Don't Let Heel Pain Ruin Your Summer

The summer season if for doing all sorts of activities, going outdoors, and hanging out with friends at the beach. But do you feel pain on your heel when getting out of bed in the morning and making your first steps? Maybe you also experience heel pain when you step out of your car after driving? If you have this kind of heel pain, then most probably you are experiencing plantar fasciitis.

The plantar fascia is a strong fibrous tissue located underneath the foot. It attaches at the heel bone or calcaneus bone to the balls of the foot. This structure is very essential since it maintains the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia is under continuous stress when walking, running, or when lifting weights.

In every step, the first part of the foot that hits the ground is the heel bone and this area can be a source of irritation and inflammation that can affect not only the heel bone but the plantar fascia as well. Also, when the plantar fascia is over stretched, this can cause pain because of the microscopic wounds that are created.

Plantar fasciitis is commonly found among the elderly due to the natural wear and tear of the plantar fascia. This conditions is also common among athletes, more particularly runners.

If you are affected by this, don't let your heel pain ruin your wonderful summer days. There are many ways to alleviate the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. A common management is the RICE method.

Rest. Resting the foot is one way of stopping heel pain due to plantar fasciitis. If the foot is allowed to rest for an extended period of time, this can promote wound healing and may cure plantar fasciitis.

Ice. Applying cold stimuli can control pain and swelling.

Compression. Wrapping the foot with elastic bandages can help reduce pain and swelling. Remember not to put the bandages too tight to allow proper blood circulation.

Elevate. Rising the foot above the heart is the best way to reduce swelling. Rising the foot allows venous return.

A new way to treat chronic heel pain that does not respond to conventional treatment is EWST or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. The use of shock waves in this procedure allows the plantar fascia to heal naturally. This procedure is non invasive and lasts for just a few minutes per session. After only one session, most patients feel immediate pain relief.