Heel Pain Relief

Orthotics can be very effective in treating conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, bursitis, diabetic foot ulcers, and heel pain. They provide extra cushioning and/or stability to keep feet in proper alignment, and can alleviate foot pain and improve the function of your feet.

Orthotics are different than regular inserts as a break-in period may be necessary, depending on which type of orthotic you are using and the health of your feet. If your legs hurt or if you have sore feet, it could be due to wearing them longer than you should during the first few weeks. Participating in intense activities too quickly or wearing them in shoes that have stretched out or broken down could also cause problems. Your feet need time to adjust to the new foot posture, which can take three to four weeks.

When our patients are recovering from a foot or ankle injury or a surgical procedure, physical therapy is an effective part of the treatment process. It involves exercises that are specifically designed to improve your strength, coordination, flexibility, and endurance. When these areas are targeted, it helps you return to your daily activities more quickly, and helps protect your foot or ankle from future injury.

Stretching is one of the best conservative treatments for heel pain, especially if it is the result of plantar fasciitis. Inflammation of the connecting band of tissue that runs between the heel and the toe can be fought with stretches that focus on the calf muscle and the arch of the foot.

The three most commonly prescribed stretching exercises focus on these areas. The calf stretch is done at a wall, hands flat and one leg straightened behind you. Keep your heel on the ground as your hips go forward, and feel the calf muscle being worked.

Now, grab a towel for the next two stretches. First, loop it around your feet and pull them to you. You should feel a stretch in the arch. Next, place the towel on the floor and scrunch it toward yourself with the toes.

Orthotics include shoe inserts, braces, and pads. They can be purchased over-the-counter at your local drug store, or custom made by prescription. The goal of these devices is to protect the feet, improve biomechanics, and properly align the feet and ankles. Eliminating pain is the main focus.

How can orthotics help with sore feet?

Common foot conditions like flat feet, arthritis, and heel pain may be addressed with orthotics. Deformities and other structural issues of the feet cause weight to be unevenly distributed. Extra pressure is placed on an area of the foot resulting in pain. Deformities such as hammertoe can be addressed with these devices as well.

The acronym EPAT stands for a relatively new technology called Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment. Its primary use in podiatric medicine is to treat the soft tissue found in the feet and ankles. Approved by the FDA, the EPAT increases the blood flow and the metabolic rate of the soft tissue that is treated by using “pressure waves.” The treatments lead to faster healing in conditions like arch pain, heel pain, and Achilles tendonitis.

This non-invasive procedure eliminates the risk of infection, and is performed in the office using an instrument similar to an ultrasound wand. Patients are able to walk right after their appointment, and they can typically resume their normal activities within two days.

The reasons for heel pain are varied. Most frequently, heel pain is due to a condition called plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of a long ligament on the bottom of your foot. Typically, the heel and/or arch hurts with the first few steps out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a while. Heel pain can also be due to nerve issues, trauma, and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

This is an extremely common condition and is usually fixed through any number of conservative treatments such as stretching exercises, orthotics that support your arches, or antiinflammatory medications such as Advil.