Heel pain is a painful condition that effects everyone from busy moms, to active kids, and especially athletes. Typically patients have the most pain first thing in the morning or after sitting for long periods of time. Heel pain is usually caused by overusing your feet or starting an activity after not being active for a period of time. Lastly, excess weight can contribute to pain in your heels.
Stretching Relieves Heel Pain
There are a few treatment options available for heel pain. Our office strives to treat our patients conservatively (without surgery) before we explore further options. The easiest way to start treating your heel pain, and a way to treat heel pain at home is through stretching and exercise. A few simple moves can help to stretch the ligament that is causing your heel pain, the plantar fasciia.
Stretching exercises can help to relieve foot and ankle pain. Simple stretches can help to reduce or eliminate heel pain. There are more intense work outs that have been shown to reduce heel pain as well. If the stretching or exercising are not helping to relieve your pain, you need to see a doctor.
Heel Pain Treatment
If the stretches are not helping to relieve the pain there are other safe, effective and healthy heel pain treatment options. Treatment options for heel pain can include orthotics to correct the biomechanical issues that could be causing your heel pain, In addition, proper foot wear, shock wave therapy, cryotherapy, and MLS laser therapy are all noninvasive to minimally invasive treatment options. Your need to get to the cause of the problem to properly treat the issue and prevent it from coming back.
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MLS Laser Therapy
MLS laser is completely painless and cool to the touch. The laser uses wave lengths to penetrate deeper into the affected area. It increases blood flow and oxygen into the problem area which promotes natural healing. There is no down-time and patients walk in and out of the treatment. The laser is safe and effective for all ages,
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ESWT
ESWT is s a great treatment option. It is non invasive so the recovery is usually shorter, allowing patients to return to work or school faster. The treatment uses strong sound waves to allow the body to focus on the problem area in the foot. It encourages your body to speed healing.
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Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a used as a long lasting anesthesia to alleviate pain in the heels. This treatment works by decreasing inflammation which increases the healing time by pushing your body to deliver nutrients and healing elements to the injured or problem area.
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Orthotics
Orthotics are inserts used in shoes to help stabilize the foot and provide support. Many people suffer from heel pain that is caused by biomechanical issues. Orthotics correct the problem. The foot is scanned and an orthotic is created customized to your foot. It is painless, easy and completely non invasive.
What's the Best Heel Pain Treatment for You?
There are many different treatment options for heel pain. Some options are more natural and less invasive while others involve surgery. The best treatment for you will depend on your lifestyle and goals. We have many patients who prefer to heal their pain naturally through stretching and exercises while others may need a more immediate treatment. Your doctor will discuss what options will work for you and how it will help your specific needs.
