As a podiatrist, I understand that shoes that rub against the back of your heels can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Our skin can tolerate a certain amount of friction without causing any pain, such as when we scratch an itch. However, when shoes constantly rub against your heel, it can lead to injuries and pain. Repeated friction can cause blisters or breaks in the skin, which are susceptible to infection. Over time, this can also lead to the development of bony bumps known as Haglund's … [Read more...]
Heel Pain
Heel pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, bursitis, or stress fractures. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot. Some common treatments for heel pain include:
- Rest: It's important to rest the affected foot and avoid activities that cause pain.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 10-20 minutes at a time several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Stretching: Doing stretching exercises for the foot and calf muscles can help improve flexibility and reduce pain.
- Orthotics: Shoe inserts or custom-made orthotics can help provide support and cushioning to the affected area.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can recommend exercises and stretches to help relieve heel pain and prevent recurrence.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: Surgery is typically only recommended in severe cases that do not respond to other treatments.
It's important to talk to a healthcare provider or podiatrist to determine the underlying cause of heel pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from getting worse and improve outcomes.