Anyone with heel spurs knows how incredibly painful they can be, and those with sore feet want nothing more than a way to stop the pain. When the feet hurt, the body really does hurt all over. This saying may be old, but it is definitely true. Many people do not realize the number of daily activities that are affected and even halted because of the pain of heel spurs and overstretched muscles. Heel spurs are calcium deposits that form on the heel, and they are sometimes a result of the plantar fascia separating from the heel of the foot. The plantar fascia is a section of fibrous tissue on the bottom of the feet, and when this band is stretched beyond its limit, it can tighten up and cause a considerable amount of pain. It can cause heel spurs to form.
Those afflicted with a separated plantar fascia, either with or without heel spurs, want to try everything short of surgery to stop the pain, but products sold especially for heel spurs do not always work. My great aunt suffered with heel spurs caused by a separation of the plantar fascia, and she used many of the following ways to stop the pain. She avoided having surgery, and these easy ways to stop the pain helped her lead a normal life that included shopping, taking long walks, and carrying out daily activities she enjoyed. Hopefully these ways to stop the pain will work for you too.
Precautionary Statement
When in doubt, contact a podiatrist for a thorough examination. A podiatrist will provide a treatment plan which may include exercises tailored to fit your specific needs, cortisone shots, and other non-surgical methods of pain management. The following ways to stop the pain were provided by someone with heel spurs. What works for one person might not work for everyone. Use commonsense, and consult a professional before beginning any exercise or treatment program.
Foot and Leg Exercises for Plantar Fascia and Heel Spurs
Exercises for the feet and calves can greatly help relieve the pain of an overstretched plantar fascia. Try standing with both feet on the edge of a step with toes pointing straight ahead as if you were going to climb the stairs. While holding onto the handrail, allow your heels to drop below the edge. Hold that position for sixty seconds and repeat. This will help relax the calf muscles.
Flex the feet before getting out of bed by pointing and spreading the toes. This will help prevent muscle pain and discomfort. This is also an exercise that can be done in a chair at various times throughout the day.
Ice can greatly reduce inflammation and provide soothing relief from pain. Fill a plastic two-liter bottle three-fourths of the way with water and freeze it. Make sure the lid is on tight, and while in a seated position, roll the affected foot over the bottle. Not only will the ice help reduce swelling, but the act of rolling the foot over the bottle will help exercise the foot and leg muscles.
Special Footwear to Stop the Pain of Heel Spurs
Many people have been able to stop the pain of heel spurs by wearing special shoes. Shop online for shoes with springs in the heels. They are quite expensive compared to ordinary shoes, and they may look a little unusual, but they are supposed to be very comfortable for those with heel spurs. They help stop the pain by taking the pressure off the bottom of the foot.
Arch supports can also be very helpful and will sometimes stop the pain of an overstretched plantar fascia. Arch supports are available in many different sizes and price ranges to meet every budget, and they can be found online and in stores that sell foot care products.
Stop the Pain of Heel Spurs with a Pair of Crocs
My great aunt always wore Crocs, and she said they were the most comfortable shoes she had ever owned. After trying a few pairs of special shoes suggested by the podiatrist, she was able to stop the pain of an overstretched plantar fascia and a heel spur with an inexpensive pair of Crocs. When heel spurs are causing pain it is worth a try since Crocs are far less expensive than walking shoes or specialty shoes.
Memory Foam Insoles for Heel Spurs
Instead of buying ordinary insoles like those found in the shoe department of discount stores, help stop the pain with insoles made from memory foam. These types of inserts can help stop the pain of heel spurs since they take a lot of the pressure off of the heels. Memory foam insoles that will help stop the pain of heel spurs can be found online and in drugstores that sell foot care products.
Stop the Pain by Using a Heel Cushion with a Hole
Completely taking the pressure off of a heel spur is one of the best ways to stop the excruciating pain. Consider buying a heel cushion that has a hole in the appropriate location. Very affordable cushions for heel spurs can be found in discount stores, drugstores, and online.
Do not wait any longer to begin finding ways to stop the discomfort of heel spurs or an overstretched plantar fascia. Heel spurs do not go away by themselves, but the pain they cause can be controlled. Visit a podiatrist as soon as possible, and do all you can to stop the pain of an overstretched plantar fascia and/or heel spurs. You do not have to live with the pain.
Source: http://www.personalhealthzone.com/heelspurs.html
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