Not only is it a condition which affects old people but also the young as well. For those of us who have had the displeasure of experiencing heel pain, we can attest to the fact that it is a nagging problem which often causes pain and discomfort. Heel pain has been one of the many common complaints of patients in health facilities even up to date. With that said, there are excellent home remedies and lifestyle changes which you can put into practice so as to comfortably ease your symptoms. The following are some of the top natural methods of heel pain treatment to reduce the pain and discomforts:

Applying ice

Using cold compress ice on your heel can help you to reduce pain and prevent it from escalating and becoming long-lasting. The ice will have a numbing effect on your heel which works to prevent inflammation and control pain. There are various ways which you can apply the ice compress on your heel. For instance, you can wrap some crushed ice in a plastic bag and then use it on the sensitive area. You can also freeze water in a bottle and then roll it over the affected area.  You only require at least 15 minutes each day for desired outcomes.

Stretch exercises

In most cases, stretching exercise will go a long way to help you reduce pain and promote quick recovery. The right foot stretches will mostly help you to strengthen some of the vital ligaments and prevent any further injuries as well. I will recommend the “standing wall stretch” which from time to time has been found to effective. It is a simple exercise where you face a wall while standing barefoot. You will press into the wall using both your hands and then place one foot forward where you will slowly lean and feel the stretch at the back of the leg and heel. Most people have reported feeling some amazing kind of relief after doing it several times each day.

Salt soaks and packs

You can be sure to receive amazing results from using these remedies to reduce all kinds of aches and pains. An Epsom salt has been known to be the best option if you are looking to bring instant relief from heel pain. The salt constitutes of magnesium sulfate crystals which are responsible for reducing the pain and swelling. Your heels will also feel relaxed from soaking them in warm water.

Ginger

You have to try ginger if your heel pain is as a result of any muscle strain. A pain journal recently published a study which found out that ginger can ease any muscle pains mostly caused by eccentric exercises. It has anti-inflammatory properties which play a role in combating inflammation and pain in your heels. Aside from that, it improves blood circulation which is even the more reason you should consider this remedy. So how can you use ginger to reduce pain? You can drink ginger tea, use ginger supplements or even massage the affected area with ginger oil daily.

Balanced alkaline diet

You will surely need to incorporate a well balanced alkaline diet if you want to improve your overall health and reduce pain. Alkaline foods are necessary for maintaining a normal pH level and as a result reducing inflammation. On top of that, it is the best way to prevent calcium build up which has been known to be one of the leading causes of heel spurs.

Aside from the above remedies, you should always wear shoes which fit properly, check your weight, and see your local Huntington podiatrist. It is also advisable that you rest your heels as much as you can each time that you experience the pains.

Heel pain is a very common finding in both children and adults. While there are many external factors that can be linked to the cause of the pain,(flat feet and fancy shoes being two of the common culprits), it is important to remember that damage to the underlying bones, tendons and ligaments can occur.

If you or a loved one has been experiencing pain, it is always a good idea to have a podiatrist evaluate you to determine the source of the pain. This is especially true in children who have not yet reached skeletal maturity. Sever's disease, damage to the heel bone growth plate is often the cause of heel pain in a young athlete.

If caught early, the treatment for this type of injury is generally straightforward and tolerated well, however, an undiagnosed injury to a growth plate can have very serious ramifications. The best way to prevent injury is to be evaluated by a podiatrist so that a custom orthotic can be made. Orthotics can restore function and help alleviate your pain.  Stretching splints and physical therapy can also be very helpful.  Call today for an appointment!

By Dr. Evan A. Vieira, DPM, AACFAS

This past weekend we saw Peyton Manning break Brett Favre's career passing record against the Chiefs. The record-breaker came early in the game and became the only highlight worth noting.  Manning had one of the worst games of his career completing 5 of 20 passes for 35 yards and 4 interceptions.

Foot and ankle injuries amongst football players is a common occurrence and during post game interviews Manning reported that he had been suffering from plantar fasciitis for the past few weeks.  Plantar fasciitis is a common complaint of athletes of all ages including children and weekend warriors.

Manning has been undergoing treatment; however team physicians now believe a partial tear of his plantar fascia occurred during last week's game against the Colts. A plantar fascia tear can result after a fall from a height, car accident, quick pivot on a planted foot and in some cases spontaneously.  Physicians and patients alike should be suspicious of a tear should their plantar fascia or heel pain dramatically increase or change during treatment.  Diagnosis can be confirmed with an MRI and treatment includes immobilization, ice, physical therapy and even injections.  In his post game press conference, Peyton indicated that after treatment he felt well enough to start, but the pain worsened throughout the game.

There is no time frame for his return at this point, however, Manning's situation is complicated by the fact that he plays a high-intensity, high-impact sport for a living.  Only time will tell, but my prediction is Manning will not be ready for his next start.

Julian Edelman, a Patriot's receiver also suffered a foot injury during yesterday's game. He has what is known as a Jones Fracture.  This is a fracture of the base of the 5th metatarsal, and usually in cases of high-performance athletes requires immediate surgical intervention.  Edelman will have surgery today.  This usually consists of the placement of a stabilizing screw across the fracture site followed by 6 weeks in an immobilization boot. 

Earlier this season Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys underwent the same procedure for the same type of injury and was out for 6 weeks.  This is hopeful for Edelman as well.

Injuries can occur at any time and do not always reflect conditioning, shoe gear and playing conditions as evidenced by the high number of professionals sidelined each weekend.  If you are in pain or think you may have injured yourself, don't wait! Get to a foot and ankle specialist and seek treatment as soon as possible.  Nobody should have to be sidelined in their own lives and suffer from foot pain.