How should you deal with heel pain?

Wear heels: Avoidd weightbearing or walking without shoes with at least a 1" heel. Also use ice and elevation poeriodically to heel area. Podiatry visit for x rray study. Steroid injections, physical therapy, orthotics etc. If needed.

Get a diagnosis 1st!: There are a number of things that can cause pain in the heel. This is a very nonspecific symptom. I recommend that someone with sharp pain in the feet should be seen by orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon for a definitive diagnosis only should treatment be initiated.

RICE: Rest, ice, compression , elevation. Use supports in shoes & otc medication for pain and swelling.

Find the cause: Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as infection, tendonitis, arthritis, stress fracture, nerve irritation, retained foreign body, bone tumor, or a cyst. Have it evaluated by a professional and get the appropriate treatment.

Stretching: Night splints, orthotics, pt, medication all are effective. I suggest you see a podiatrist.

Combo treatment. : If you have plantar fasciitis, and hurt most with the first few steps in the morning, the more you can do together, the better: #1: supportive shoes. #2: firm inserts or orthotics. #3: oral antiinflammatories (check with your doctor). #4: stretching your foot and calf. #5: icing (10 min at a time). You may also need physical therapy or cortisone injections.

Depends on the cause: Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as, infection, tendonitis, arthritis, stress fracture, nerve irritation, retained foreign body, bone tumor, or a cyst. Have it evaluated by a professional and get the appropriate treatment.