Dr. Corey Fox
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Long Island Podiatrist serving Massapequa and all of Nassau County

Did you know that, over on the other side of the state, Buffalo has been running the oldest Turkey Trot in the country? In fact, 2019 will mark the 124th running of the event!

Some people might not see the appeal of running during a time when frigid temperatures and lake effect snow are likely in the forecast, but these are dedicated people. They’ll run in the cold, and they’ll gladly do it dressed as poultry!

You don’t have to run a Turkey Trot to feel the stresses of the holiday rush, though. With many places to be, long trips to the mall, and parties in uncomfortable dress shoes, you might feel the flares of heel pain more often than usual—or start experiencing them for the first time.

Don’t let heel pain drag down your holiday enjoyment. We have some advice for helping you feel more comfortable during this busy, colder season—and expert treatment as well!

people running in snow |  Long Island Heel Pain Podiatrist

What You May Be Fighting Against With Heel Pain

For some people, heel pain is already something you are familiar with. Certain factors might just be contributing to making that pain worse or more frequent during the holidays.

We should absolutely note, however: Whether you have already been experiencing heel pain or have just started developing it, you should really seek treatment if you are not already! While there may be some things you can do at home to improve comfort, the most effective treatment often comes only when we know exactly what is at the root of the problem.

When it comes to the holiday and winter, however, there are a few issues that might make heel pain harder to handle.

  • Fallen temperatures. Do you know how some people claim that changes in climate can make their aches flare up or become worse? This is not just some folk tale! It is not going to affect all people in a way that can be exactly measured, but studies have shown that changes in temperature, humidity, precipitation, and other weather elements can have an effect on pain.
  • An increase in weight. We’re sorry to bring it up, but it’s a pretty plain fact that the holidays can be a time of weight gain for many. Chalk it up to all those parties with alcohol and good food, plus those shorter days where you don’t want to move as much. We get it, but extra weight means extra force on the feet, which can compound causes of heel pain such as plantar fasciitis.
  • Shifting to different shoes and boots. When terrain becomes snowy, cold, and slushy, we tend to switch out our standard shoes for boots. These boots can often be heavier than other footwear, though, and we may not tend to keep them updated as often as we should. This can lead to cramped, stressful conditions for our feet.
  • The bustle. You know. Going from gathering to gathering, or spending long periods at stores or waiting outside a Black Friday sale. If these are your wheelhouse, you may start to feel it more in your heels.

So we have some reasons why heel pain may be a rougher or more frequent condition around this time of year. Some may apply to you, or even all.

And even if none apply to you, then… well, you still have heel pain, right? And you want to do something about it! The crux is in knowing the cause.

Long Island Heel Pain Podiatrist

Taking Action Against Holiday Heel Pain

There are so many different potential causes of heel pain—and so many reasons these causes can come up—that no one overarching remedy for heel pain exists.

What this means is that getting to the core of the condition is the best way of addressing it effectively. We have the expert know-how and the tools to prepare a treatment plan that meets your needs, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

If you do notice things get worse during the colder holiday season, you can certainly try taking some steps to lessen stress and find relief. What might you try?

Probably one of the best overall measures you can take is checking your winter footwear. If your boots are worn out, tight, have too high of a heel, or just don’t support your arch that well, you need something new. Finding something lightweight and supportive can help you significantly if you spend a lot of time out and about.

Other measures you can take may include a commitment to more movement, foot stretches, and massage during the day; especially if that day is largely spent standing or sitting in one spot. We can show you some ideal stretches for your situation, but even having a foot roller beneath your desk in the office can be a help.

However, if your heel pain continues to persist, it’s well worth coming to see us about it. We have had years of experience helping patients overcome heel pain problems, no matter how long they have lasted.

Don’t believe that nothing can be done to improve your heel pain, even if you have tried something in the past. Our treatment methods range from traditional conservative methods—such as ice and medication—to advanced technologies such as our K-Laser for relieving pain and accelerating healing of soft tissue injuries. We will get to the source of your pain and recommend the best courses of action for you.

The sooner you begin to directly address your heel pain, the faster and more effectively you can find results. Give yourself a new lease on comfort through the winter and give us a call!

Call our Massapequa office at (516) 541-9000 to schedule an appointment. Or, if you wish, you can fill out our online contact form and a member of our staff will reach out to you.

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