Natural Tips to Get Relief from Heel Pain

Heel pain is usually caused by sprains, injuries, pinched nerves, fractures, and wear and tear on the heel pad. Other possible causes are being overweight, accidentally pounding the foot on a hard surface, wearing poorly fitting shoes, and certain medical conditions.

Some of them are bursitis, Achilles tendinitis, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, gout, tarsal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and tendinitis. Although not a serious health threat, heel pain can be really painful and uncomfortable.

Heel pain refers to the pain felt behind the heel, on the bottom of the heel, or in the arch of the foot. It’s quite common and can significantly interfere with your daily activities. If you are one of the many with heel pain, you’ve probably noticed that it’s gradual and usually worst in the morning. To relieve the pain try some of the following home remedies or incorporate some of the mentioned lifestyle changes. However, if your heel pain is constantly increasing to the point of not being able to walk, consult a chiropodist or doctor.

Massage

Although massage is not a long-term solution for your heel problem, it’s still an effective way to reduce your pain quickly and naturally. It will relax the muscles, release the pressure, improve the blood circulation, and reduce the stiffness.

Massage your heel anytime you want, especially after exercising, before going for a run, and before bedtime. Use any oil for the massage, such as coconut, olive, mustard, or sesame oil.

Warm the oil a bit, and apply it on the aching heel. Massage by gently pressing the area with both thumbs, for several minutes. Then, massage your foot’s sole for ten minutes. Massage your heel few times a day, or until the pain reduces.

Stretching Exercises

Stretching exercises are excellent way to get relief from heel pain. What’s more, they will help strengthen your foot’s tendons and muscles, thus preventing further pain. The “standing wall stretch” is one of the best exercises for quick heel pain relief.

Be barefoot for this exercise. Stand in front of a wall, few feet away from it. Press into the wall using both hands. As you move one foot towards the wall, gently lean, feeling the stretch along the back of your heel and leg. Stay here for half a minute, and repeat with the opposite side. Repeat ten times on each side.

Turmeric

Another great remedy for natural treatment of heel pain. The active compound in turmeric – curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and painkiller. In 2009, the International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology published a study which focuses on the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric.

• Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a cup of milk and simmer for five minutes on low heat. Add a bit of honey, and drink two or three times a day to relieve your pain.
• As an alternative, you can take 400-600 mg of turmeric supplement daily, but first consult a doctor.

To rest your heels you should also reduce extended physical activities.

Rest your hells as much as you can when feeling pain.

Don’t go barefoot since this will only increase the stress and strain on your heels.

Try to lose some extra pounds if you’re overweight.

Always choose well-fitting shoes, and for that purpose use even shoe inserts or heel lifts if necessary.

Don’t forget to warm up with some stretches before exercising.

Rest when your muscles start aching during exercising or whenever you feel tired.

Rest when you feel tired or if your muscles ache while exercising.