Heel pain can be caused by a number of different factors, including a condition known as plantar fasciitis. When the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis may develop. Athletes, especially runners, can be at a higher risk of developing this condition. Other factors that can affect its development are age, weight, and certain exercises. Pain is normally felt at the bottom of the heel and can increase if left untreated. Some patients have also described experiencing a sharp pain when first rising in the morning and right before bed. For a proper diagnosis, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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 Pennsylvania. 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 one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As the feet age, they begin to flatten and widen, and the fatty padding begins to wear away. Overall function of the feet can be affected by something as small as a blister, and more severe injuries can lead to a variety of health conditions. One of the first steps to maintain healthy feet is keeping the feet clean and moisturized. Clean feet are critical in preventing fungal infections, and moisturizing helps prevent the skin from cracking and forming wounds. Proper nail trimming helps to prevent ingrown toenails and keeps the nails from overgrowing and interfering while walking. Make sure to wear properly fitting shoes in order to keep foot ailments like blisters to a minimum. Lastly, when necessary, make sure to visit a podiatrist when needed. A podiatrist can address serious situations such as pain, poor circulation, infections and other foot ailments. 

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.