Treatments That Might Help Heel Pain From Bursitis

Heel pain is a fairly common complaint and it has several causes. It can affect you if you're sedentary or if you run daily and push yourself in physical activities. One condition that can develop is bursitis in your heel. Bursitis is an inflammation in the protective fluid-filled tissue that protects your heel joint and tendons. When it is inflamed due to overuse or injury, your heel can be painful, swollen, red, and feel hot to the touch. Here are some ways to treat this painful heel condition.

Limit Physical Activity

Physical activity such as running up and down stairs can cause bursitis, especially if you take up the activity without working into it gradually. You should rest as much as possible when you have bursitis so your heel has a chance to recover. You may not need to stay sedentary since you can exercise in ways that do not put pressure and stress on your feet. Your foot doctor may even teach you some gentle stretching and ankle-strengthening exercises you can do to help you heal.

Try Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Your podiatrist may recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce swelling and pain in your heel so you can stay comfortable and sleep well. However, you don't want to take the medications and get pain relief just so you can continue working out or you will probably worsen the injury. If your heel is very painful and swollen, your podiatrist may inject corticosteroid medication directly into the heel for relief.

Use Ice And Pain Creams

Ice is helpful for pain relief when your heel is hot and swollen. Apply it frequently throughout the day to reduce inflammation. In addition, your podiatrist might recommend over-the-counter creams that might help. Some of these contain menthol that has a cooling effect and others contain pain relievers. Use them according to your podiatrist's instructions for the best results.

Undergo Medical Treatments

Bursitis often heals with rest and home treatments, but if you have a lot of pain or if your heel doesn't get better quickly, then your foot doctor might need to drain off the accumulation of fluid in your heel bursa. Another treatment that might be considered is ultrasound therapy. This uses ultrasound waves to penetrate the skin on your heel to promote healing of damaged tissue.

Wear Protective Shoes And Inserts

Since it isn't practical to stay off your feet all day, you should wear shoes and inserts that protect your heel during the recovery phase. Padded heel cups can provide cushioning against shock and elevate your heel so it doesn't have to stretch as much when you walk. You'll also want shoes that provide strong support since your gait may be altered due to your heel pain.

Pain in the heel can be caused by various tendon and joint problems, so it's a good idea to have your heel examined by a podiatrist so you can receive an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate care for your condition. Visit a site like https://www.familyfootcenter.net/ for more help.


Share