In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about heel pain running and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
Heel pain running
Running is an excellent way to stay fit, but sometimes it can cause heel pain. The heel pain caused by running is often due to plantar fasciitis, structural problems, or impaired movement patterns.
If prompt action is not taken, the heel pain can worsen and cause more problems in the long run. So, it’s essential to treat the underlying cause and take care of the injury. Please keep reading to find out how to avoid the development of heel pain and what to do when it develops.
Common causes of heel pain after running
Many things can aggravate heel pain after running, but it can be initiated by just simple things such as overuse or a lack of ankle mobility. Numerous factors can cause pain, muscle imbalances, and other problems. In some cases, you are more likely to experience these issues if you are obese or have underlying injuries that make running extremely difficult.
Individuals are more likely to develop heel pain after running if their foot structures put too much strain on the plantar fascia. It is a thick ligament present along the bottom of the foot. A condition that is often referred to as “plantar fasciitis’ develops when the plantar fascia is hurt, swollen, and torn (1). Symptoms include a sharp stab or deep ache in the heel or along the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis can be sore for a very long time since the healing response is proportionate to blood flow. People who have fallen arches (flat feet) or very high arches are more likely to have heel pain too.
Other causes include conditions such as:
- Achilles tendonitis: Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone, called the calcaneus.
- Stress fractures
- Nerve irritation
- Retrocalcaneal bursitis
- Arthritis
- Excessive pronation
How to treat heel pain after running
To prevent your heel pain from getting worse over time, you need to treat your injury as soon as possible. Pain, tension, and inflammation may be alleviated using the following methods:
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat heel pain.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to repair the damage and help heel pain.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of heel pain, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
General Advice
During flare-ups, give yourself a break and rest your feet. Don’t run or perform any other activity that might hurt for some time. Avoid doing so until your symptoms resolve.
Perform mild foot/calf stretching and strengthening exercises two to three times daily for at least five minutes per session to reduce discomfort and promote joint flexibility (2).
1. Minimize inflammation NSAIDs & Ice
Use an ice pack on your heel and the surrounding region for 20 minutes a few times a day to minimize pain and inflammation. Consider NSAIDs like naproxen, aspirin and ibuprofen.
Also consider natural pain relievers, such as:
• Fish Oil Supplements
• Turmeric
• Cloves
Acupuncture and self-massage may also help relieve pain in plantar fasciitis and other running injuries.
2. Use heel pads or orthotic inserts
Add heel lifts, wedges, or padding to the heels to make your shoes more comfortable. Whether purchased over-the-counter or made to order, an orthotic device may help with stability and muscular imbalances.
Additionally, it might prevent your foot from moving excessively or in an inappropriate manner. Don’t go barefoot. This might put a lot of pressure on your feet and aggravate plantar fasciitis(3).
3. Use a night splint or a removable walking cast for your heel pain after running
For a few weeks, you may wear a detachable walking cast to support your foot and ankle if you need to keep off your feet.
There are night splints available that can be used whiile you’re fast asleep, they’ll keep your foot in the proper alignment with the rest of your body.
Heel pain is usually treatable at home and with preventative measures and therapies.
A visit to your doctor or a physical therapist may be necessary if your symptoms of plantar fasciitis do not subside after several weeks. They can determine the root of the problem and formulate an appropriate course of action. Treatments for heel pain and inflammation include corticosteroid injections.
Even though feet and ankles surgery is uncommon, you may be advised to get one depending on your case. To finalize the appropriate treatment for your heel pain, the doctor will recommend imaging tests such as X-rays or other imaging modalities.
If you experience significant heel pain, which makes it difficult to walk, or is accompanied by redness and swelling, you should see your doctor immediately (4).
How to prevent heel pain after running
Even if you’re treating your heel pain, it is imperative to keep taking preventative steps since the underlying reason for your heel pain may persist. This helps prevent the recurrence or aggravation of your symptoms.
1. Change footstrike patterns
To check whether it helps with your heel discomfort, try using your mid- or forefoot as a point of contact instead of your heel. However, this may not be suitable for everyone. Other possible causes of foot pain include excessive pressure on the insides or outsides of your feet.
Make sure to keep in mind that altering your stride pattern may place more pressure on your knee or other areas of your foot, so be careful.
2. Run on a variety of surfaces to prevent heel pain after running
The best way to integrate hills into your training is to run on grass and dirt trails or a synthetic track. Don’t run on concrete or tile floors, which are complex and flat.
Find a pair of shoes that can absorb the shock waves when running on a hard surface (5).
3. Before and after a workout, be sure you stretch
Stretch your feet, ankles, and calves at least twice a day, as well as before and after each run. Golf ball rolls are an easy way to loosen up your muscles. Physical therapy is also a very good treatment option for treating heal pain.
4. Maintain a healthy body mass index
Being obese can subject your lower body, particularly your knees, ankles, and heels, to excess stress when jogging.
When you lose weight, you’ll feel more confident and able to move about more easily. In addition, your body will be able to achieve a more balanced stance, which aids in the maintenance of good movement patterns.
5. Invest in a new pair of running shoes
Get a pair of shoes that support your feet and are designed specifically for jogging.
Look for shoes with solid arch support and a raised heel to reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Taping or strapping your foot is another option. It can not only provide support for the arches but can also protect against shin splints.
Get advice from your podiatrist or physical therapist when in doubt (6).
The Bottom-line
After each run, pay attention to how your body responds to the exertion and alter your training appropriately. Focus on your running habits. Don’t be afraid to make the appropriate adjustments if you’re experiencing heel discomfort.
An experienced trainer or friend can help you identify any abnormalities in your technique that may be causing heel discomfort. To observe any strange motions, record a video of your jogging.
You should address heel pain immediately if you notice any discomfort. While your symptoms are subsiding, take a vacation from running. If you cannot relieve your heel pain on your own, make an appointment with your doctor to get a custom treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a runner’s heal?
Intense pain in the heel after running or some other hard physical activity is referred to as runner’s heel (also called plantar fasciitis). The runner’s heel is accompanied by a bad pain around the heel and mischievous in the foot that is usually observed in the morning after running.
How can I get rid of plantar fasciitis fast?
For immediate relief from plantar fasciitis, you have to:
- Use toe separators
- Massage your feet
- Use orthotics during the day and sock splints at night
- Stretch your feet
- Strength your feet with a washcloth
- Try dry cupping
- Apply ice packs
What are the stages of plantar fasciitis?
Initially, patients may notice moderate pain in the bottom of the heel. This is the initial stage of plantar fasciitis. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are more acute when the condition is fully developed. The last stage is intense and severe plantar fasciitis.
What are the 3 causes of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is accompanied by foot structure, types of shoes, overuse, and types of walking surfaces. Furthermore, heel pain is the major symptom of plantar fasciitis.
Is it ok to run with heel pain?
It is not beneficial to run with heel pain. If you can’t feel relaxed from the pain, you need to take a few weeks off. Moreover, while rehabilitating the injury, some running will result in better long-term outcomes.
How do you heal a runner’s heel?
Some quick ways to heal a runner’s heel are:
- Use of anti-inflammatories
- Mild Walk then gradually increases the distance over the next few weeks
- Use of new and comfortable shoes
- For about 10 to 15 minutes, apply ice packs
- Stretch your feet
Studies –
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25942013/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0958259201906984