Heel Pain and Marching Through Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is approaching quickly, and for everyone in the New Orleans area, you know what that means: parades, parties, good food, and plenty of extra people. The parades have already started—this year’s events began February 15. If you’re planning to tromp along with the music and floats, or stand somewhere watching, you don’t want heel pain to step in and ruin your day.

Sore heels can put a damper on your festival celebrations. The most common cause, plantar fasciitis, is the uncomfortable inflammation of the tendon running along the sole of your foot. Spending an extended period of time standing or walking strains the tissue and can make it feel worse. The more intense the pain in your heel becomes, the more likely you will have to spend Mardi Gras with your feet up, instead of out and enjoying time with friends.

Instead of trying to power through the discomfort, you need to allow your heels time to recover. Ignoring the problem lets it get worse. Rest from some activities, so you’re not putting stress on your lower limbs. Ice your soles regularly to try and relieve some of the irritation and swelling. Perform some basic foot and calf stretches to relax the tissues. Also, take a good look at your shoes. Your footwear greatly influences your basic foot comfort and function. Stylish shoes that hurt your feet will take you away from the parades and parties early and aren’t worth the discomfort. Make sure the footwear you’re spending the most time in is properly supportive and cushioned, or at least has orthotics to help.

This year for Mardi Gras, whether you plan to watch parades or participate in them, don’t let heel pain keep you from enjoying time to celebrate with friends and family. Contact Gulf South Foot & Ankle, LLC in Metairie for an appointment or more information to take care of your discomfort today. Call (504) 708-4810 or visit our website contact page to reach us.