Items filtered by date: September 2021
Should I See a Doctor for My Heel Pain?
Heel pain is one of the most common conditions podiatrists help treat, and it can have a variety of causes. Common causes of heel pain include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, a ruptured Achilles tendon, or a heel fracture. There are a few key signs that your heel pain may be serious and needs to be checked by a podiatrist. If the pain continually worsens, stops you from doing daily activities, has not improved after a couple of weeks, or causes a tingling sensation in the heel, there may be a more serious issue at play that should be checked by a podiatrist. If the pain is severe, hinders your ability to walk, or was accompanied by a popping sensation at the time of injury, these may be signs of an even more serious injury that should be treated immediately.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Types of Foot Bones Commonly Affected by Stress Fractures
Your feet are made up of 26 bones. While any of these bones can be fractured, there are three foot bones in which stress fractures are particularly common. The metatarsal bones account for between 17% and 35% of all foot stress fractures. These bones are located near the front part of your foot and connect the toes to the midfoot. Metatarsal fractures are especially common among runners and dancers. The calcaneus or heel bone is the site of 21% to 28% of stress fractures. The navicular bone, which is located on the top of the foot, is also a common site of stress fractures. Stress fractures can worsen without treatment, causing pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, and weakness that interferes with daily activities. If you suspect that you have broken a bone in your foot, please seek the care of a podiatrist.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle and Foot Centers of Missouri, P.C.. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
- Runners
- People affected with Osteoporosis
- Tennis or basketball players
- Gymnasts
- High impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in the Greater Kansas City area . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.