Kick Your Heel Pain the Conservative Way

Part 2 in our 3-Part Heel Pain Blog Series

Does your heel still hurt? After reading the first of our three-part series on heel pain, you’re probably wondering what you can do to kick that heel pain now!  Plantar Fasciitis, or heel spur syndrome, can often be treated effectively at home with simple remedies. The following are conservative treatment options I like to suggest to my patients:

Stretch, stretch, stretch. I think we often underestimate the benefits of stretching. Google “calf stretches” and try out a few routines. I’ll be demonstrating these and other types of stretches at our upcoming FREE STRETCHING CLINIC as part of WALK WITH YOUR DOC event on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Northgate Park in Manteca, CA near the entrance to the Tidewater Bikeway. Please join us and I’d be happy to show you proper stretching techniques that can help provide you with the relief you’re seeking. (The first 10 participants even receive a $5 gift card to Hi-Five Nutrition in Manteca!)

Massage. This is something I demonstrate to my patients often in the office as a means of providing pain relief. Focus on deeply working the areas that bother you most.

Apply ice. My favorite form of icing the foot is by rolling the foot along a frozen bottle of water. Then once you are done, just pop the bottle back in the freezer & you can re-use it over and over again as needed.

Choose shoes with good arch support. Good shoes can really make such a difference in the overall health of your feet. Have you checked out our Patient Education section here on the website for information on shoes? We cover a variety of topics from what to look for in athletic shoes to shoes for men, women, and children. Spend a little time reading up and choose your next pair of shoes wisely.

Once you’ve exhausted these conservative treatments, you should find some, if not total, relief from your heel pain symptoms. If your pain persists, however, know that there are more advanced treatment options available. Stay tuned for the third part in our heel pain series that delves more deeply into additional options for treating heel pain. If you just can’t wait any longer, request an appointment or call (209) 823-2700 today, and I’d be happy to help you along your journey to Kick Your Heel Pain.