Items filtered by date: September 2020

The heel is the fatty pad that surrounds and cushions the heel bone in the back of the foot. Anyone can experience pain in their heel, but those who are physically active, middle aged, obese, or pregnant are said to be at a higher risk of suffering from heel pain. One common source of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel to the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. Some other causes of heel pain can be from ill fitting shoes, obesity, walking or standing on hard surfaces for extended periods of time, or even an abnormal walking gait. Other sources of pain include injuries such as stress fractures, bursitis, or heel spurs. If you are experiencing any type of pain in your heel, it is important to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that is correct for you. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Parkwood Podiatry. 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 Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are a variety of biomechanical issues in the feet that can lead to potential injury. Some of these issues include fallen arches, over-pronation, or supination. Pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward at the ankle, the midfoot bulges and the arch flattens. Supination occurs when the foot rolls out at the ankle and the arch is raised, which leads to issues absorbing shock. When poor foot biomechanics can cause specific foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or a Morton’s neuroma, pain in the ankles, heels, and arches is a common result. Poor foot biomechanics can also lead to issues in other parts of the body that include knee pain, hip pain, shin splints and lower back pain. If you are concerned about your foot biomechanics, consult with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The tarsal navicular bone is one of the many small bones in the foot that sits on the inside of the foot and helps support the arch of the foot. Due to the bone’s location, activities such as running or jumping can create risk for an injury to the bone, such as a stress fracture known as a navicular stress fracture. Usually stress fractures are a result of repetitive forces to the foot, and they become an overuse injury. Common risks for sustaining this particular stress fracture include an increase in sports training, low bone density, change of running shoes or training surface, poor nutrition, or an abnormal foot structure. If you believe that you are suffering a navicular stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. 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 Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Because of the natural weight gain and growth of the abdomen, women who are pregnant will experience a change in the forces that are exerted on the feet. Two common foot issues that are experienced during pregnancy are flat feet and swollen feet. Flattening of the arches of the feet can create stress on the soft tissues in the feet, such as the plantar fascia. Swelling of the feet occurs because of extra fluid in the body that has become displaced, causing circulation to slow down. Thankfully, these issues can be easily managed. However, if you are pregnant and experiencing these issues, it is important to consult with a podiatrist to treat and prevent further discomfort.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Parkwood Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Brunswick and Hinesville, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.