Feeling Better Than Ever Before

Running can be one of the best ways to improve your health overall. But if your heels hurt every night after you run, you might give up the activity for something that doesn't cause you pain. Heel pain occurs from many things, especially plantar fasciitis. Here's more information about heel pain and plantar fasciitis, and what you can do to make running better on your heels.

Why Do Your Heels Hurt?

One of the most common causes of heel pain is injury or inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is the long band of tissue that lines the bottom of your foot. The tissue connects your toes and sole to your heel and Achilles tendon.

As it slides along the bottom of your tooth during movement, the plantar fascia can become irritated near the heel. Running, walking, or even standing on a hard surface can also irritate the plantar fascia near the heel. If you have flat feet or high arches, you can experience fascia-related heel pain.

All of problems mentioned above can become worse with time without the proper treatment.

What Can You Do About Your Heel Pain?

If you want to find temporary relief from your heel pain, soak your feet in warm water in the evening or right before bedtime. Dry your feet thoroughly, then apply warm foot cream or natural oil to your skin. Use light, gentle pressure as you massage your soles, toes, and heels. Afterward, cover your feet with cotton socks to keep them comfortable during the night.

You can also place your legs on a soft pillow to elevate them. Be sure to position the pillow so that your heels hang over their edges. The skin in your heels might be sensitive or slightly swollen from their ordeal, so keep as much pressure from your heels as possible. 

Finally, see a podiatrist for care. A foot doctor can examine your heels and prescribe medications that alleviate the pain and inflammation you experience. Sometimes, placing doctor-prescribed foot cushions in your shoes helps ease your symptoms. Be sure to wear your cushions as long as your podiatrist says to do so. 

If your pain doesn't subside with the recommendations and treatments above, surgery may be a choice for you. The surgery may remove any extra bone tissue that grew on your heels during the inflammation, or it may tighten and reposition your plantar fascia. A podiatrist will discuss your surgery plan in greater detail when you meet with them.

To learn more about your heel pain and treatments, contact a podiatrist today. One who specializes in sports injuries would be particularly helpful if your pain comes from being active during the day.