Most people do not really pay attention to their heels even if they are hurting. Many just shrug off the pain, thinking that it's just temporary and is just caused by walking long miles or by standing up in line for hours. Although feeling a little discomfort in your heels can be quite common especially if you had a long day or after a strenuous activity, persistent or acute heel pains should not be overlooked. There are some serious conditions or diseases that may be causing your heel woes.

To know more about the common types of heel pains, read on and learn.

Plantar Fasciitis

Heel and arch pain is common in people who are suffering from plantar fasciitis, or an inflammation or irritation of the plantar fascia, the tissue on the base of your foot that joins your heels to your toes. Usually, people with this problem feel a burning and stabbing sensation in their feet or heels, particularly in the morning, because the tissue concerned contracts or tightens during the night. Pain is also imminent after a strenuous activity, such as jogging or a tennis match.

Plantar Fasciitis is not really a serious problem particularly if you just encounter it every once in a while. However, for people who have circulation problems or diabetes, it is advised that you seek medical attention for recurring heel pains.

Stretching, applying ice on the problem area, or putting your feet up for a few minutes are some of the ways to help ease pain caused by this condition. It is also wise to find shoes that give your arch some support.

Heel Spur

Often confused with plantar fasciitis, heel spur is actually an entirely different condition. Basically, a heel spur is just a bony growth on the heel. Almost 70% of patients diagnosed with heel spur also suffer from plantar fasciitis. In fact, experts believe that inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia tissue is a major cause of the development of heel spur.

Basically, the treatment for heel spur is quite similar to plantar fasciitis: resting, stretching, applying ice packs, and using shoe inserts.

Gout

More common in men than in women, gout is an extremely painful condition that is characterized by unusually high levels of uric acid in the body and recurring joint aches. In case of gout, crystallized uric acids form in joints, such as the heels, and cause tremendous pain. You can usually get rid of this problem, albeit slowly, by eating a diet that is low in uric acid, minimizing alcohol intake, losing weight and drinking plenty of water.

Arthritis

Basically, arthritis is a joint problem characterized by inflammation. Gout, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis are just some of the common types of this condition. Since the heels are considered as joints, it is not surprising that you can also suffer from arthritis in that area. Aside from pain, other symptoms of arthritis include swelling, stiffening of the joints, and feeling warm temperature on the area.

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to arthritis. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining your normal weight, and drinking plenty of water are all helpful in minimizing your risk of developing this problem. However, if you already have one, the best think to do is take natural supplements that contain glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, which are known to help alleviate stiffness of the joints and ease pain.

Also, you need Methylsulfonylmethane (more commonly known as MSM) for preventing further wear and tear of muscles and joints, Omega 3 to lubricate the joints, and trypsin, bromelain and rutin to ease pain and improve joint function. One product that contains the above ingredients and much more is Flexcerin.