Heel pain can range from a slight nuisance to incredibly debilitating. And because most of us rely on a strong, well-functioning foot thousands of times per day, it’s important to learn why your heel is bothering you.
Whether you have an unsupportive foot structure, wear improper shoes, or have a medical condition, you may be able to find safe, effective solutions for heel pain with chiropractic care and other natural treatments.
This post goes over:
Reasons you have heel pain
How to help avoid getting heel pain
Natural ways to relieve heel pain at home
Chiropractic methods used to reduce heel pain
And more
Your feet bear a lot of responsibility, so you should listen when they tell you something is wrong. Read on to learn more.
Typical Reasons for Heel Pain
Heel pain and injuries related to heel pain can occur for many reasons; some may be preventable, while others are out of your control. Either way, chiropractic care and at-home remedies may be of benefit.
Common reasons for heel pain include:
Poor movement patterns, lifting techniques, and posture
Overuse due to high-impact sports or physical activity, such as running
Weight gain or pregnancy
Wearing shoes with poor support, ill-fitting shoes, shoes in poor condition, or high heels for extended periods
Standing for long periods
Aging or regular wear and tear
An underlying illness or injury
A traumatic event or accident
These habits, lifestyles, and events may lead to ongoing heel discomfort or conditions that cause heel pain, including:
Plantar fasciitis- when the thick band of tissue that runs on the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes becomes inflamed or torn
Heel bursitis- when the bursa near the heel becomes inflamed
Arthritis- when the soft tissues in and around the heel and foot are chronically inflamed
Achilles tendinitis- when the Achilles tendon is inflamed or starts to degenerate
Sprain or strain- when the soft tissues in and around the heel or foot are overstretched or overextended
It’s always wise to contact a chiropractor when showing signs of discomfort; this will ensure the reason for your symptoms is found and administered to.
Tips to Help You Avoid Heel Pain
The best way to keep your body strong and healthy is through proactive care.
Ways to encourage healthy feet include:
Always wear the right footwear- choose shoes that provide adequate support, cushioning, and stability, and they must fit well.
Regularly stretch and strengthen the feet- working the feet, Achilles tendons, and calves to build up your muscles and other soft tissues will discourage injury and promote proper movement and flexibility. Don’t forget to warm up and cool down properly before and after exercise or sport.
Maintain a healthy weight- excess weight on the feet can cause undue stress and tension, increasing your risk of heel pain.
Adhering to these preventive habits can discourage heel pain from occurring and contribute to your overall health.
Chiropractic to Help End Heel Pain in West Chester
Our West Chester chiropractor knows that when you have heel pain, you want fast, reliable, and safe results.
If you can’t get in to see us straight away, try these tips:
Remove your shoes
Stop any activities causing acute (immediate) heel pain
Rest, elevate, and ice the foot and heel
Stretch and massage the foot and heel
Roll a frozen water bottle under the foot
These suggestions can ease heel pain and even add to the healing process, but to get lasting results, you should learn the reason behind your pain so the dysfunction can be treated.
Our local heel pain chiropractic clinic offers several chiropractic services to help you get and stay healthy.
The chiropractic treatments we use to help end heel pain and injuries related to heel pain include:
Working with our chiropractor for heel pain is a great way to ensure you get the most efficient treatment and healing strategy. You’ll also get valuable lifestyle and movement guidance, so you can keep your feet protected going forward.
What are you waiting for? Schedule with our West Chester chiropractor today.
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