If Heel Pain Is Keeping You from Your Daily Activities, Find Out What You Can Do

Whether you are an avid runner or enjoy going to the gym occasionally, it can be difficult to do these everyday activities when faced with heel pain. Did you push yourself too hard during your run? Did you suddenly intensify your exercise routine? Your heels might be screaming for sweet relief. Our podiatrists at Kansas City Foot & Ankle, serving Downtown Kansas City, North Kansas City, or Lee's Summit, MO, are here to share ways to manage the pain.

Occasionally, heel pain is caused by an inflammatory condition known as plantar fasciitis. While the name might seem a bit intimidating, don’t worry! Symptoms can often be managed through simple at-home remedies such as:

• Icing the heel for up to 15 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and pain (always wrap the ice pack in towels before applying it to the skin, as placing ice directly on the skin can cause burns).
• Performing certain foot stretches and exercises to strengthen muscles and improve function.
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication to temporarily soothe pain and inflammation.
• Avoiding high-impact activities will often only exacerbate the condition and lead to further inflammation.
• Using splints or wearing shoe inserts (orthotics) to provide arch support.
• Consider corticosteroid injections and extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which may also be helpful for those dealing with more serious or stubborn pain.

When to Call a Doctor

You don’t need to immediately call our Kansas City Foot & Ankle podiatrists when you feel pain, but it’s important not to ignore a potentially serious issue. You should contact us if:

• You have severe heel pain or swelling
• You can’t point your foot downward or stand up on your tiptoes
• You notice numbness or a tingling sensation in the heel, along with pain
• You experience sudden pain that occurs right after an injury
• You have diabetes or nerve damage in the feet
• You’ve been trying at-home treatment options for a week with no improvement in symptoms

Kansas City Foot & Ankle is happy to serve Downtown Kansas City, North Kansas City, and Lee's Summit, MO, and provide quality foot care no matter your issues. Call us today at (816) 943-1111.