5 Practical Ways to Manage Heel Pain

Roughly 1 in every 6 Americans is experiencing some type of foot problems, which is about 43 million, and of this number majority of them are suffering from heel pain. As we subject our soles to constant strain and pressure, it is most likely that we will begin to feel sharp shooting pains on our heel. This, in effect, is our body’s way of telling us to slow down and take better care of our body. Unfortunately, many of us choose to ignore these signs and in the end will have to suffer through torturous heel pain that will force us to stop from working. To help you get back on your feet in no time, we have narrowed down 5 practical ways to minimize and manage your heel pain. 1. Switch to Low-Impact Activities To put it plainly, the more you step on your already injured foot, the more aggravated it becomes. This is especially true for individuals who are fond of doing high impact activities and sports that place unnecessary strain on their already bruised heels. Instead of running or playing football, opt to just swim or ride the bike instead, at least until your foot is strong enough. Also avoid going up and down the stairs or hauling heavy items that can strain your foot. 2. Apply Cold Massages Applying ice or cold massages on your injured foot can also help reduce heel pain and inflammation. A good trick is to place a frozen can of soda under your foot and roll it back and forth your arch. The cold temperatures and the rolling motion of the can help soothe your tired muscles. 3. Foot and Calf Stretches Stretching your muscles, tissues and ligaments is an excellent way to boost their resistance against stress. If you are unsure on how to go about your exercise plan, you can either talk to your podiatrist or scour through the Internet for helpful tips on how to stretch and flex your toes and heel. 4. Wear Supportive Shoes Many of us, especially women, torture our feet with ill fitted shoes that pushes squeezes our toes and heels. What many fail to realize, however, is that these types of footwear lacks the proper support to protect our feet. To determine whether a shoe is supportive enough, simply try to bend the shoe in the middle, if it yields then it will not do your soles any good. 5. Take Medications Lastly, if your heel is causing much pain then never hesitate to take anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and inflammation.