Does your heel hurt every time you walk or stand on it? When you play sports, do you have to continuously call time-outs because of heel pain? When you wake up in the morning, do you experience excruciating pain in your heel? If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may have a foot spur and need treatment. Foot heel pain treatments vary as to their effectiveness.

Causes of Foot Heel Pain

Many different things can lead to heel pain. The first step in foot heel pain treatment is to see your doctor or a podiatrist. Your doctor can determine why you are experiencing heel pain and work with you to determine which foot heel pain treatment plan is right for you.

· Plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs when the fascia (the band of tissues that connects your heel to your toes) becomes inflamed. This can happen from too much jumping or running, arthritis, or wearing poor-fitted shoes. Foot heel pain treatment for plantar fasciitis includes: specific exercises, rest, and/or heel inserts. If the pain is unbearable, your doctor may recommend medication to reduce the swelling.

· Stone Bruise. Something as simple as a stone or rock may be the cause of your heel pain. Sometimes when we step too hard on a solid object, we can bruise the pads of our heels. The foot heel pain treatment for a stone bruise is rest, walk on the ball of your foot, and ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. The pain will gradually go away.

· Tendonitis. Wear and tear can negatively affect the tendons in the foot, especially the Achilles tendon. When this happens, the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, and pain behind the heel occurs. The foot heel pain treatment for this condition includes stretching exercises, heel inserts, pain medication, (Advil or Tylenol) or wearing open-backed shoes.

· Heel Spur. Your doctor or podiatrist will be able to point out if you have a spur by an x-ray. Causes of your heel pain could include inadequate flexibility in your calf muscles, lack of arch support, being overweight, suddenly increasing physical activity, and spending too much time on your feet. Treatment can involve any of or all of the following remedies as in rest, ice application, stretching, taping the heel for support, and orthonics for you shoes.

Foot Heel Pain Treatment: According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), 72% of people who used stretching exercises to lesson heel pain, had the pain subside. Do not ignore heel pain. It could be an early sign of a variety of serious conditions. That is why early treatment of your heel pain is so valuable. And the good news is, most foot heel pain treatment plans are easy and can be conducted at home. Surgery is hardly ever necessary unless you let it get out of hand.

So, what are you waiting for? Don't let heel pain interrupt your life a minute more. Find the best foot heel pain treatment available by talking to your podiatrist and agreeing on a course of action.