Did you know an Adjust-A-Lift® heel lift may help relieve pain from Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis or heel spurs? Learn more about each condition, and ways you can reduce discomfort caused by these common foot conditions.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. Essentially, it’s inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia). Plantar fasciitis commonly causes sharp, stabbing pain that happens during your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain typically decreases, however, it might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting for a period of time.
First and foremost, you should always talk to your doctor to discuss treatment options if you think you have Plantar Fasciitis. Here are a few options to help treat the condition and relieve any discomfort in your heel:
- A physical therapist can show you exercises to help stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. This will also help strengthen lower leg muscles.
- Your physical therapist or doctor could also recommend that you wear a splint that stretches your calf and the arch of your foot while you sleep. This helps by holding the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position overnight to promote stretching.
- Off-the-shelf orthotics to help distribute pressure to your feet more evenly.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendinitis involves inflammation in the Achilles tendon. This is the largest tendon in your body; it connects your calf muscles to the heel bones in your feet. Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis can include pain/stiffness along your Achilles tendon. Pain often will occur in the morning or any time after a lot of physical activity or exercising. Swelling of the Achilles tendon can also occur.
If you think you have Achilles Tendonitis, talk to your doctor and try some of these options to help treat it and relieve the pain:
- Elevating your feet and legs to help reduce the strain.
- Applying ice for up to 20 minutes several times per day as needed to help reduce any inflammation.
- Special exercises or therapies to help strengthen calf muscles and reduce Achilles tendon strain.
- Shoe inserts or orthotics that help reduce the shock of heel impact and relieve the Achilles tendon pain.
- Heel cups or cushions that help raise your heel; this will shorten the tendon and take pressure off of it while reducing heel impact.
Heel Spurs
A heel spur is when a bone of the heel has a pointed outgrowth. Heel spurs can be located at the back of the heel or under the heel; beneath the arch of the foot. Heel spurs at the back of the heel are frequently associated with inflammation of the Achilles tendon (tendinitis) and cause tenderness and heel pain made worse while pushing off the ball of the foot.
Talk to your doctor about treatment options and try these options to help relieve any pain:
- Take anti-inflammatory medications, such as naproxen (Aleve®) and ibuprofen (Advil®), or, if your doctor recommends it, injections of cortisone can be helpful.
- Orthotic devices can be used to take pressure off plantar spurs and heel lifts can reduce stress on the Achilles tendon to help relieve painful bone spurs at the back of the heel.
Our Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lifts Can Help
As you can see by the above descriptions and treatment suggestions, our Adjust-A-Lift® heel lift may help relieve pain from Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis or heel spurs. It’s important to always speak with your doctor first before deciding on a treatment option. However, if using an heel lift, shoe insert or another orthotic device is recommended, try out the heel lifts and shoe inserts Warwick Enterprises has to offer.