A Bruised Heel May Be the Reason It Hurts to Walk

Are you ready for a family-friendly trip through Houston’s downtown historic district? Each year Discover Houston Tours puts on an event called The Ghost Walk that takes you through six urban legends and scary true tales of deceased Houstonians. This popular event is open to the public throughout the month of October and is a perfect way to learn about some history and get a few shivers down your spine at the same time!

A tour such as this that has you walking for a longer distance is going to require a great pair of shoes or you may be hobbling home when it is over. If you have ever come home at the end of the day with foot pain, particularly in the heel area, it may be due to an actual bruise that has developed. If you feel a sharp, localized pain when you press on your heel that decreases when you let go, it is most likely a bruised heel.

A bruised heel can occur from walking long distances in poor-fitting or non-cushioned shoes. It can also develop from repeated impact during sports activity or strength training. The bruise can vary in severity, with a more severe case often involving tiny breaks to the outermost layer of the heel bone. Depending on the nature of the injury, pain can last for several weeks and even months. You may experience swelling and inflammation and possible bruise-like colors on your heel.

Treatment usually involves the RICE method, which starts with rest and ice. Get off your foot when possible and ice it by rolling your foot over a frozen water bottle. Try massaging your calf muscle, wrapping your heel in a stretch bandage, and taking any anti-inflammatory medication that is prescribed. If these methods fail to provide relief, please contact Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists for diagnosis and treatment. There may be a more serious underlying problem that you are not aware of. Make an appointment today by calling our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886.