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.
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