Patients in my Houston podiatry practice frequently use heel cups, pads, or cushions before seeing me for the first time. Take a peek at the options on any pharmacy’s foot care aisle to see how popular they are! However, they frequently fail to alleviate the discomfort.
The inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament or the Achilles tendon where it joins to the heel bone is the most common cause of heel pain. The heel cup’s padding offers nothing to treat the inflammation or prevent the inflammation from healing on its own. When the pain is caused by a heel spur, heel cups are far more effective.
The best heel cups are constructed of gel, like the one shown. It adds cushioning beneath the heel to relieve strain on a heel spur. It is effective when the natural cushioning has deteriorated over time. Contact your Houston podiatrist if you are concerned that you’re not using the correct heel cup for your condition, or if your foot continues to pain when wearing heel cups.
