Austin, TX certainly has a vibrant, active community. The Austin Runners Club is one local organization that promotes healthy living and physical activity, but there is a wide range of other opportunities for residents to engage in exercise and athletic programs as well. This is an essential component of physical wellness, but the fact remains that moving your body comes with a risk for injury, especially to your feet. The good news is that conservative care for foot injuries is often effective, and even home remedies for heel pain can be rather successful.

There are various potential causes of heel pain, but one of the most common we see in our patients is an overuse injury known as plantar fasciitis. This condition happens as a result of an inflamed tissue—the plantar fascia which runs along the bottom of your foot—and can bring pain that is so severe it hurts to walk.
man running

Home treatment for sore heels associated with plantar fasciitis can include:

  • Icing – When you begin to experience pain, swelling, or inflammation in the affected area, use an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to reduce the discomfort.
  • Medication – As always, consult our office for recommendations with regard to types and dosages, but over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help when symptoms flare up.
  • Rest – Stay off your feet as much as possible to not only relieve pain, but also to avoid further damaging the inflamed tissue as it heals.
  • Exercise – This may seem counterintuitive on account of the fact that overuse is what landed you in this position in the first place, but stretches and foot flexing can actually make the plantar fascia feel better.
  • Shoe modifications – Switching to footwear that better supports your foot arches or even adding inserts (we can provide recommendations for you) can reduce levels of heel pain.

Are You Looking for a Heel and High Arch Pain Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for heel pain care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatristAustin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.

Craig Thomajan
Connect with me
Austin Podiatrist
Comments are closed.