Most things in life either need or deeply benefit from some type of support. Cathedrals have buttresses. Rock climbers use belay lines. Even individual people benefit from supportive families and friends who are there in difficult times. Your feet aren't much different, particularly when they are struggling with uncomfortable problems like heel pain. Sometimes adding support for your heels is what you need to alleviate your discomfort.

Heel pain has many different causes, and for that reason, there are many different treatments designed to address the underlying problems. One of the big culprits is overuse and stress affecting the back of the foot. Repetitive hard impacts and poor biomechanics can wear down and aggravate your heels, contributing to your pain.

This is where having a little extra support can help. Your feet may need some additional cushioning to help them absorb shock and pressure without causing pain. Poor or faulty biomechanics may need to be adjusted or controlled to prevent overuse or extra strain on the back of the foot.

Custom orthotics can provide this for your feet, giving your painful heels the support they need. Heel pads or cushions provide that extra padding and shock absorption. That way you're better able to handle pressure on your heels. Arch supports and other orthotics can help stabilize your midfoot. This can help control abnormal foot motion that might be directing too much strain to your heels. In any case, the little extra support alleviates the strain and provides you with the relief you need.

The key, of course, is to have your heel pain diagnosed and see if supplemented support is really what you need. The Foot Health Team at Dr. Peter F. Gregory, D.P.M. will examine your lower limbs and see what factors are contributing to your condition. Then we'll be able to help you determine if orthotics are the missing piece for a little extra support. Don't suffer with heel pain when the answer to it could be so simple. Contact our office in Livonia today for more information or an appointment. You can reach us through the website or by calling (734) 522-7676.