If you have pain in your heel, when you get out of bed, you most likely have a heel spur.
This can be extremely painful, but the pain disappears after thirty minutes or so of walking.
If you sit down for a considerable time then stand again the pain returns.
Heel spurs, which are small spike like growths on the heel bone, may be the prime cause of your pain.
However this type of pain may also result from inflammation of the plantar tissue, which covers the bottom of your foot from toes to heel.
The plantar tissue stretches as you walk.
When the it loses flexibility or is injured you will have pain in your heel.
Relief from this problem is achieved by cushioning the heel from the constant pounding which it takes when you walk.
Here are some ways to relieve the pain and in some cases cure it.
(1.
) Wear comfortable shoes with a slightly raised (but not high) heel.
Flat or very high heels should not be worn.
(2.
) Choose shoes which are cushioned right across the sole or purchase cushioned sole inserts.
(3.
) Wear heel inserts shaped like a donut to take pressure off the sore area which is caused by impact when walking.
(4.
) To reduce swelling and pain take nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
(5.
) Stretch the plantar tissue before you get up in the morning.
Wiggle each foot round in a circular motion ten times.
First clockwise then anticlockwise.
Then grip your toes down like making a fist and stretch them upwards in the opposite motion as much as you can.
When you get on the floor press the toes down while lifting the heels up.
Do this ten times for each foot.
(6.
) The above methods will provide relief for many people.
If not you should see your physician and get orthotic shoe inserts and possibly steroid injections.
Taping your feet as shown by your doctor can also be of great help.
These methods will provide relief from heel pain for the majority of people and are much better than painful and frequently ineffective surgery.