Back when I was going to college I developed a pain in my heel. I kept waiting for the pain to go away but it didn’t. The longer I waited the worse it seemed to get. It became so severe that I couldn’t exercise or walk. I had to use crutches to help me get around. I decided something must be very wrong and I needed to see a doctor right away. My regular doctor referred me to a podiatrist. The podiatrist said, “The ligaments in your heel have been inflamed and that is why you are feeling a lot of pain.” He asked me if I have been putting a lot of pressure on my heels. I told him a few months ago I started jogging everyday with a friend. I asked him if that could be the reason. He said, “People often cause a strain in their heels when they exercise or wear shoes that don’t have the right type of soles.” I figured that must me how I acquired this awful pain in my heels. I wore a generic brand of tennis shoes and run on asphalt, which has probably been bad on my feet. From talking with the podiatrist and doing some of my own reading I have learned what the some of the causes of heel pain are, what are some things that a person can do to eliminate heel pain and what a medical doctor typically recommends for heel pain that is in critical condition.
There could be a variety of causes for heel pain. Constant pressure on the heels could cause heel pain. There are certain types of exercise that can constantly place pressure on the heels such as running and lifting heavy weights. I think wearing good shoes will help you heel. Shoes that don’t have great support to the heel like in my situation can cause heel pain. I know after my heels got better I bought shoes with better support and was able to run with no pain. Someone who is overweight can place pressure on their heels when they are standing up. Older people whose bones are not as strong could also be susceptible to heel pain.
There are some things that a person can do to help eliminate the pain in their heels. One obvious one that I already mentioned was to buy a good pair of shoes. This includes for any occasion. Women who often wear high heels develop heel pain because of the great pressure that is placed on the heels. Considering shoes with lower heels could be helpful. Dr. Ronald Jensen, a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and a podiatrist in private practice in Modesto, California suggests doing simple stretches. Stretches are great to do before exercising; taking a walk or anything that involves using your feet. I also think massaging your feet are helpful. After I go for a run or do some type of exercise that involves the heel and massage it with lotion and that seems to relieve any type of stress I may have on my heels.
For heels that are in critical condition a podiatrist will do an examination to determine what is and what the appropriate treatment would be. Some treatment options included but may not be limited to are prescription drugs, a support device for the heel that is worn for a temporary time, surgery and physical therapy.
Giving your heels attention and care is essential. By ignoring the problem like I did the situation can become worse, which may require a more aggressive treatment.
Christine Haran, “Down at the Heels” Sacramento Bee URL: (http://sacbee.healthology.com/pain-management/pain-management-information/article1593.htm)
