Heel pain can affect various areas of our lives. When our feet ache, it becomes harder to participate in sports, exercise, and even daily activities. The good news is that regardless of how active you are, there are ways to prevent heel pain that can help keep you moving.
Wear Properly Fitting Shoes With Arch Support
High heels, ill-fitting shoes (too narrow or too snug), and shoes with poor arch support can all lead to heel pain or cause it to worsen.
Make sure the shoes you pick fit your specific foot type, whether you have a high arch, flat feet, or wide feet. In addition, opt for shoes with plenty of support and cushion, especially if you’re a runner.
Listen To Your Body
If you’re experiencing heel pain, do not push yourself and continue walking on it. This can worsen your condition and lead to a longer recovery time.
Your feet need rest, especially if you stand or walk all day. Once the day is done, go home and elevate your feet for several minutes to neutralize the effects of gravity and get pressure off your heels.
Warm Up and Stretch
Like any other muscle, our feet require stretching to warm up and prepare them for exercise. To prevent heel pain, stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendons before walking, exercising, or running.
See a Podiatrist
You don’t have to wait until you experience heel pain to visit a podiatrist. If you are prone to heel pain or live an active lifestyle, visiting a podiatrist is a preventative measure to ensure you’re taking the proper precautions to avoid injuries. A podiatrist can show you exercises or prescribe custom orthotics designed to provide optimal support and comfort to prevent or treat existing heel pain.
Heel Pain Relief in San Antonio and Schertz, TX
We at Sports, Occupational, and Knee Surgery want to help you get a jump start on your foot health to prevent future heel pain. Our experts recommend that those experiencing chronic or severe heel pain avoid running or other activities that can worsen it until they have seen a specialist.
Call 210-696-9000 to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in San Antonio or Schertz, TX.
