What is Heel Pain?

Usually athletes and runners get painful heels. The pain occurs on the sides of the heel or at the bottom of the foot. Under repeated stress, small painful tears may develop. Tendonitis, bursitis, minute breaks in the heel bone or a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone are other sources of pain.

Symptoms of Heel Pain

1. In the morning when you put pressure on your foot, there is discomfort.
2. Things may worsen if you run or walk, otherwise the pain may ease as the day progresses.

Causes of Heel Pain

1. Weight bearing activities like walking, running or playing tennis, stress the heel and causes pain.
2. Obesity also stresses the heel.
3. Abnormal walking gait makes the feet roll inward or outward excessively.
4. With age the pads that protect the heel from injury may wear down and fail to provide shock absorption.

Home remedies for Heel Pain

1. Take rest when your heel begins to hurt. Limit your activities, and be patient about the recovery as it may take months to recover.
2. Massage your heel with a small jar filled with ice or use foot rollers.
3. To reduce pain, take anti-inflammatory drugs.
4. Go in for some stretches like calf stretch and heel stretch.
5. After the pain has reduced, you can start daily activities like walking and running.

Preventing Heel Pain

1. Shoes that have worn down heels and soles should be discarded. Buy new shoes that fit well, have shock absorbent soles and extra padding in the heels.
2. Get your gait examined by an orthopedist.
3. Obese should reduce.
4. Avoid exercising on non-resilient concrete surfaces.