Heel pain is often caused by plantar fasciitis, which is irritation of the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot. Another frequent cause of heel pain is Achilles tendonitis, inflammation of the tendon at the back of the heel. Stress fractures from repeated impact, and arthritis, which involves joint wear and stiffness, may also be factors. Nerve irritation, poor circulation, and long periods of standing sometimes play a role. Symptoms include sharp pain with the first steps in the morning and soreness after activity. Swelling or tenderness when pressure is applied to the heel may also occur. Some people notice a dull ache that worsens over time. A podiatrist can evaluate the foot and review symptoms. Imaging may be used to determine the cause. Treatment plans include orthotics, bracing, and guidance to reduce strain and improve foot function. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist 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 our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children. It is related to irritation of the growth plate in this area. It most often affects active children during growth spurts when bones, muscles, and tendons are developing at different rates. Risk factors include participation in sports, tight calf muscles, and repetitive stress on the heel. Symptoms include heel pain during activity, tenderness, and limping. Discomfort often improves with rest, but can return with movement. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, and recommend stretching, supportive footwear, and other treatments to reduce strain and promote healing. Early care can improve comfort and prevent ongoing issues. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail problems can develop for several reasons, including infection, improper nail growth, or injury to the nail unit. Common issues include fungal infection, ingrown toenails where the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, and trauma from repeated pressure or direct injury. The toenail helps protect the tip of the toe and supports balance, but damage or infection can change its appearance and function. Nails may become thick, discolored, painful, or misshapen, and the surrounding skin may appear red, swollen, or tender. In some cases, drainage or lifting of the nail can occur. A podiatrist can evaluate the nail through an examination and determine the underlying cause. Treatment may include antifungal medications, proper nail care techniques, minor procedures for ingrown nails, and guidance on footwear to prevent further injury. If you are experiencing a toenail problem, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnose and appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Michael Bess, DPM of Florida. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain is a general term describing discomfort in any part of the foot that can affect daily movement and quality of life. Common causes are ingrown toenails, plantar warts, and gout. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into surrounding skin and cause inflammation. Plantar warts are viral growths usually found on the sole of the foot. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup. Peripheral neuropathy, which involves nerve damage that affects sensation, is another common cause of foot pain. Risk factors include improper footwear, poor hygiene, chronic conditions, and repetitive stress. In addition to pain, symptoms include swelling, redness, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, provide targeted treatment, and prevent complications. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Michael Bess, DPM from Florida. Our podiatrist 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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in West Palm Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.