When you have a sharp throbbing pain on the bottom of your heel, it may be plantar fasciitis. There are several things to consider when you are experiencing heel and arch pain and several things you can try at home to treat do to self-treat your heel or arch pain. The first thing, is to wear better shoes and consider adding arch supports or custom foot orthotics to your shoes.

1. Do you stand on your feet all day?

Standing in one place for prolonged periods of time is a common cause of foot and leg pain. The muscles of our feet and legs have to work constantly even when we are standing still. Standing all day can be hard on your feet. Wearing arch supports, insoles or custom orthotics can help support your feet and remedy foot pain.

2. Do you go barefoot or wear flip-flops frequently?

Walking barefoot and wearing flimsy flip-flops can frequently cause plantar fasciitis heel pain as well as other foot and ankle problems. Going barefoot at home, walking and standing on hardwood floors and tile can also aggravate heel and arch pain. To relieve heel pain try wearing sandals that provide arch support, such as Spenco Total Support sandals, Vionic sandals or Dr. Comfort sandals. 

3. Are your shoes worn out?

General foot and heel pain can also be caused by wearing shoes that are worn out or shoes that don't provide enough support for your feet. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly can also put you at risk of bunions and ingrown toenails. Investing in a pair of shoes that are supportive and good for your feet can often provide immediate relief of heel and arch pain, even hip and knee problems. 

Wearing a soft, flexible shoe when you have heel pain is the worst thing you can do!  You may think that memory foam will stop your heel pain but it can often make it worse.  Instead, choose a stiff-soled shoe that provides arch support such as Brooks Running Shoes. You can also try adding an orthotic or insole to add more arch support to your shoes. 

The 1st rule of heel pain is to NOT ignore it. Waiting for plantar fasciitis to get better on its own can leave you limping in pain. Start treating your symptoms immediately with foot care products specifically for plantar fasciitis at our podiatry store Foot Traffik.

You can also call our office at 562-433-0478 to schedule an appointment with an experienced podiatrist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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