Common Treatment Options for Heel Pain & Heel Injuries
Everyone has heard of back pain and its treatment options. Dealing with heel pain is similar, but the problem could worsen if you constantly walk on the injured foot. Here are several forms of treatment for heel injuries and the associated symptoms.

Heat/Ice Therapy

Pain is the biggest symptom of an injured muscle or nerve. Ice or heat therapy is one of the fastest and easiest heel pain treatment options. Ice relieves burning sensations and reduces inflammation, while heat reduces pain and stiffness. Either method works for pain relief and should be used regularly.

Natural Remedies

People take natural remedies to avoid visiting the doctor and taking prescribed medication. For pain relief, massaging works to relieve sore muscles. Some people combine the use of heated water therapy, and others use essential oils to increase stimulation in the muscles.

Certain herbs are prescribed for pain relief. Herbs like ginseng and St. John’s Wort are recommended for pain and arthritis, and cloves are used to relieve headaches and inflammation. However, the medical research on their effectiveness is inconclusive.

Pain Medication

When ice or heat packs don’t work, the next step is to consult a doctor. There are certain pain medications, like codeine or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), that work on reducing pain without removing its source. It could take weeks or months for the injury to heal, but in the meantime, the pain is removed.

Physical Therapy

When there’s an injury, move the muscle around to reduce stiffness and circulate more blood. Stimulation is an important part of physical therapy that involves performing basic exercises. Regardless of what the injury is, physical therapists always recommend movement. They work closely with each patient, developing individual treatment plans and assisting in the sessions.

Rest

Physical therapy is recommended, but only under a professional’s supervision. Straining the muscle too much will cause additional injury. In most cases, waiting is the best treatment for heel injuries. Changing your schedule is temporary but necessary to promote healing in your body.

There are a few methods that are the most effective at treating heel injuries. Ice, heat and physical therapy are included in a handful of heel pain treatment options. However, the best treatment is to consult a doctor, especially if the pain is severe, because only a medical professional knows what to do. Contact a specialist at the Advanced Foot and Ankle Center to schedule an appointment.