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Various Causes of Heel Pain

Tuesday, 06 August 2024

There are many types of disorders that cause pain in the heel. The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Other common sources of heel pain include a calcaneal, or heel bone, fracture, and heel pad syndrome, which is a wearing down of the cushion on the bottom of the heel. Other causes of heel pain are nerve entrapment, including tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also cause tingling, numbness or burning, and neuromas, or nerve swelling. Achilles tendinopathy, or damage to the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone, may result in heel pain. Growing active children may be prone to Sever’s disease, which is irritation in the growth plate of the heel. A podiatrist will typically begin an evaluation by asking where the pain is located, along with some family medical history questions followed by a physical examination. This foot doctor may use various diagnostic tools to determine the underlying cause of your heel pain and how best to treat it. If you have heel pain, it’s suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Milos Tomich, DPM of Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, WI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Causes and Symptoms of an Infected Foot

Tuesday, 30 July 2024

An infected foot can result from various causes, each presenting specific symptoms. Blisters, often caused by friction or wearing poorly fitting shoes, can become infected if they rupture and bacteria enter. Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, thrive in warm, moist environments and can cause itching, redness, and scaling. Diabetes is another significant factor, as it can impair circulation and immune response, leading to increased susceptibility to infections, often marked by slow-healing sores and numbness. Post-surgical foot infections may arise from bacteria entering the surgical site, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Common symptoms of foot infections include increased warmth, swelling, redness, and pus or drainage. If you have an area on your foot that has become infected, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment remedies.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Milos Tomich, DPM from Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
Flat Feet
Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

How Flip-Flops Affect the Feet

Tuesday, 23 July 2024

Flip-flops are a popular choice for summer footwear, but they can significantly impact foot biomechanics compared to walking barefoot. Studies comparing traditional flip-flops with more structured versions have highlighted differences in ankle movement and ground reaction forces. Traditional flip-flops often increase dorsiflexion, or the upward bending of the foot at the ankle as you walk. This happens because the toes grip to keep the shoe on. More structured flip-flops reduce ankle eversion, which is the outward rolling of the foot when you stand. This design offers better support and may lower the risk of overuse injuries by minimizing excessive ankle movement and reducing impact at the heel when your foot lands. Even so, the inherent design of flip-flops, which often requires gripping with the toes, can lead to discomfort and long-term foot issues. This gripping action can strain the muscles and tendons, leading to plantar fasciitis or tendonitis, among other problems. While flip-flops provide short-term convenience, they may not be ideal for prolonged use or activities that require a lot of walking. To ensure your footwear supports your foot health effectively or to address foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Milos Tomich, DPM from Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

They Slow You Down
May Cause Blisters and Calluses
Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Sunday, 21 July 2024

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

A Surgical Procedure for Plantar Fasciitis

Tuesday, 16 July 2024

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, or EPF, is a surgical procedure used to treat plantar fasciitis. This painful foot condition is caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. During an EPF procedure, a small incision is made in the foot, and a thin, tube-like instrument called an endoscope is inserted to visualize the plantar fascia. Using specialized instruments, the podiatrist then cuts or releases the tight or damaged portion of the plantar fascia, relieving tension and reducing pain. Unlike traditional open surgery, EPF is minimally invasive and typically results in less postoperative pain, faster recovery times, and smaller scars. This procedure is often recommended for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments, such as rest, orthotic devices, or steroid injections. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine if this type of surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Milos Tomich, DPM of Dr. Tomich Foot & Ankle Health Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

Bunionectomy for painful bunions
Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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