TENS pad placement for heel pain
How a TENS machine can help you against heel pain
Heel pain is torturing, because every step hurts. The heel, or the heel bone, is connected with the achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. Mostly heel pain is felt in the area of soles, but it could also occur sidewise or at the back of the heel. Also the causes vary, from heel spur and plantar fasciitis to bursitis in the heel. To relieve heel pain you can use a TENS machine.
In stimulation current therapy, electrical impulses are transmitted to the skin with the help of the TENS machine via electrode pads. There are two effects of pain relief with TENS. With high frequency, the transmission of the pain to your brain can be blocked, so you won’t perceive the pain. With low frequency, a TENS machine stimulates your body externally to release endorphins[1] and as a result relieve your pain. TENS also increases blood flow[2].
If you have any further questions concerning TENS machines, feel free to contact us. Consultation by phone: +49 (0) 7152 - 353 911 - 0 or write to us: service@axion.shop.
Our TENS machine and electrode pad recommendation
The correct pad placement for heel pain
For the TENS application against heel pain, suitable and high-quality electrode pads are essential. We recommend you to use the combination of our special electrode pad against joint pain and our large 10x5 electrode pads. You can also use the electrode pads for different areas, like the knee or elbow.
Our stimulation current socks for an effective treatment
An alternative to our special electrode against joint pains in combination with the large 10x5 cm electrodes is our stimulation current socks in different sizes. The complex application of the feet can be more executed more efficiently and easier with these socks.
The optimal TENS machine for your application - Program recommendation for heel pain
For TENS EMS units from axion, we recommend the following programs for pain therapy.
TENS EMS Combo Machine STIM-PRO X9
The programs P02 and P10 are generally used here.
To the device: TENS EMS Combo Machine STIM-PRO X9
TENS Machine STIM-PRO T-400
The programs P02 and P10 are generally used here.
To the device: TENS Machine STIM-PRO T-400
TENS Machine STIM-PRO COMFORT
The program P02 is generally used here.
To the device: TENS Machine STIM-PRO COMFORT
Our bestseller TENS EMS combo machine STIM-PRO X9
Please note:
The current strength should be set so that it is felt as a pleasant tingling sensation. The duration of the application should be approx. 40 minutes in order to be able to achieve a lasting reduction in pain. It is also useful to change the programs every now and then.
What are the causes and symptoms of heel pain
The symptoms of heel pain are numerous. Mostly the pain is in the context of physical strain, for example when you walk or climb stairs, or with footsteps in general. Some patients complain about heel pain after getting up and reduce over the day and some patients complain about sporadic heel pain which increases over the day. But what are the causes of heel pain?
Because of the surrounding achilles tendon, plantar fascia and also a bursa (the bursa is located at the transition from the heel bone to the achilles tendon), the heel is injury-prone. The most common cause of heel pain is an incorrect loading of the feet in everyday life. A sedentary lifestyle, often due to work (e.g. sitting in front of a computer) is the new normal. And even if we do physical activity after work, we mostly wear the same shoes and walk on a level surface. Because of that the muscles, tendons and nerves of the heel were not trained, stretched and moved. A common cause is a heel spur, a bony growth which can not be seen from outward. A heel spur often leads to a plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tendon in the area of the soles. Problems with the achilles tendon or the bursa also often lead to heel pain.
Combination of TENS and heat therapy
You can enhance the effect of your TENS treatment against heel pain with heat therapy. Heat therapy promotes blood circulation and loosens the muscles. The use of heat is particularly suitable for muscular tension.
Moor heat pack: Due to the filling of natural moor, these heat pads can store the heat longer and release it more evenly than other heat pads, e.g. cherry pit pads.
Hot water bottle: The hot water bottle is a classic in heat therapy that stands out due to its easy application. You only have to fill in warm water. The hot water bottles are also available with a variety of different covers.
The benefits of TENS treatment
Our TENS machine and electrode pad recommendations
The TENS world of axion
We are happy to advise you
You still have questions about TENS machines and the different applications? Do not hesitate to contact us!
Studies and scientific sources
[1] Ortu, E., Pietropaoli, D., Mazzei, G., Cattaneo, R., Giannoni, M., & Monaco, A. (2015). TENS effects on salivary stress markers: A pilot study. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 114–118. https://doi.org/10.1177/0394632015572072
[2] Cramp, Gilsenan, Lowe & Walsh. (2000). The effect of high- and low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation upon cutaneous blood flow and skin temperature in healthy subjects. Clinical Physiology, 20(2), 150–157. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2281.2000.00240.x
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