Heel pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury and the leading cause of heel pain. This is where the plantar fascia tissue on the bottom of the foot—which connects the heel bone with the toes—is overly stressed or torn, and becomes inflamed. Stress on the heel bone, caused by plantar fasciitis, can also trigger a reactionary response in the body where calcium deposits (heel spurs) build up on the heel bone over time. However, heel spurs are not always symptomatic. If a growing child experiences heel pain, they may have Sever’s disease, an inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel. Another type of heel pain can be caused by irritation and inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the back of the ankle where the heel connects with the Achilles tendon. This is known as bursitis. Heel pain can also be caused by a nerve leading to the heel that becomes compressed, bumps and bruises, and even systemic diseases like gout and arthritis. If you are experiencing any kind of heel pain, have your condition properly diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor 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 office located in Roselle, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Research has indicated that children may have a heightened sense of awareness of their surroundings when they frequently walk barefoot. They may be able to notice a sharp object on the ground quicker than if they were wearing shoes, for fear of stepping on it. Many parents are concerned about spreading germs if their child walks barefoot outside, but disease is more apt to spread by hands than feet. Shoes have been known to hold bacteria and moisture, which can lead to athlete’s foot. Additionally, it is said when our feet touch the earth, our bodies pick up negative electrons. This may be instrumental in offsetting the large amount of positive electrons that can come from electronic devices. There are pressure points in the feet which are connected to nerve endings. When children do not wear shoes while walking on dirt and playing outside, the entire nervous system can be stimulated. The muscles in the feet typically become stronger when shoes are not worn as the toes grip the earth. If you have questions or concerns about the benefits of your child walking outside without shoes, please confer with a podiatrist.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Yeon A. Shim of Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Make sure their shoes fit properly
Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Roselle, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A small percentage of people who have plantar fasciitis experience little or no positive response to ordinary treatment. An option to consider may be to have Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) performed. This can be a successful treatment for this type of foot condition. Shockwave therapy is administered by targeting shock waves into the damaged tissue surrounding the plantar fascia. This procedure generally takes about 20 minutes and anesthesia is typically not needed if the treatment is low impact. Conversely, with high-intensity treatment, general anesthesia may be needed as a result of the pain that may be felt. Patients have experienced little or no downtime after the session, however, several treatments may be needed for permanent relief. Possible side effects may include swelling, redness, and slight bruising at the treatment site. If you suffer from heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if shockwave therapy is right for you.
Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Dr. Yeon A. Shim from Roselle Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.
Who Benefits from Shockwave?
Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.
Fast and Easy
The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.
Treatment & Recovery Time
Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Roselle, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
