Every day millions of people suffer from heel pain. This is one of the most common complaints that patients come to my office with. They will complain of a sharp pain to the bottom of their heel when they stand up from a seated position. This sharp heel pain may tend to get slightly better as the day goes on, or it may linger on throughout the day.
This initial, sharp, knife-like pain is due to a tight fibrous band of soft tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from heel to toes (known as the plantar fascia) taking the full force of body weight without any support underneath. This band of tissue then tugs on the heel causing a painful inflammatory reaction/symptom. Placing an orthotic or arch support in the bottom of the foot will help prevent this painful tugging of the plantar fascia on the heel.
There are several other additional measures that should be considered along with the use of an orthotic, or shoe insert, such as: ice, rest, type of shoes, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. If the pain is severe enough, and conservative attempts have failed, then the next option would be an injection.
Nevertheless, results will vary from patient to patient, and it is best to visit your nearest foot and ankle specialist for an appropriate evaluation. Visit your nearest podiatrist or orthopaedic foot doctor.
Below, I have listed a very good orthotic insert for patients that have a fairly neutral arch height.
Orthotics may be beneficial for heel pain, ankle pain, arch pain, knee pain, and lower back pain.
