Heel Lift Inserts

Fifteen Ways to Fight Heel Pain

There are many different causes of heel pain, but the most common cause is plantar fasciitis (plan * tar   fash* ee * I * tis). If you experience a sharp pain in your heel when you first step down in the morning, it is probable that you have plantar fasciitis. This problem is a result of excess stress through a long ligament type structure (the plantar fascia) in the bottom of the foot. The excess stress causes tearing and results in inflammation, pain and eventual deterioration of the fascia. The classic symptoms are pain in the heel at the first step in the morning, or upon rising after long periods of rest. Many will complain of a sharp pain in the heel when they step out of their car or after finishing their lunch break. Other individuals only experience heel pain at the end of the day or during certain types of activity like running, soccer or tennis. The pain may extend into the arch and feel achy at the end of the day.

Individuals develop plantar fasciitis for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons for the development of plantar fasciitis is wearing poor quality or worn out shoes. Another common reason is starting a new activity, such as walking or running, after a period of inactivity. Many active individuals may develop plantar fasciitis after incorporating hills, stairs or uneven terrain into their training routine. A new job that requires standing all day or switching to a job with a harder surface, like cement floors, may contribute to it's development. Individuals with flatfeet or excess pronation (rolling in of the feet) may have a natural predisposition to develop plantar fasciitis. Regardless of how the problem started, the treatment is aimed at decreasing the stress on the arch through appropriate shoe gear, stretching exercises, inserts and activity modification.

1. Identify the cause: There is typically a reason for the development of the plantar fasciitis, but since the condition is not typically associated with an acute injury it may be hard to remember. The pain may have gradually developed after starting a new training routine, changing the routine, running or walking on a new surface, switching shoes, wearing worn out shoes or starting a new job. Once the cause is identified, try to stop the activity or modify it. This is quite difficult if the new activity is a new job which requires standing or walking. In this case, shoegear will be extremely important.

2. Avoid aggravating activities: Going up and down stairs, walking or running on hills, squating, lifting heavy items and walking on uneven terrain all aggravate this condition. Try to decrease these by limiting the number of times you go up and down the stairs and avoiding hills. If you must squat down, keep the affected foot in front and flat. Do not lift or carry heavy items including your kids. Use a stroller or have your spouse, significant other or friend carry them.

3. Stop running or walking: Keeping up aerobic activity is important and cross training can help. Try biking or swimming. Most walkers hate the stationary bike at the gym, but remember this isn't forever. Don't drop your heel when you cycle and try to avoid standing and hills if you cycle outdoors. If you participate in spin classes, you may need to modify the class to avoid further injury to the foot. The recumbent stationary bike may place excess stress through the arch because of the position. The classic stationary bike may be more appropriate.

4. Trying using an ice massage: Freeze a sports water bottle or a juice can and place it on the floor. Roll your foot over the water bottle for at least 20 minutes twice a day. This helps decrease the inflammation in the foot while stretching out the arch.

5. Use a contrast bath: Icing helps decrease inflammation that occurred within a 48-72 hour period. To help decrease chronic inflammation try contrasting between ice and heat. Start with an ice pack on the heel and/or arch for 5-10 minutes. Switch to a heating pack or a hot water bath for 5-10 minutes. Alternate between the two for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week. This may be more time consuming than the ice pack alone, but can bring considerable relief.

6. Roll a ball under your foot: Take a tennis ball, soft ball or even a rolling pin and roll your foot over it to stretch out the plantar fascia. This can be done while watching tv or reading the paper. Rolling the foot over the tennis ball can also be done at work if you have a desk job or during a lunch break. (This should not cause pain. Don't continue if you have pain).

7. Stretch your calf in the morning: If you have pain in the morning upon waking, place a towel or a belt on your dresser. In the morning, before you get out of bed, wrap the towel or belt around the ball of your foot. Pull the foot towards you and keep your leg straight. You should feel a stretch in the back of the calf. This will also stretch the bottom of the foot.

8. Stretch you calf throughout the day: Spend about 5-10 minutes each evening stretching the calf as described above or with the runner's stretch. Stretch throughout the day for 1 minute, at least times a day. Try a plantar fascia specific stretch.

9. Take anti-inflammatory medications: Anti-inflammatory medications, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, will help decrease the inflammation that occurs in the fascia as a result of the tearing. Anti-inflammatory medications only work when there is inflammation. If the condition has progressed to plantar fasciosis, they may provide some symptomatic relief, but they will not improve the condition. Take the medication with food and stop taking the medication if you experience stomach discomfort. So not take if you have a stomach ulcer.

10. Lose Weight: This is probably the last thing you wanted to hear. In fact, there is a good chance that you have gained some weight since the onset of your heel pain due to a decrease in activity.  But, there is no way around the fact that increased weight on the body transmits to the feet. Increasing the stress on the plantar fascia can worsen plantar fasciitis, making it more difficult to treat. Eat smart and try aerobic activities that decrease the impact on your feet.

11. Wear supportive shoes: This step may seem logical, but most individuals don't realize how many shoes lack support. A supportive shoe will only bend at the toes. Test all of your shoes and don't assume your running shoe is a supportive shoe. Take your shoe and flip it over. Grab the toe area and the heel and try to fold the shoe. If the shoe bends in half, then the shoe is not supportive. Don't go barefoot. Get up in the morning, do your stretch and then slip your feet in a supportive slipper or clog.

12. Try anti-fatigue mats: These mats help to decrease the stress through the heel and add some shock absorption to the floor. The mats can be a great asset for employees who work on a hard surface. You may want to consider them for home if you spend many hours standing in a workshop or in the kitchen. See the APMA's list of approved anti-fatigue mats at www.apma.org/ seal/sealaccategory.html.

13. Strengthen the muscles in your feet: Place a thin towel on your kitchen floor. Place your foot over the base of the towel closest to you. Bring the towel towards you by curling the toes and gripping the towel as it slides under your feet. Place marbles on the floor and pick them up one by one with your toes and place them in a bowl.

14. Try a night splint. Rigid or soft night splints can be effective forms of treatment for plantar fasciitis. The purpose of the night splint is to stretch the calf muscle as well as to stretch the plantar fascia during the night.

15. Wear orthotics. Prefabricated orthotics are semi-rigid inserts that fit into the shoe to help control motion in your feet. Controlling abnormal motion in the feet can decrease the stress in the plantar fascia. Soft inserts available at the drug store may be comfortable, but they will not help control abnormal motion.

If your symptoms persist, see a podiatrist.

About the Author

More discussion on heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Christine Dobrowolski, DPM is a podiatrist and owner of Northcoast footcare, Inc an online resource for foot health information and foot care products. Products for heel pain

.

Pedifix Peel Away Adjustable Heel Lift $16.99 Effective for months, this soft insert helps relieve a variety of foot, leg, hip and back pains and improves body balance. For people with different leg lengths, it helps balance hips and back to correct posture and reduce discomfort. Takes pressure off sore Achilles' tendon and calf muscles. Peel off layers for a perfect fit - 1/8" to 3/8" Helps relieve heel, heel spur and plantar fascia pain Fits Ladies's shoe sizes 8 to 10, men's 6 to 8 Made in USA Personal Care , Foot Care , Inserts, Insoles & Cushions , Foot Pain - Orthotics & Cushions

ThinLine Saddle Fitters Front Inserts $18 ThinLine Saddle Fitter Front Inserts are designed to fit the Saddle Fitters Half Pad to be used to fill in behind the shoulder or lift at the wither. .

Trifecta Cotton Half Pad Rear Inserts $24 ThinLine Trifecta Pad Rear Inserts are designed to fit with Trifecta pads to aid in minor saddle fitting needs. Rear Inserts lift or level the back.

Thinline Trifecta Cotton Half Pad Front Inserts $24 ThinLine Trifecta Front Inserts are designed to fit with Trifecta Cotton pads to aid in minor saddle fitting needs. Front Inserts fill in behind the shoulder or lift a wither

ThinLine Trifecta with Fleece Pad Rear Inserts $15 ThinLine Trifecta with Fleece Pad Rear Inserts are designed to fit with Trifecta with Fleece pads to aid in minor saddle fitting needs. Rear Inserts lift or level the back.

ThinLine Western Felt Liner Front Inserts $24 ThinLine Western Liner Front Inserts are designed to fit with Western Felt Liners to aid in minor saddle fitting needs. Front Inserts fill in behind the shoulder or lift a wither.

ThinLineCotton Comfort Square Dressage Pad Rear Inserts $15 ThinLine Dressage Square Pad Rear Inserts are designed to fit with Cotton Comfort pads to aid in minor saddle fitting needs. Rear Inserts lift or level the back.

Thinline English Sheepskin Comfort Pad Front Inserts $18 ThinLine Sheepskin Comfort Pad Front Inserts are designed to fit the English Sheepskin Comfort Pad to be used to fill in behind the shoulder or lift at the wither. .

ThinLine Hunter Sheepskin Pad Front Inserts $18 ThinLine Sheepskin Hunter Pad Front Inserts are designed to fit the Hunter Sheepskin Comfort Pad to be used to fill in behind the shoulder or lift at the wither. .

ThinLine Comfort Dressage Pad Front Inserts $18 ThinLine Sheepskin Dressage Pad Front Inserts are designed to fit the Dressage Sheepskin Comfort Pad to be used to fill in behind the shoulder or lift at the wither. .

hinLine Comfort Western Pad Front Inserts $24 ThinLine Sheepskin Western Pad Front Inserts are designed to fit the Western Sheepskin Comfort Pad to be used to fill in behind the shoulder or lift at the wither. .

ThinLine Western Cotton Liner Pad Front Inserts $24 ThinLine Western Liner Front Inserts are designed to fit the Western Liner to be used to fill in behind the shoulder or lift at the wither. 

Challenger Pasta Cooker with 4 Inserts. 1 Set $90.92 Manufacturer: Challenger Products. 1 Set. Pot made of heavy-duty aluminum. Comes with either a lift-out, perforated basket or with 1/4 18-8 stainless steel inserts that allow for pre-sized portioning. Inserts have cool-dipped handles, while baskets have r

ThinLine Trifecta with Fleece Pad Front Inserts $18 ThinLine Trifecta with Fleece Pad Front Inserts are designed to fit with Trifecta Fleece pads to aid in minor saddle fitting needs.  Front Inserts fill in behind the shoulder or lift a wither. 

ThinLine Western Felt Liner Rear Inserts $24 ThinLine Western Felt Pad Rear Inserts are designed to fit with Western Felt Liners to aid in minor saddle fitting needs.  Rear Inserts lift or level the back.

ThinLine Cottone Comfort Fitted Dressage Pad Front Inserts $18 ThinLine Dressage Fitted Pad Front Inserts are designed to fit with Cotton Comfort pads to aid in minor saddle fitting needs. Front Inserts fill in behind the shoulder or lift a wither.

ThinLine Cotton Comfort Fitted Dressage Pad Rear Inserts $15 ThinLine Dressage Fitted Pad Rear Inserts are designed to fit with Cotton Comfort pads to aid in minor saddle fitting needs. Rear Inserts lift or level the back.

ThinLine Cotton Comfort Square Dresage Pad Front Inserts $18 ThinLine Dressage Square Pad Front Inserts are designed to fit with Cotton Comfort pads to aid in minor saddle fitting needs. Front Inserts fill in behind the shoulder or lift a wither.

Arion PZ471M PerFeet 100 Silicone Heelcentral Heel Inserts Size Womens Medium $52.58 PerFeet 100 Silicone Heelcentral Heel Inserts for relief of centralized heel spurs. Sold per pair.. With an aging population steady increasing diabetic population and an increase in wealth and foot care awareness the need for preventative and supportive foot care products like PerFeet is rapidly increasing.. . These insoles are made from 100 silicone which means they hold their shape and reduce impact on the feet significantly. A central green spot on these heel cushions provides pressure relief on the heel and is specifically designed for centrally located heel spurs. The anatomically shaped insert ensures a perfect fit shock absorption and comfort. . . Great for heel spurs (centrally located) heel problems Achilles tendinitis and ankle arthrosis. Color may not be as shown

Arion PZ471L PerFeet 100 Silicone Heelcentral Heel Inserts Size Mens Large $52.58 PerFeet 100 Silicone Heelcentral Heel Inserts for relief of centralized heel spurs. Sold per pair.. With an aging population steady increasing diabetic population and an increase in wealth and foot care awareness the need for preventative and supportive foot care products like PerFeet is rapidly increasing.. . These insoles are made from 100 silicone which means they hold their shape and reduce impact on the feet significantly. A central green spot on these heel cushions provides pressure relief on the heel and is specifically designed for centrally located heel spurs. The anatomically shaped insert ensures a perfect fit shock absorption and comfort. . . Great for heel spurs (centrally located) heel problems Achilles tendinitis and ankle arthrosis. Color may not be as shown

Tags: heel lift inserts, heel lift inserts for shoes, heel lift inserts men's, heel lift inserts women, increase, lift, lifts,, shoe, shoes

This entry was posted on Monday, August 23rd, 2004 at 3:43 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.