All you want to do is stand up and walk without heel pain! Most likely, heel pain is restricting activities that you would normally enjoy... golf, tennis or skiing. Every step you take should not come with pain!

The average healthy person takes a minimum of 3000 steps a day. Unfortunately, many people suffering with heel pain wear poorly designed and/or fitted shoes, in addition to walking incorrectly - with poor gait patterns and bad posture. This not only results in aches and pains in the heel, but pain may radiate to other parts of the body.

The heels bear tons of pressure just by standing and walking - so, it’s really no surprise that heel pain is a common complaint. Symptoms vary - pain may develop gradually or occur suddenly and be accompanied by redness, thickened skin or swelling.

Why are you suffering? There are numerous causes of heel pain. However, it is often associated with nerve, tendon and ligament problems of the foot. Common factors include:

• Excessive running/jumping or an overload of physical activity and exercise.

• Heel bursitis (inflamed rear heel) often caused by falls.

• An injury or bruising from stepping on something hard.

• High arch: The foot is rigid - not very flexible, causing too much shock to be absorbed.

• Flat feet: The body stays bent forward, moving the center of gravity in front of us, putting tension on the calf muscles, which in turn flattens the arches.

• Abnormal gait

• Wearing improper/poorly fitted shoes or high heels (places stress upon the metatarsal, which can lead to joint pain and nerve irritation).

• Weight gain or pregnancy may place stress upon the metatarsal, leading to joint pain and/or nerve irritation.

• Achilles tendonitis caused by repeated and sudden contraction of the calf muscles.

• Plantar Fasciitis: (Inflammation of the ligament running from the front of the heel bone through the bottom of the foot.) Repetitive motions - quick stops and starts during sports or long distance running, are often associated with plantar fasciitis.

• Inflammation or swelling due to a cold, fever or infection in the body.

• Arthritis

• Diet (low in vitamin C)

• Hormonal deficiencies

• Diabetes may contribute to heel pain in the elderly population.

• Age-related shrinkage of the heel fat pad.

• Inactivity or sedentary lifestyle.

Are you looking for heel pain relief? Fortunately, most heel problems can be treated without surgery. Early diagnosis and heel pain treatment can help prevent bigger heel problems. There are many heel pain treatment options, along with lifestyle changes to speed recovery. Some heel pain sufferers are able to overcome their pain with non-invasive therapy and return to work and their favorite activities. Traditional "at-home" remedies include stretching the calf, massaging, decreasing one's training, losing weight, purchasing better-fitting shoes (with a raised heel and arch support), icing the sore heel and taking over-the-counter medications - such as ibuprofen. However, these treatments all focus on relieving the symptom, they do not address the cause of the problem. Corrective care may be necessary, especially if pain continues or comes back. An effective, customized rehabilitation program can be created by our healthcare Team of Experts - Pain Management Physician, Physical Therapists and Chiropractors to correct the root cause of heel pain. Such care might include ultrasound therapy, joint manipulation, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, special taping, orthotics and nutritional support. If needed, Prescription Pain Medication Intervention, Trigger Point Injections, Joint Injections, Epidural Injections, Nerve Blocks, Facet Joint Blocks, Radio Frequency Nerve Ablation are offered by our Pain Management Specialist. Discover our innovative Heel Pain Treatment Program and find relief for your heel problems.

If you are not suffering with heel pain and interested in prevention, we suggest the following:

• Have a Structural and Muscular Evaluation.

• Orthotics: Custom-molded inserts to support and realign misaligned feet.

• Incorporate regular exercise - at least 30 minutes a day.

• Stretch and strengthen back muscles.

• Avoid sitting too long and not walking enough!

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Commit to a healthy diet and nutritional support.

Many people are searching for heel pain relief. Our treatment in New Jersey offers an integrated approach of Pain Management, Physical Therapy and/or Chiropractic - all under the direction of a Board Certified Medical Doctor.