Discover Effective Natural Solutions to Relieve Heel Pain
Most heel pain is caused by inflammation, which makes it tricky to treat because it’s hard to avoid walking or standing. When an inflamed area is continually under pressure, it not only hurts more but also takes longer to heal.
A key step in finding relief is figuring out if your heel pain is due to plantar fasciitis. This condition involves inflammation of the fascia, the tissue covering the heel. It’s important to note that heel pain can have other causes, which require different treatments.
**Plantar Fasciitis**
One sign of plantar fasciitis is if your heel hurts more when you first get out of bed in the morning. As you sleep, your foot relaxes and the tissue tightens. When you stand up, the tissue stretches out again, which can be very painful.
To help with this, using a heel splint at night can be effective. The splint keeps your foot in the correct position while you sleep, reducing pain when you get up. Heel splints are affordable, or you can simply sleep with your shoes on to achieve a similar effect.
**Wear Shoes All Day**
It’s crucial to wear shoes all day. Walking around barefoot can worsen heel pain. Choose shoes with good arch support to alleviate pressure on your heel. Often, lack of arch support can cause heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Properly designed shoes help maintain your foot’s natural arch, preventing excess pressure on the connective tissues.
Additionally, besides night splints and supportive footwear, there are natural remedies that can help reduce inflammation without side effects. Here are two notable ones:
**Bromelain for Pain**
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, helps your body repair damaged tissue. Your body uses enzymes to digest food and heal itself, but sometimes it doesn’t produce enough. As you age, your enzyme production decreases, contributing to aches and pains.
For best results, take Bromelain on an empty stomach, about 20 minutes before a meal. This ensures it enters your bloodstream and helps reduce inflammation and break down scar tissue. Look for supplements with 2,000 units per tablet for effective pain relief. Typically, one tablet a day can ease pain significantly.
**Glucosamine Sulfate**
Glucosamine sulfate is another natural remedy for heel pain and plantar fasciitis. It aids in the repair of connective tissue, which includes the joints. When these tissues are inflamed or worn down, glucosamine helps repair them faster.
The best form to take is glucosamine sulfate, often derived from shellfish. If you’re allergic to shellfish, opt for glucosamine HCL, though it’s less effective. Regularly reading labels will help you choose the right product. Continuous use of glucosamine over several months can result in significant improvement, though you might start feeling relief in just a few days.
**In Summary:**
1. Wear supportive shoes all day to protect your heels and maintain your arch.
2. Use Bromelain for natural pain relief.
3. Take glucosamine to help heal your joints and reduce inflammation.
