About 2 million people seek treatment for heel pain every year. In many of these cases, patients have plantar fasciitis, which causes pain and inflammation. Is your heel pain not going away? Don't live in pain. Instead, keep reading to learn why you're living in persistent heel pain. With this guide, you can get the help you need right away. Read on to learn more.
1. You Need a Medical Diagnosis
If you want to learn how to eliminate heel pain, visit a professional. Googling solutions can only take you so far. A podiatrist can diagnose your condition. Self-diagnosing yourself, on the other hand, could cause more harm than good. You could have plantar fasciitis. If you do, your podiatrist can create a custom treatment plan to ease your pain.
2. You Need Better Insoles
Are you standing on your feet all day? You might need to look at your insoles. Don't choose cheap, low-quality insoles from a drug store. While these might temporarily relieve your persistent heel pain, they're not ideal long-term. Instead, talk to your podiatrist. They'll create custom orthotics to ensure your feet are supported and cushioned throughout the day. Custom orthotics can relieve your pain and focus on the underlying cause of your condition.
3. You're Not Considering the Source
If you want to learn how to reduce heel pain, you need to understand what's causing the pain first. Patients can develop plantar fasciitis for biomechanical, environmental, or anatomical reasons. Common causes of plantar fasciitis include:
Flat feet or high arches
Leg length discrepancy
Obesity
Fat pad atrophy
Shortened Achilles tendon
Limited ankle mobility
Weak muscles
Traumatic injuries
Tight muscles
Improper footwear
Running barefoot
Deconditioning
Understanding what's causing your persistent heel pain can help you find a personalized solution. For example, if you're obese, losing weight could help relieve your pain. Is your heel pain not going away, even after you've made lifestyle changes? Consider seeking a professional's help.
4. You're Not Following Your Treatment Plan
Consider visiting a podiatrist to learn how to eliminate heel pain. They can give you a customized treatment plan based on your condition. Make sure to follow the treatment plan. Otherwise, your heel pain could persist. Your podiatrist might focus on easing your inflammation and pain through:
Ice
Foot massages
Night splints
Non-steroidal pain relievers
Rest
They might recommend stretching as well. Regular stretches can loosen your tendons, fascia, and muscles associated with the pain. Over 97% of patients with plantar fasciitis recover within six months of onset using the proper treatments. Follow your doctor's treatment plan to the letter.
5. You Need Professional Treatment
If at-home treatments aren't easing your persistent heel pain, your podiatrist might recommend less conservative treatment options. If you have a more serious case, you could require:
Custom orthotics
Shockwave therapy
Cortisone injections
Professional treatment could help you avoid surgery, which is often a last-resort option.
Why Is My Heel Pain Not Going Away?: 5 Reasons the Pain Can Linger
Is your heel pain not going away? Visit a podiatrist as soon as possible. Otherwise, persistent heel pain could impact your quality of life. A podiatrist can help. Find relief! Contact our team of foot care specialists today.