relievers are prescribed – Analgin, anti-inflammation agents – Naklofen, Nimesil.If necessary, antibiotics are prescribed, ointments – Voltaren, Solcoseryl. So that the heel stops hurting, they put a lotion from Novocaine, Dimexidum and Analgin at night.
If you have dry corn, you can use a special patch that corrodes it, or a solution of lactic acid – Kelomak, and the heel will not hurt much.
In the case of trophic disorders, so that the heel stops hurting, it is treated with drugs that improve blood rheology and increase blood flow – Tivortin, Actovegin.
For the treatment of osteoporosis, so that the heel stops hurting, as well as to ensure an increase in bone mass, drugs containing fluorine are prescribed – Ossin, Coreberon. From the universal funds are isolated – Bivalos, Calcitriol, Alfacalcidol. Monopreparations – lactate chloride, calcium glycerophosphate.
All types of pain require massage, exercise therapy and the use of insoles in orthopedic shoes.

A preventive treatment procedure is important for almost all pathologies, if the heel begins to hurt – weight loss and the wearing of comfortable shoes.

Compresses

If pain occurs on the heel, use compresses.

Ice lotion helps a lot, it will eliminate inflammation.
Buy badger fat in the pharmacy. The heel is treated with a lotion placed overnight.
Use of Dimexide. For a compress on the heel, dilute the drug with water in equal volumes, moisten a bandage in the product and fix it on a sore spot. From above, the heel is covered with a bag and a woolen sock is put on. Keep the lotion for 30 minutes.
You can relieve discomfort if the heel starts to hurt by using such a compress. Grind 2 aspirin tablets and pour a large spoonful of iodine over them. Stir, put a bandage on the leg, cover the heel with a film and put on a sock. The manipulation should be carried out for several days in a row, 3 times a day.

Prevention of heel pain

In order to minimize the next inflammation of the heel, it is recommended to adhere to a number of rules:

Avoiding prolonged stay on the feet.
Elimination of excess mass, if any.
Orthopedic insoles toe.
Do leg exercises.
Wear good quality footwear.
Avoid wearing very high heels. The permissible height is up to 4 cm. Shoes without a heel are also unacceptable, otherwise the heel will hurt.
Eliminate long loads on the foot during physical activity.
Perform foot massages to stop heel pain.
Prevent cracks from appearing, do pedicure on time

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When the heel begins to hurt, it can bring a lot of discomfort, therefore, in the presence of minor manifestations, it is not necessary to delay the trip to a specialist. With timely diagnostics and the appointment of the required cure, they will eliminate the problem in a short time. It is important to carry out prevention in order to prevent the onset of the disease.

When the heel hurts in the morning after sleep | Pyatkin A

Many people experience discomfort in their heels when getting out of bed.When the heel hurts and it hurts to come in the morning after sleep, the person is frightened, because he does not know why the symptom in question occurs. Various diseases and pathological processes can provoke soreness, so it is not recommended to ignore this phenomenon.

When the heel hurts in the morning after sleep

Why does the heel hurt in the morning after sleep

Pain in the heel when walking after sleep occurs for several reasons. It is worth considering them in more detail.
Non-pathological factors that make a person sore heels and find it difficult to get up in the morning include the following:

Uncomfortable shoes lead to an uneven distribution of the load on the foot.In this case, the heels are the very first to begin to ache on the offensive.
Heels that are too high, overloading the foot and causing soreness. Leg pain occurs regularly, especially at night.
Prolonged standing in an upright position, which is observed in this kind of activity, which implies constant movement, can provoke severe pain in the heels. Relax your legs periodically to prevent muscle spasm and persistent heel pain.
A decrease in the level of sebum under the skin can provoke the phenomenon of heel pain in the morning.It is the low level of subcutaneous fat that can cause thinning of the skin, the appearance of large cracks in the heels and inflammatory processes in them. A similar phenomenon is diagnosed in women on a diet. Pain in the foot and heel appears even at rest.
Excess weight always negatively affects the spine and legs. A plump person disperses for a long time after getting out of bed, walks slowly. His heels have to constantly be exposed to a lot of stress, so the pain appears abruptly and then goes away.
Excessive physical activity and injuries lead to the fact that people have heel pain in the morning, the reasons for which are not known for certain. The foot contains a large number of blood vessels that can be easily injured.

If these factors are the reason that the patient has pain in the heel in the morning or after rest, then the person should simply reconsider their habits and lifestyle, after which the pain will go away.
But these are not all the factors that cause heels to hurt in the morning.There are other causes of pain as well.

Possible diseases

Physicians point to many pathologies, during the course of which, patients develop heel pain after sleep. When the patient moves a lot, his bones, tissues and joints can be damaged, which provokes diseases in the heels in the morning.
If, after getting rid of bad habits, the soreness has not disappeared and the symptoms persist, then you need to consult a doctor for a complete examination of the body. This may be a sign of any pathology that leads to the fact that a person becomes disabled.
If the heel hurts from the side from the inside, then we can talk about a spur, gout, osteoporosis, neuropathy and many other pathologies. These diseases have their own signs and treatments.

Plantar fasciitis (Spur)

When a heel spur appears, the soft tissue on the foot is affected. The disease can be called an age-related pathology, because it is in the elderly that there is a loss of elasticity of connective tissues and damage to the fascia.
During sleep, problem tissues have time to recover, but when the patient rises, they break again, causing acute pain.This is how plantar fasciitis is characterized.
Most often, the heel hurts from the side from the inside in older athletes, construction workers and people who are stressed and tend to be overweight.

When the heel hurts in the morning after sleep

The spur causes an acute burning pain that becomes more intense when walking or playing sports. When the legs are resting, the discomfort is reduced, but not completely eliminated.

Inflammation of the tendon (Bursitis)

In the inflammatory process, the heel hurts from the side from the inside.This phenomenon is explained by the fact that an infectious disease occurs in the body or the person simply did not calculate the physical activity.
Here we are talking about pain not in the heel itself, but in a stretched Achilles tendon. In order to identify the problem, you can try to climb up on your fingers. With bursitis, a person will not be able to do this, because the sensations in the heel area are very painful.

Gout

Salt deposition, this is what people call gout, leads to deformity and increased pain in the area of the thumb.But discomfort is felt all over the foot.
To reduce the intensity of constant pain, a person transfers their own weight to the heel, which is heavily overloaded. As a result, pains are observed in the morning.

Rheumatoid arthritis

The ailment in question is considered an infectious disease that negatively affects the vessels, causing inflammation inside them. The ankle is less likely to be affected by this type of arthritis than all other parts of the leg. But it is impossible to completely exclude the risk of the main infection entering the bloodstream and the appearance of such a problem.
In the presence of an acute inflammatory process, a person cannot fully stand on his feet; in the chronic course of the disease, pain occurs in the morning.

Fibromyalgia

This is a pathology characterized by musculoskeletal malaise, manifested in the form of increased fatigue, pain syndrome and constrained movements. When the disease occurs, there is no inflammation in the heel, and there is no risk of damage to internal organs.
People who have an unstable psychoemotional system are exposed to diseases.Acute heel pain in fibromyalgia occurs in women but can occur in both men and children of different ages.

Osteoporosis

The disease most often occurs due to the fact that the density of the tissues of the spine becomes lower and their composition changes significantly. If a person complains of heel pain in the morning or while walking for a long time, arthritis and osteoporosis may be the cause.

Neuropathy

Such diseases are considered inflammation and provoke problems with sensitivity in the foot, its eversion, inflammatory processes in the nerve endings and severe pain syndrome.
If the process has developed into a chronic stage, then the person’s tissues become red and inflamed, and a trophic ulcer appears in the problem area.

Injuries

Morning pain in the heel area sometimes indicates the presence of injury:

Dislocation that occurs with excessive motor activity and is characterized by a change in the location of the articulated bones of the joint
Contusion, with the manifestation of which the heel swells and reddens, and acute pains bother only while walking, not at rest
Sprain is an injury that is accompanied by pain in the morning when getting out of bed.Over time, the pain becomes more intense and does not disappear even during sleep.

Tendon injury can only be diagnosed by a physician after examining the patient. In cases where the pain occurs sharply and is intense, it is better to call an ambulance.

Methods of treatment

When a comprehensive diagnosis is carried out and the final diagnosis is established, a specialist must prescribe a comprehensive treatment. The therapy regimen directly depends on the cause of the heel pain.
Standard treatment includes the following measures:

Taking painkillers
Use of local drugs: inflammatory drugs, anesthetics that eliminate inflammation in the blood
Antispasmodics that relieve spasms from blood vessels and muscles
Use of warming ointments and balms that improve blood circulation
Wearing special shoes or orthopedic insoles that reduce the load on the heel
Taking a complex of vitamins, which contain potassium and calcium
Therapeutic exercises that improve leg mobility and work out the ligaments
Special massage that relieves muscle tension
Physiotherapy – procedures that complement drug therapy and accelerate its effectiveness
Losing excess weight, if any
Temporary refusal to use salt so that excess fluid does not remain in the body

Esl and a tendon strain has been diagnosed, then the patients walk with compression bandages.If there are tears, surgery and fixation of the leg with a plaster cast are required. The foot is in this position for at least 2 weeks.

When the heel hurts in the morning after sleep

Only a qualified specialist can tell about what to do and how to treat pain in the heels. Therefore, it is necessary to contact a medical institution at the first alarming symptoms. To make a diagnosis, the doctor needs to carefully examine the patient and conduct additional examinations.

Alternative methods

Not all people have the opportunity to immediately consult a doctor who can relieve pain and understand the cause of its occurrence.If such a situation arises, then you can try to cope with the discomfort yourself.
There are several common alternative therapies that work well for heel soreness. They are as follows:

Taking a relaxing bath. This method quickly relieves fatigue from the legs, so all doctors recommend it to their patients. The foot bath can be done both with hot water and with contrasting water. It is allowed to add essential oil of pine needles. After completing the procedure, you need to wipe your feet dry and put on warm knee-highs.
Hot milk compresses should be applied to a painful heel when the tendon is stretched.
Folk ointment that fights arthritis. It is made from alcohol, mustard, camphor oil and egg white. The ointment is rubbed into the problem area just before bedtime.

Treatment with folk remedies for heel pain when walking or while sleeping involves the use of various tinctures, ointments and compresses made at home. It is worth considering the most effective recipes for their preparation:

Take 3 cloves of garlic, twist in a meat grinder, wrap in cheesecloth and attach to the problem heel
2 tablespoons of dried lilac flowers pour 50 milliliters of alcohol, leave in a dark place for 7 days and grind foot
Mix equal proportions of mummy and honey and lubricate the sore heels with the resulting mass
Grate black radish, apply to the heel, wrap with a plastic bag, put on a sock and leave it overnight.

Massaging the foot with ice is an effective method of treating pain. The procedure is performed for 5 – 7 minutes, until the skin begins to grow numb.

When the heel hurts in the morning after sleep

If you promptly seek medical help and follow all the prescriptions of the attending physician, diseases of the bone and fat layer quickly recede, and the person returns to his usual life.

How to get rid of a heel spur: 7 natural homemade recipes

Getting rid of spurs without surgery and drugs.

A heel spur is caused by calcium deposits that lead to a build-up of bone under the heel. But the bony growth (osteophyte) is not the cause of the spur, but rather a consequence of it, according to NDTV.

Before its appearance, the fascia (the connective tissue of the sole, which is why the disease is called plantar fasciitis) becomes inflamed. And only then an osteophyte is formed in the inflamed part of the foot of the calcium salt.

The spur may be painless and detectable only on x-rays, or it may cause sharp pain, similar to the sensation of a nail in the heel.It is easy to feel it by simply pushing on the heel.

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But the strength of the pain does not depend on the size of the thorn, but on its location. The closer the nerve endings, the more disturbing this osteophyte is. At first, the heel hurts only when moving, but over time it begins to bother and at rest.

Causes of spurs.

Heel spurs are mostly common among athletes, but too much stress on the muscles of the legs and ligaments can provoke the disease in anyone.Some of the more common risk factors are:

Jogging on hard surfaces.
Walking with an emphasis on the heel.
Obesity and overweight.
Regularly wearing poorly fitting shoes that do not support the foot properly.
Diabetes, gout, arthritis, bursitis, thrombophlebitis.
High instep or flat feet.
Incorrect power supply. Love for salty, sweet, peppery, fried, fatty, lack of liquid, vegetables and fruits.

A diet rich in magnesium (necessary for bone formation and calcium absorption) and alkaline foods to balance PH levels in the body, which can prevent inflammation and calcium accumulation, can help in a speedy recovery.

Here are seven simple home remedies that can relieve throbbing pain.

1. Magnesium sulfate.

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Most of the magnesium in our body is stored in the bones, and the spurs provoke its deficiency.Place magnesium sulfate in a basin of water and hold your foot in it, gently massaging the heel.

A diet rich in magnesium (necessary for bone formation and calcium absorption) and alkaline foods to balance the PH level in the body can prevent inflammation and calcium accumulation

2. Massage with essential oils.

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Pure essential oils like rosemary or lavender and simple oils like olive and coconut can help relieve pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties.Coconut oil also acts as a natural moisturizer that softens your heels.

Just heat the oil slightly and rub it deeply but gently into your heel.

3. Apple cider vinegar.

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Apple cider vinegar is a panacea for all diseases. It can cure skin problems and stomach pains. Apple cider vinegar is known to draw excess calcium out of the bones.

You can either submerge your feet in a tub of water and apple cider vinegar, or wrap a damp towel soaked in apple cider vinegar around your heel for a few minutes.

4. Ice pack.

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Applying an ice pack to the affected area for a few minutes is a great way to relieve pain and swelling. Avoid applying ice directly to your heel – wrap the bag in a towel.

5. Soda paste.

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Soda acts directly on the calcium crystals that have settled on the heel. Make a paste by mixing half a teaspoon of baking soda with water and apply it to your heel. The baking soda also helps balance the pH levels.

6. Linseed oil.

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Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, a form of omega-3 fatty acid that fights inflammation well.

Pour some linseed oil into warm water and dip a towel in it. Wrap a towel around your heel and place a heating pad on it. Leave the compress on for an hour, and do not move during this period.

7. Anti-inflammatory products.

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Certain foods such as turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper and cumin seeds are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties.

These foods contain natural antioxidants and polyphenols that act as protective compounds and can help reduce inflammation. You can make a decoction with 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger, turmeric, or pepper per liter of water. Drink it when pain arises.

If there is no improvement within a month, be sure to consult a doctor – the problem may have more serious roots.

Have you come across this? If so, how did you deal with this unpleasant phenomenon?

Olga Podolyan
19 May, 2019
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