Being on your feet and constantly active can put a lot of pressure on the knees, ankles, and heels. It’s easy to neglect caring for your feet until ankle or heel pain becomes bothersome.
In particular, heel pain can be very disruptive to your everyday activities. You may have trouble standing and walking. Let’s talk about some of the best ways in which you can prevent heel pain and who you can talk to about maintaining healthy feet.
How to Prevent Heel Pain
Heel pain can be easily prevented and controlled if you understand its causes. Some foot conditions cause heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and calcaneal bursitis. These conditions may develop because of physical activities, sports injuries, being overweight, abnormal foot mechanics, and repetitive foot movements.
To avoid heel pain and these conditions, here are some simple measures you can incorporate into your daily routine:
Take Breaks
Many of our daily activities involve the movement of our feet. Depending on your daily routine, your work, or your hobbies, your feet may experience strain because of overuse.
Therefore, be sure to take short breaks throughout the day and sit down, and put your legs outward on the floor so there is little to no pressure on your heels. This will give your feet moments to rest and recover from all of your movement during the day.
Invest in a Good Pair of Shoes
Uneven distribution of weight and pressure on your feet can also cause heel pain. To avoid this, find a pair of shoes that provides support for your whole foot and also provides plenty of cushioning.
There are different types of shoes made for specific sports, professions, or physical activities. If you want to get the best comfort and support, you can have shoes specially made for you.
Use Orthotic Shoe Inserts
You can buy orthotics off the shelf or have them custom-made for your feet. Orthotics can be an important part of treatment to help alleviate various symptoms, such as pain and discomfort in the feet and legs.
Shoe inserts can help to correct foot deformities, aid in improving foot functions and gait, and provide maximum support for your feet and your overall posture. Ask your podiatrist about orthotics to prevent heel pain.
Manage Your Weight
You are more likely to experience heel pain if you are overweight. The increased pressure on your feet due to the excess weight will put strain on your feet and heels. This is a motivating factor in keeping your weight under control so you can enjoy less pain or no pain at all in your feet.
Treating Heel Pain in Naples, Florida
Our orthopedic doctors at the Joint Replacement Institute are here to provide excellent care for your feet, ankles, knees, hips, back, neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands. We have a team of experienced physicians who are dedicated to providing you with an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (239) 261-2663. If you prefer, you may also fill out our online form to request an appointment. We look forward to serving you!
