About 10% of the population have heel spurs. Although they are common, the bony growths can cause significant pain, preventing you from carrying on with your daily activities. If you experience the condition, you can seek help from medical experts like the Tamarac heel spurs specialists. There are also several things you can do to find some immediate relief, while waiting for your appointment. Here are some self-heal tips for dealing with heel spurs.

Put Your Foot into Rest

The moment you start experiencing pain in your heel, you should immediately rest your leg. This will help you avoid any activity contributing to your condition by putting unnecessary pressure on your heel. Therefore, stop any physical activity or exercises such as jumping, long-distance walking, or running, which could irritate your heels. Resting should relieve you as you plan for your appointment with your doctor.

Ice It

If you experience continuous inflammation and irritation on your feet, you can try icing it to get some relief. Use ice or a cold compressor to alleviate the swelling and pain. Remember not to use the ice directly to your skin to avoid complications. Wrap the ice with a dry cloth, apply it to the painful area for about fifteen minutes, and take a break. You can repeat it several times until you get reasonable relief. This could be helpful, especially if your heel was inflamed from walking or other physical activities.

Use Pain Killers

Depending on the severity of your pain, you can get some pain medications to get some relief. Although this might not help you eliminate the underlying cause of your condition, it will help you deal with the pain as you seek advanced treatment. You can use aspirin, acetaminophen, or try nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Additionally, you can combine pain medications with rest for better results.

Protect and Cushion Your Foot

Heel spurs may come due to your choice of footwear. Therefore, ensure you cushion your foot no matter the footwear. Ensure you use inserts when you wear your shoes or consult your doctor about more advanced orthotics to help you alleviate your symptoms. When engaging in sporting activities, you must tape your foot to minimize the pressure exerted on your heels.

Choose Shoes Carefully

If you are experiencing pain from heel spurs, some types of shoes can make it worse. If this is the case, change the shoes to more comfortable shoes to help alleviate your symptoms. Choose shoes with better heel and arch support. Understand that the type of shoes best for you vary depending on your unique needs, so you might want to consult your doctor about this.

Stretch

You can do some stretching exercises to help you get some relief. This will help you stretch your calf muscles. Stand while keeping your leg straight behind you and with your hands flat against a wall. Knee-bend your other leg in front and push your hips to the wall. Hold the position for several seconds and feel a strong pull in your calf muscles. Repeat several times while alternating the feet.

Massage

You can also get some pain relief from massaging the painful area. It will also help alleviate swelling and any discomfort. However, it would be better if an expert did the message.

Book a heel spur appointment at Advanced Foot, Ankle, and Wound Specialists, PA, today if you are experiencing pain in your heels. Remember to apply the tips mentioned above as you plan for your appointment. Your provider will recommend advanced treatments based on your unique needs.