Benefits of Heel Cups
We abuse our feet on a daily basis, but do not attempt to do anything about it until we are in pain. It is important to rule out the source of pain and also determine the mechanism of injury. A person may begin to experience arch pain, the bottom of the heel, the back of the heel, or in the calf/Achilles tendon region. Because of the close proximity of the foot’s anatomical structures and their connections to one another, it may be difficult to pin point the culprit of pain.
Ice, rest, and anti inflammatory medications are going to be the recommended starting treatments. Physical therapy may be introduced, and you may get a recommendation for injections to relieve pain, or surgery to change the dynamics of the fascia or remove a heel spur. Aside from these methods, you can try some footwear products to help with the pain. Consider purchasing an insole or a heel cupto provide extra cushion and support. Alternately, you can purchase a heel cup to provide the necessary support and cushion. Heel cups need to be sturdy and be able to withstand the constant pressure that the body places on them. Often times a generic heel cup will break down quickly and thus fail to provide the cushion and protection. The heel cup also needs to provide some support and stability for the heel and foot. Heel cups made from laboratory tested materials (i.e. Sorbathane,et al) tend to have all the necessary elements for an ideal heel cup. The ultra heel cup provides heavy duty protection and cushion while being light and comfortable enough to be worn during athletic events. Any heel cup should have a dispersing mechanism in the middle of the heel since this is where most of the burden is carried. The ultra heel cup’s patented mechanism does an excellent job at creating this distribution.
Many people have found relief using heel cups, and doctors suggest heel cups for their patients. Products containing Sorbathane, such as the ultra heel cup, are accepted by the American Podiatrist Association. The heel cups can help people battling bursitis, Achilles tendonitis, fat pad atrophy, and plantar fasciitis. Let’s briefly examine these conditions to see how a heel cup may be beneficial.
Bursitis: Between bones and tendons exists a fluid filled sac that serves as a protective mechanism for the body. It is called a bursa sac and helps prevent excessive friction. The sac itself can become inflamed and irritated and thus be the source of pain. A bursa is present at the back of the heel between the calcaneous (heel bone) and the very bottom of the Achilles tendon. Another sac lies at the bottom of the foot under the heel. These are two (of many) bursa in the foot, and they are the two that may get relief from irritation by wearing a heel cup. The bursa gets inflamed and causes pain as the result of excess pressure and excess friction. A heel cup prevents these things from happening, or from continuing and so pain can is often relieved.
Fat pad atrophy: The soft part of the heel is made up of fat cells. This becomes apparent as one can easily push into the heel and feel the “squishy” sensation and the absorption capabilities. From overuse, or as a result of landing hard on the heel, the fats cells get disrupted from their normal alignment. They spread out and loose their cushioning abilities and thus the person feels pain in the heel. Often times fat pad atrophy is treated as plantar fasciitis or a heel bruise. Compressing the fat pad with tape or a heel cup provides relief since it re-positions the cells. A heel cup provides the cushioning that the fat pad can no longer provide.
Plantar Fasciitis: The plantar fasciia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the balls of the foot. It gives support to the foot and allows the foot to act like a spring in response to the downward pressure of a step. Constant strain on the fascia causes it to breakdown and cause pain. Often times, tightness in the calves can aggravate the plantar fasciia. Since a the plantar fasciia starts at the heel, the heel can be a sore spot and is often relieved with the extra cushion provided by a heel cup. An atrophied fat pad may also be a contributing factor to plantar fasciitis, and thus a heel cup may actually help eliminate fasciitis. In response to excess strain from fasciia and tendon connections, the calcaneous (heel bone) lays down extra bone. This excess bone is known as a heel spur and it can cause irritation to surrounding tissues. A heel cup provides extra cushion so there is less pain since the soft tissue may no longer rub on the heel spur. The heel spur may also be irritating the fasciia. It is apparent then that a heel cup should be greatly considered when treating plantar fasciitis and bone spurs.
Achilles tendonitis: The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It can be a source of pain as it is often overused and may constantly be strained. In response to stress, the tendon breakdowns or can become inflamed thus limiting range of motion and movement. Appropriate warm up, stretching, cool down, and progression of exercises helps prevent the tendonitis. In addition to the typical course of treatment, a heel cup may be beneficial for Achilles tendonitis because the heel cup slightly raises the foot. This elevated position forces the tendon into a relaxed position. The heel cup will also provide cushion and support so that the heel and foot do not get excess stress from activity. This stress is less likely to be the culprit for Achilles tendonitis, but it may further irritate an already inflamed tendon.
