Heel pain is a common foot condition that affects people differently, depending on the underlying cause of the pain. It can be described as a dull, aching pain or a sharp, stabbing pain, and it can truly get in the way of accomplishing your daily tasks and engaging in your favorite activities.

With certain at-home techniques, most cases of heel pain can be successfully addressed. Let’s talk about some of these easy methods for quelling heel pain, and where you can go in the Cincinnati area to see an experienced foot and ankle specialist who can diagnose the cause and provide treatment that works.

Simple Ways to Treat Heel Pain

There are a number of easy ways to alleviate heel pain, including the following:

• Rest – Heel pain may be due to overuse, so resting the feet and keeping them elevated (ideally above heart level) usually helps to reduce any swelling and to relieve the pain.
• Elevation – Elevating an injured or painful area of the body harnesses the natural force of gravity to foster the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid back toward the heart for proper circulation – and this is what reduces swelling, because there is less fluid buildup in the area.
• Ice pack therapy – Applying a covered ice pack to your heel will help to reduce swelling and to numb the painful area, providing relief from the pain. Apply the ice pack to the underside of the foot for 20 minutes several times per day.
• Massage – Applying gentle pressure to the heel area using your thumbs or a foot roller provides quick relief from heel pain. A foot roller can be made out of plastic, metal, or wood. Some foot rollers can be heated up or cooled off in order to provide heat or cold therapy.
• Wear a foot splint at night – The compression and light stretching that a night splint accomplishes can help to relieve heel pain. In particular, it gently stretches the plantar fascia, which is the thick tissue along the bottom of your foot that is often the cause of heel pain when irritated. A night splint helps with having uninterrupted sleep.
• Wear therapeutic socks – Socks that are specially made for heel pain relief are designed for daytime use, and they provide slight compression and support. They are made of thin material so that you can wear them with shoes.
• Stretch your feet – Tightness of the muscles and tendons in the feet and lower legs can cause heel pain. Stretching not only boosts circulation, but it also loosens up the leg muscles that may have become tight. Tight calf muscles can contribute to heel pain since a couple of muscles connect directly to the heel bone.

Heel Pain Treatment in Cincinnati, OH

If your heel pain persists despite implementing the suggestions listed above, a foot and ankle specialist can diagnose your condition and provide treatment that helps to allay your foot pain. Our podiatrists at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care will quickly diagnose the cause of your heel pain and create a customized treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle. Our doctors have many decades of combined experience treating foot and ankle conditions, and we are here for you.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call our clinic near you or fill out our appointment request form online now. We have convenient podiatry care locations across the Cincinnati area, and we look forward to serving you!