Heel pain is one of the most common problems of the lower extremity. Almost 1 million patients visit a doctor for heel pain every year. Treatment for heel pain may include stretching, resting, icing, weight loss, anti-inflammatory medication, recommendations for shoes, and an orthotic. But when you step down from your bed first thing in the morning and feel excruciating pain in your heel, it feels like there is little you can do.
Morning Heel Pain
One of the most common reasons people experience heel pain in the morning is because of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue (called fascia) at the bottom of your foot that runs from your heel to your toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it causes pain in your heel. Inflammation and swelling can lead to tenderness throughout the underside of the foot. Usually, the pain is worse when you take your first steps in the morning or after you’ve been sitting for a long time. It tends to feel better with activity but worsens again after you spend a long time on your feet.
Taping the Foot
Taping of the foot to support the plantar fascia can be beneficial and cause significant pain relief. Watch our video video of Dr. Huff taping a patient’s foot for heel pain and plantar fasciitis. We recommend that you use good high-quality tape like the Hypafix tape seen in the video. Also, you can use an adhesive spray to make the tape stick to your skin. Make sure that you do not have an allergy to adhesive before you apply tape or adhesive spray to your skin. The taping can stay in place for up to 3-4 days.
Instructions:
In combination with other treatment options, taping can help patients overcome heel pain.
-Dr. James Willmore
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