As bipedal creatures, we rely on our two feet to get to places and do many things in our daily lives— running, dancing, dashing to the finish line, driving, walking our dog, even taking a loved one down the aisle, among others.
While our feet are built to bear the brunt of our movements, the stress that they are repeatedly exposed to can eventually result in pain, notably heel pain, which can be disruptive.
To keep moving freely and enjoying your life, you want to know what to do to prevent heel pain. Below are a few preventive strategies from our very own highly qualified podiatrists here at The Podiatry Group of South Texas. Check them out.
Tip #1 Pick Shoes with Excellent Fit and Arch Support.
Never sacrifice comfort in the name of fashion. Avoid high heels, ill-fitting shoes (i.e., shoes that are too narrow or too snug), or those with poor arch support.
To ensure you get the right pair of shoes, measure your feet before buying, mind the shape of the shoe, consider the material, and break them in by walking around the store and on different surfaces, if possible.
Tip #2 Rest.
Like any other part of your body, your feet need rest. If your occupation involves standing and walking all day, make sure to elevate your feet for several minutes when you get home. This neutralizes the effect of gravity and keeps pressure off your feet. If they are sore, try to skip activities that can put stress on them for even just a day.
Tips #3 Maintain a Healthy Weight.
Of course, carrying extra weight is bad for your waistline and your overall health. But did you know that it can also punish your feet?
Excess weight is a major risk factor for plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the tough band of tissue that attaches your heel bone to the base of your toes (plantar fascia) gets inflamed. Plantar fasciitis is one of the culprits in intense heel pain and swelling.
Tip #4 See a Podiatrist.
As with your primary care physician, you don’t only see a podiatrist (foot doctor) when you already have a problem. A podiatrist is also your go-to when you need advice on how to properly care for your feet and avoid heel pain and other issues.
A podiatrist can help you by recommending exercises that can help prevent plantar fasciitis as well as prescribe custom orthotics (medical devices inserted into your shoe). Custom orthotics are designed to accommodate your foot’s unique structure and to provide optimal support and comfort.
Heel Pain Doctor in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, Uvalde, Live Oak, TX
At The Podiatry Group of South Texas, our board-certified podiatrists have made a name for themselves by providing exceptional foot-and-ankle care. However, their commitment doesn’t end there: our providers take great satisfaction in sharing useful information to help patients keep their feet healthy and maintain their freedom to move and “groove!”
To make an appointment with one of our outstanding heel pain doctors, contact our staff today by calling us at (210) 227-8700 or by filling out our appointment request form.
