subject: Suffering with sore heels? [print this page] Suffering with sore heels? Suffering with sore heels?
Well it's heel pain season again and all our podiatrists are preparing for the increase in bare-foot related complaints as we step into summer.
You may be wondering why we say "season"? Is heel pain like the flu? Can we catch it?!
No, relax, you can put your face mask away for this one. We say "season" because at this time of year we are inundated with people asking "Why do my heels hurt ?"
Usually podiatrist see more heel pain in summer.
Generally after months of wearing shoes and relying on their support and protection, suddenly our feet have to fend for themselves. Whilst the foot has an amazing capacity to compensate and adapt, they need time to condition themselves to their new environment.
The other reason our podiatrists are seeing more heel pain than ever before is because of tiled floors and concrete slabs.
It is well understood that barefoot walking and hard surfaces make a perfect recipe for sore heels.
Our tips to reduce your chances for heel pain this summer:
Transition from shoes to bare feet slowly when both inside and outside. Try going from shoes to supportive slip-ons then to thick socks and finally bare feet over a month.
Go bare feet more often through the year where it is safe to do so.
Exercise your feet by flexing and extending your toes and ankles while they're up, if you've worn shoes all day. This helps with circulation too!
If this doesn't help, speak to your podiatrist for specific individual advice about your feet and their health. This is particularly important if you suffer with diabetes, arthritis or if you have suffered an injury.
There are many different causes for heel pain. Symptoms can involve the heel bone itself, the soft tissue that attaches to it or the nerves that course around it.
There are also various rheumatic and systemic conditions that can result in heel pain. The most common (and often over diagnosed) cause of heel pain is a condition that was referred to as "heel spur syndrome" but is now known as plantar fasciitis treatment. This is only one cause of heel pain from many, it is important you consult with a podiatrist to be sure of the diagnosis. If you do in fact have plantar fasciitis, you'll need to identify the cause of the condition and what treatment measures you will require. Of course, if there is a biomechanical or functional cause, it is imperative that mechanical correction is implemented accurately and safely.
