If you're suffering from heel pain, you're not alone. More than 2 million people every year suffer from the debilitating effects of painful conditions like Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spur syndrome, and Achilles Tendinitis. Many sufferers compare the pain to what it feels like to have a sharp pebble poking your heel with every step. For others, the pain feels more excruciating. Over time and with proper care, many get better on their own without surgery or medical treatment. If you're suffering from foot pain, here are steps you can take to recover and experience relief. 

First-Line Therapies

For the early stages of foot pain, where your foot hasn't accumulated much scar tissue yet, you'll likely find relief with smart care. 

The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) suggests that rest is your best ally. Stay off your feet as much as possible so you avoid aggravating the injury and making it worse.

Some doctors suggest a heel insert to lift your heel off the ground and reduce impact. Generally, doctors suggest an insert of 1/2" or 3/8". Consult a podiatrist if you're not sure what size best supports your body type.

Stretches often provide relief, too. For example, place your feet flat on the ground. Lean forward against a wall, while elevating your heel off the ground. Gently stretch your Achilles tendon this way to strengthen it and relieve the pain.

Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen may provide the relief you're desperate for without taxing your body. 

Ice often helps reduce the swelling that causes sharp pain. Place ice against the back of your heel for best results. 

Restorative Therapies

If you've been battling foot pain for years and none of these seems to help, you may need surgery to overcome this debilitating challenge. Before doctors resort to cutting away tissue and losing support for the arch of your foot, though, restorative therapies offer a less invasive option that often gives relief. 

For example, some patients respond well to a low-intensity, non-invasive shock-wave therapy that increases blood flow to the area. This helps break up the scar tissue in the heel, helping the body to heal itself. 

If it hurts to be on your feet or fully participate in the daily activities you once did, give these remedies a try. Experience relief with a smart approach to manage your pain. If you've been battling heel pain that won't go away no matter what you try, talk to a podiatrist at a place like Camden County Foot & Ankle Center today and discover your options. Don't let one more excruciating day go by without experiencing the relief you deserve.