How To Prevent Heel Pain

There are ways to reduce your risk for plantar fasciitis related heel pain.

Is heel pain something that happens to you rather frequently? If you are a runner, athlete, or professional who’s on your feet all day then you may find yourself dealing with recurring bouts of heel pain.

Your podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut are located in Plainville, Danbury, and New Milford, CT, also serving the New Britain, Bristol, Southington, Farmington, New Fairfield, and Ridgefield, CT, areas. They understand just how frustrating heel pain can be. Why put up with it when there are steps you can take to prevent it?

Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of heel pain:

Wear the Right Shoes

Whether you’re going to be on your feet all day for work or you’re going for a run, it’s important that you are wearing shoes that not only fit properly but also provide support and cushioning for your feet and ankles. Shoes such as flip-flops or high heels can increase your risk for heel pain and won’t provide you with the support you need. Turn to a shoe specialist at any shoe store to make sure that you are properly fitted each and every time.

Consider Custom Orthotics

Even though wearing proper footwear is important, you may still find that you need additional support for the arches and heels of your feet. Your podiatrists located in Plainville, Danbury, and New Milford, CT, also serving the New Britain, Bristol, Southington, Farmington, New Fairfield, and Ridgefield, CT, areas can reduce your risk for heel pain by crafting custom-fitted shoe inserts and other forms of arch support. By simply wearing these orthotic devices when standing, walking, and even running you can reduce your risk for heel pain.

Keep Calf Muscles Limber

Tight calf muscles can also increase your risk for plantar fasciitis, so it’s always a good idea to keep your calf muscles limber. One way to do this is by foam rolling your legs, which you should do at least once a day. It only takes a couple of minutes to do this and can save you the hassle of painful, tight calves. After all, your legs take a lot of abuse every day. Why not give them a little TLC, too?

Stretch Your Feet Everyday

It’s always a good idea to give your feet a good stretch in the morning and again before heading to bed. This will prevent feet from stiffening up, which is particularly important on those active days. A towel stretch is one of the best exercises you can do for your feet. Sit down with your feet in front of you and then wrap a towel around the bottoms of your feet and gently pull toward you to stretch your feet, ankles, and legs. You can hold for up to 30 seconds and repeat as much as you need to throughout the day.

With offices in Plainville, Danbury, and New Milford, CT, Foot & Ankle Specialists of Connecticut is proud to treat heel pain and a range of foot and ankle conditions for patients living in the New Britain, Bristol, Southington, Farmington, New Fairfield, and Ridgefield, CT, areas. If you’re dealing with heel pain, give us a call at (203) 748-2220, (860) 355-3139, or (860) 747-2200.