Three ways you may be hurting your heels and how to avoid them
Everyone has experienced pain in the heel at some stage. This is frequently caused by small repetitive injuries in the heel which happen too often for the foot to be properly healed. But have you ever wondered exactly what caused this heel pain and how to avoid it?
Running and walking
Running and walking are excellent forms of exercise for the cardiovascular system, but they can also cause strain on the joints and feet. The problem can particularly occur when changing surface—from sidewalk to track, for example.
Your best defence is your footwear. Properly fitting and supportive footwear are essential to protect your feet from the strains of pounding the pavement, and will help your other joints as well. You should also carry out stretching exercises before getting started, particularly if you are out of practice.
Driving
Driving may be a surprising cause of heel pain; after all, there is no impact between the heel and another surface. But the foot is held in an awkward position for long periods of time, and the constant pressure on your heel and the stress of pivoting can mount up. If your heels ache when you get out of the car, driving may be the cause.
To avoid it, firstly ensure that your seat is adjusted for maximum comfort; make sure you wear comfortable shoes for driving; and take regular breaks, during which you get out and walk around, stretching and flexing your foot muscles.
Weight
The sad fact is that your waistline can have a negative effect on your feet. You are probably already aware of numerous health risks associated with being overweight; you may not have considered the effect that the extra weight is having on your heels, which after all have to support it. Standard remedies may not help, as the cause never goes away.
The only answer is to lose the weight. A sensible calorie-controlled diet can be a blessing to your feet, as well as reduce your risk of other diseases. There are also many exercises that can be done without placing pressure on the heel.
If your pain is severe or does not go away, you should seek the help of a podiatrist. But by thinking about what happens to your feet and how to keep the pressure off, you may be able to stop your heels from hurting in the first place. Speak with a podiatrist for more information.