Conservative Treatment


 
What is Heel Pain?
Causes
Symptoms
Conservative Treatment
Surgical Treatment
Stretching


 


I have tried almost everything there is for heel pain, below are is a list of products that I have used.

Dr Foot Sports Insoles. The main cause of heel pain is abnormal foot function. These insoles treat the underlying cause and prevent future occurrences. Rating 5 stars.

 

Silicone Heel Cup. This product combines a pressure relieving heel spur cavity with a well designed heel cup. Absorbs impact at heel strike. Allows the heel area to be in virtual suspension with the built in circular hot spot. Rating 5 stars.

A leather covered discreet latex cushion designed to give relief to tender heel conditions such as heel spurs. This support has the added benefit of a removable centre to give extra relief in severe heel pain conditions. Rating 3 stars.

Hot and cold pack. Microwavable and remains flexible when frozen. Apply cold therapy initially and heat therapy when the heel is in the healing phase. Rating 4 stars.

Heel Pads. Made from RUBATEX Closed-Cell Neoprene, Spenco Products offer exceptional shock absorption, cushioning, and energy return. The micro-denier suede top cloth reduces friction and is treated with ULTRA-FRESH to inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria on the insole. Heel Cushions absorb shock to the heel which can relieve the pain associated with Heel Pain. Rating 3 stars.


Heel Pain Night Splint. It holds the foot and toes in a flexed position throughout the night, stretching the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon to relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis. Very expensive but was very effective also. Rating 5 stars.

Orthotics and Insoles. Heel pain occurs when there is poor alignment of the feet. Insoles treat the underlying cause of heel pain and provides comfort. Rating 5 stars.

Other Treatments that I tried for short periods of time.

Magnetic Insoles. They were a complete waste of money and actually increased my heel pain.

Taping. Athletic tape can help speed healing by protecting the fascia from re-injury (especially during stretching). It can be thought of as a way to give the fascia rest without decreasing activity. In severe cases, as in mine it enabled me to walk again. Tape is used to supplement or replace the function of the fascia. Tension in the tape replaces tension in the fascia. This is a short term cure and does not stop the heel pain but makes the pain less in the mornings.

Injections. Corticosteroid injections are often used to reduce pain and inflammation. This was a very painful injection, it stopped the heel pain for two weeks but then it came back with vengeance. This was not one of my good ideas!

Toe and Foot Muscle Strengthening
Strong foot muscles promote better overall functioning of the foot and thereby can help take some of the tension out of the fascia. There is a theory that always wearing shoes and sitting at desk jobs have allowed these muscles and tendons to atrophy. Laying a towel on the floor and pulling it back using only the toes is often prescribed by physical therapy. Another technique is to place the feet flat on the floor while sitting in a chair and pushing the ball of the foot off the floor by pushing down with the toes. Another method is to pick up marbles or similar objects and place them in a cup.

Massage
Frequent massage of the fascia, as often as possible and especially in the morning, increases fluid flow in the area, which may speed healing. Vigorous, deep massage of the fascia may also help by breaking up scar tissue. In my case this caued my heel to be even more painful then before the massage.

 



If you wish to visit the website that I bought these products from, Click here
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Links to sites I found helpful: Foot Care Products InsolesOrthotics