Heel injuries often get better with a little rest and home care. When your heel pain doesn't improve or worsens, your Mountain Home, and Harrison, AR, podiatrist, Dr. Eric Arp of Arp Foot and Ankle, offers treatments that can get you back on your feet again.
 

How to Treat Your Heel Injury
 

Resting is one of those things that's harder than it sounds. Even though you know you should stay off your feet, you have so much to do. Unfortunately, if you don't take it easy for a few days, your injury may worsen. Until your heel starts to feel better, avoid exercising, take advantage of grocery store delivery services, and embrace being a temporary couch potato.
 

While you rest, keep your heel elevated on a pillow. Raising your heel can help decrease swelling and inflammation, as can applying ice packs. Be sure to follow the 20-20 rule when applying ice. Keep the ice pack on for no more than 20 minutes, then remove it for at least 20 minutes. After two or three days, your injury may feel better if you apply heat to your heel. Remember that ice can't be applied directly to the skin.
 

Over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, will help reduce pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen eases pain but won't help inflammation.
 

Cushioning your heel may make may standing or walking more comfortable. The foot care aisle of your local pharmacy or grocery store in the Harrison, or Mountain Home, areas may offer heel cups. The soft inserts are placed in the heel area of your shoes to reduce pressure on the heel.
 

When to Call the Podiatrist
 

Get in touch with your foot doctor if:
 

• You are in severe pain.
• Your pain is getting worse.
• You can't put any weight on your heel.
• Walking is difficult.
• Your heel looks misshapen.
• If it's been a week or two since your injury, and your heel isn't getting better.

Depending on the cause of your pain, your podiatrist can offer a variety of helpful treatments and devices, such as boots, walking casts, crutches, pain medication, corticosteroid injections, night splints, physical therapy, shockwave, ultrasound, or electrical nerve stimulation treatments.
 

Are you suffering from heel pain or another foot and ankle issue? Dr. Arp, your podiatrist in Mountain Home, and Harrison, AR, can help ease your pain. Schedule an appointment with the Harrison office by calling (870) 365-3668, or call (870) 425-7363 for the Mountain Home office.