Heel fat pad syndrome is a condition that causes pain in the heel area due to the thinning or degeneration of the fat pad beneath the heel bone. This condition can be caused by injury, age, and continuous stress on the feet. If you experience heel pain, you need to address the issue seriously, as it can affect your daily life activities. Although physiotherapy and chiropractic care are options to help with manual recovery, a registered dietitian or naturopathic doctor will help make sure you are choosing a nutritious diet to as well, help you recovery. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the foods to avoid with heel fat pad syndrome pain.
High-fat food
High-fat foods like fried foods, red meat, and dairy products are not good for people dealing with heel pain. These foods can cause inflammation and lead to obesity, which can put extra stress on your feet. As a result, your heels may hurt even more. So, it’s better to avoid such foods and move toward a healthy diet that is rich in vital nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and fibers.
Foods high in sugar
Sugary foods like candies, cakes, and sweet beverages are not suitable for people with heel fat pad syndrome because of their high glycemic index. When you eat food with a high glycemic index, it can cause a sharp increase in your blood sugar levels, leading to inflammation and pain in the heel. So, it’s better to avoid sugary foods and switch to healthier alternatives like fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Processed food
Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt that can create an inflammatory environment in your body, leading to heel pain. Moreover, these foods also contain preservatives and artificial additives that are harmful to your body and can exacerbate the symptoms of heel fat pad syndrome. Therefore, try to avoid processed foods and switch to whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Foods high in purines
Foods high in purines like red meat, seafood, and alcohol can lead to gout, another condition that can cause severe pain in the joints of the foot. Additionally, some people with heel fat pad syndrome may develop gout due to the excessive accumulation of uric acid in their body. Therefore, it’s better to avoid foods high in purines and shift to a low-purine diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
Spicy food
Spicy foods like jalapenos, peppers, and hot sauces can lead to inflammation and pain in the heel area. Sometimes, these foods can also trigger acid reflux, which can lead to discomfort in the stomach and chest. Therefore, it’s better to avoid spicy foods and switch to milder alternatives like herbs and mild spices.
In conclusion, if you have heel fat pad syndrome, it’s essential to monitor your diet and stay away from foods that can trigger pain and inflammation in the heel area. This includes processed food, high-fat food, sugary food, spicy food, and foods high in purines. Instead, choose a healthy diet that is rich in vital nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and fibers. Always remember to support your feet with comfortable shoes and keep an active lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight. By following these guidelines, you can manage your heel fat pad syndrome pain and improve your overall quality of life.
If you have any questions or would like to explore naturopathic medicine further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Michael Torreiter, ND, CFMP, or another Waterloo Naturopathic Doctor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
