One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the middle foot bones. Pain and inflammation occurs when the plantar fascia is strained. Plantar fasciitis is a common running injury, but can also be caused by standing on hard surfaces for a long time, high arches or flat feet, and wearing shoes that don't or lack support.

If your heel hurts as soon as you get out of bed in the morning or you suffer from lots of pain at night, there are some things you can do for relief. First things first - rest. If you stay on your feet, this stress will make the pain and swelling worse. Put ice on your feet to reduce inflammation and pain.

When you have to walk around, wear shoes that have lots of support, cushioning and shock absorption. Shoes with great arch support can also help. You can even use shoe inserts to add some extra comfort and protection.

Compression socks and sleeves can also help ease the pain. These Sockwell compression socks and sleeves are some great options. Made from cashmerino wool, which is naturally antibacterial and thermo-regulating fabric. These soft, stretchy ankle socks provide 20-30 mmHg of compression at the arch of the foot to sooth and minimize pain, while increasing circulation to reduce swelling. These socks are also designed with a seamless toe to prevent irritation and fit comfortably into your normal shoes. These ankle socks provide a more subtle look for plantar fasciitis than a foot sleeve.

To help speed up the heeling process, try doing a couple of exercises each day to help stretch the plantar fascia and achilles tendon. These stretches are particularly good to do in the morning for flexibility and strength.

Once you've finally healed, be very careful to avoid plantar fasciitis in the future. Make sure you are always wearing comfortable, well padded shoes - especially when running or walking long distances. You should also stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon regularly, whether or not your are exercising. Also try to avoid walking or working out on hard surfaces as to not cause irritation.

First things first, comfortable shoes are a must. Forget the cute flats with the pointy toes and ditch the heels for shoes with arch support. Invest in shoes that provide shock absorption and stability to keep your ankles from rolling. Shoes with an open toe box help to alleviate pressure. You can also use shoe inserts for comfort and protection. If you have arthritis in your ankles, start wearing shoes that protect your heel and prevent you from rolling your foot inward.

A lot of the time, injury can be a factor in developing arthritis. When you sprain your ankle, the ligaments are stretched. Depending on how bad the strain is, the ligament fibers can be damaged or even completely torn. Ankle fractures may also contribute to arthritis. To prevent ankle pain and injury, take it easy instead of pushing yourself. If you are injured, make sure to rest, apply ice, keep the limb elevated and wear compression socks to reduce swelling. If you do not experience swelling, apply heat to relieve soreness.

Wear ankle braces or compression socks to reduce ankle swelling, joint stiffness and pain. If you have swollen, weak or injured ankles, try wearing an ankle brace or wrap. Choose from top of the line ankle braces and wraps by manufacturers like Therafirm, Juzo, Mediven, Solidea and more to find the best product for your condition. If your arthritis makes it hard for you to get your compression stockings on, consider trying the Sigvaris Select Comfort line. These socks are designed for easy donning, which is ideal for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. Sigvaris Select Comfort includes knee highs, thigh highs and pantyhose for men and women in 20-30mmHg and 30-40mmHg compression levels. You can also use the Jobst Stocking Donner to get your socks on without the hassle. This is ideal for those who have a hard time bending at the waist or have a hard time getting the sock on their foot. If you have arthritis in other areas of the body, here are some other awesome products for all types of arthritis. The Therall products are very popular because they use heat to provide soothing relief to painful areas.

Try to walk on flat, even ground instead of gravel or sand to avoid ankle pain or injuries. When you are sitting down, keep your feet flat or use a foot rest. Sitting with your feet pointed behind you or crossing them is bad for your ankles because it puts pressure on them, which can cause stiffness and discomfort. It is important to strengthen your ankles with exercises. Use a resistance band to strengthen your shin and foot muscles, which support your ankles for stability. You can also go for a swim to strengthen your ankle muscles without experiencing as much pain.