Causes and Treatment for Heel Pain when Walking

January 17, 2023
3:50 pm

How To Treat Your Heel Pain That’s Caused From Walking

Your feet bear all the burden of your day-to-day life, but you may not give them much thought until they start to ache. If that’s happened, it’s time for relief; understand where your pain is so you can get the best treatment possible! Consider exactly what area of your foot hurts and take note – this will help guide you toward finding a solution for your heel pain when walking.

Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis

If you feel unrelenting pain in your heel, it’s likely that you have plantar fasciitis: an ailment caused by the irritation or inflammation of the fibrous band connecting your heel bone to the toes. Unfortunately, this type of discomfort is most severe upon rising from bed each morning and can be felt either on the underside of your foot or arch.

Treatments:

- Rest your foot.

- Perform heel and foot muscle stretches regularly.

- Take over-the-counter pain relievers.

- Invest in shoes with firm arch support and a cushiony sole.

Heel spurs

Heel spurs are a frequent culprit of foot ache. This is an irregular bone growth on the bottom part of your heel, which can result from wearing incorrect shoes or from having an abnormal posture and gait. Prolonged standing and running may also be contributing factors to these osteophytes that cause discomfort when walking. Although many people have them without any pain, those with flat feet or high arches tend to experience distress due to their development of painful heel spurs.

Treatments:

- Slip on a cutout heel cushion.

- An orthotic, a specially designed insert, should be worn in your shoe.

- Equip yourself with shoes that properly fit and provide superior shock absorption for your feet.

- Take over-the-counter pain relievers.

- Rest your foot.

- Physical therapy.

- If you still experience discomfort, inquire with your physician about potential medical interventions.

Stone Bruise

A stone bruise is a deep bruise of the fat pad of the heel or ball of the foot. It’s often from an impact injury, but it can also happen after stepping on a hard object. The pain feels like you’re walking on a pebble. It will gradually go away on its own.

Temporary Treatment:

- Rest your foot.

- Ice the area.

- Take over-the-counter pain relievers.

Heel fracture

A heel fracture is often caused by a significant impact on the heel, such as from an automobile accident or fall. It may not just break; it could also be shattered! The most common symptoms of this injury include pain in the heel area, bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking.

Treatment:

- It’s essential to keep pressure off the heel – try using crutches as an option.

- Shield your heels with protective pads.

- Protect your heel bone by wearing a splint or cast.

- Have a chat with your doctor about potential over-the-counter or prescribed pain medicine.

- Physical therapy.

- If your pain persists, consult with a physician regarding surgical intervention.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a combination of the skin disorder psoriasis and joint inflammation. It’s a lasting affliction that can be passed on genetically. PsA may cause painful tenderness in the tendons surrounding your fingers, toes, and other joints along with stiffness.

Treatment:

- To ease mild cases of PsA, your doctor may suggest a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to combat the chemicals that lead to inflammation in your joints. You can acquire this medication over-the-counter such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, or with a prescription from the pharmacy.

- Combat stiffness and swelling with the power of hot and cold therapy. Heat encourages blood flow to alleviate rigidity, while cold reduces inflammation.

- Take control of your stress and avoid flare-ups due to PsA.

- For individuals with extreme cases, more potent drugs can be recommended. These prescriptions may include DMARDs such as biologics and corticosteroids.

Sesamoiditis

Right at the base of your big toe lies two pea-like bones connected to each other solely by tendons– these are called sesamoids. Sesamoiditis is a type of painful inflammation that happens when those ligaments become damaged and swollen, usually seen in athletes such as runners or ballet dancers.

Treatment:

- By taping the big toe, you can immobilize the joint to permit a healing process.

- Wear low-heeled shoes.

- Ask your doctor about steroid injections.

- Rest your feet.

- Ice where it hurts.

- Slip a foot pad beneath your toes when wearing shoes.

Toe Pain

Gout, a type of arthritis, is notorious for causing excruciating pain in the toes due to crystallized deposits forming around joint areas. This condition usually affects the big toe first and foremost, leading to notable swelling and ache.

Treatment:

- Rest the foot.

- Ice the area.

- Utilize various medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), prednisone, colchicine, and allopurinol to manage your symptoms.

- Avoid foods that can make gout worse.

Claw Toe

A claw toe is a condition in which one or more of your toes curl downward or upwards and cannot be straightened. This malformation can result from nerve damage caused by diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism, weakening the muscles in the foot region. If not provided with adequate support through appropriate footwear, claw toe may lead to calluses and other forms of irritation due to increased pressure at certain points on the feet.

Treatment:

- Choose shoes that fit your feet properly. High heels and tight-fitting footwear are not recommended.

- Dedicate a few moments of your day to stretching those toes and toe joints.

- Try shoe inserts.

- Speak to your physician about the potential benefits of a surgical procedure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, foot pain can be caused by a number of different conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, psoriatic arthritis, sesamoiditis, gout, and claw toe. Each condition requires its own individualized treatment plan to help lessen pain and inflammation. It’s important to seek medical attention if your foot pain persists or worsens. With the right treatment, you can find relief and get back to living a healthy and active life.