Put an end to heel pain

Do you wake up in the morning and feel a sharp pain under your heel?

Heel pain is a highly common foot complaint, experienced by many of Australians every day. Heel pain is often a message from the body that something is in need of medical attention. Pain that occurs right after an injury or early in an illness may play a protective role, often warning us about the damage we have suffered.

Who gets heel pain?

The greatest incidence of heel pain is in middle aged men and women. It is also seen in those who take part frequently in sporting activities and those significantly overweight and on their feet a lot. Heel pain can also occur in children, usually between 8 – 13 years of age, as they become increasingly active in sporting activities or due to growth problems and inadequate school or sport shoes.

What causes heel pain?

While heel pain has many causes, it is usually the result of faulty biomechanics (abnormalities in the way we walk). This can place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues attached to it. The stress may also result from injury, or a bruise incurred while walking, running or jumping on hard surfaces; wearing poorly constructed footwear; or being significantly overweight. Systemic diseases such as arthritis and diabetes can also contribute to heel pain.

Simple steps to help soothe heel pain

If heel pain is keeping you down, relieve the pain of plantar fasciopathy and get back on your feet faster by trying the following basic steps:

• Use an ice pack to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen
• Rest your feet by staying off them as much as possible for a few days when your heels are aching
• Exercise your feet. Some good foot flexing and stretches can help stretch out the plantar fascia
• Adjust your shoes with inserts that raise the heel and support the arch of your foot
• Avoid walking on uneven surfaces

If are still experiencing heel pain after using the above steps then please visit our podiatrist.

Our Coast Sport podiatrist Matt Shanahan is highly experienced in all foot concerns and is registered by the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Association, and is a member of Sports Medicine Australia and the Australasian Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine.

Find out more about Matt here:

MATT SHANAHAN

Matt looks forward to helping you get back on your feet.

Call us now on (02) 4356 2588 to book an appointment or book online below:

BOOK ONLINE

Coast Sport Podiatrist Matt Shanahan is now available at Tuggerah Medical Centre every Tuesday!

Call our friendly reception staff on (02) 4356 2588 to organise your appointment with Matt!