accessibility - DefaultNovember 2024
Tuesday, 19 November 2024 00:00
Heel Pain
Have you ever gotten up from a chair or out of bed in the morning, and upon taking that first step, feel like your heel has stepped on a tack? Many people experience a feeling of sharp pain which radiates into their arch from their heel and which does not allow them to put their heel on the floor. Sometimes they need to sit back down, stand only on their toes and use the wall for balance. If you can take a few steps, it seems to go away and lessen, allowing you to then resume your activity. Later, throughout your day and after a period of rest, it can happen again. If this sounds familiar you may be suffering from your first attack of heel pain.
Heel pain is a debilitating condition that affects day to day activities. Running and walking both causes stress on the heel because the heel is the part of the foot that hits the ground first. This means that the heel is taking on your entire weight. Diagnosis and treatments for heel pain can be easily found through your podiatrist.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the main causes of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot, from the toe to the bottom of the heel. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of these tissues, resulting in heel pain. People who do not wear proper fitting shoes are often at risk of developing problems such as plantar fasciitis. Unnecessary stress from ill-fitting shoes, weight change, excessive running, and wearing non-supportive shoes on hard surfaces are all causes of plantar fasciitis.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Similar to plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause heel pain due to stress fractures and muscle tearing. A lack of flexibility of the ankle and heel is an indicator of Achilles tendonitis. If left untreated, this condition can lead to plantar fasciitis and cause even more pain on your heel.
Heel Spur
A third cause of heel pain is a heel spur. A heel spur occurs when the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, leading to a separation of the ligament from the heel bone entirely. This results in a pointed fragment of bone on the ball of the foot, known as a heel spur.
Tuesday, 19 November 2024 00:00
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain often results from various mechanical causes. The location of the heel pain can help determine its source, with plantar fasciitis being one of the most frequent causes. This condition leads to pain on the bottom of the heel, often felt during the first steps in the morning, or after prolonged rest. Other causes of plantar heel pain include stress fractures, often becoming worse with increased activity, and nerve entrapment, which brings sensations like tingling or burning. Conditions like heel pad syndrome can lead to deep, bruise-like pain in the middle of the heel. Posterior heel pain might be related to Achilles tendinopathy or a Haglund deformity, which causes inflammation around the Achilles tendon. Sever’s disease is common among children, as a result of an inflamed growth plate at the back of the heel. A podiatrist can perform a thorough assessment, including physical exams and imaging if needed, to identify the cause and develop a treatment plan. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein of Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. 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 one of our offices located in Chicago, Highland Park, and Uptown, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 12 November 2024 00:00
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures are small breaks in the bone that are caused by repetitive stress. They typically occur due to overuse, forcing the bones of the foot or ankle to continually absorb the full impact of each step taken. Stress fractures can also be caused by abnormal foot structure, osteoporosis, bone deformities, or wearing improper footwear during exercise.
Stress fractures are common for individuals whose daily activities cause high levels of impact on their feet and ankles. Those who run, play tennis or basketball, or practice gymnastics tend to experience these fractures more frequently. Anyone is susceptible to this problem, though. Individuals who are normally sedentary and suddenly begin an intense, high impact workout may sustain stress fractures. This is because their muscles are not yet strong enough to handle and cushion the intensity of their activity. Osteoporosis may also cause someone to get stress fractures, because the disease weakens an afflicted person's bones and makes it easier for them to break down.
Pain from stress fractures typically occurs in the general area of the fracture. Pain can also manifest as “pinpoint pain” or pain that is felt when the site of the injury is touched, and can be accompanied by swelling. It may occur during or after activity, and it may disappear while resting and return when standing or moving. Engaging in any kind of activity, high impact or otherwise, will aggravate the pain. If the intensity of the activity increases before the stress fracture has properly healed, it can cause a full fracture.
Treatment can vary depending on the individual and the degree of injury. The primary way to treat a stress fracture is to rest the hurt foot. Some fractures will heal quickly with only a little bit of rest, while others may require a long rest period and the use of crutches, immobilization, or physical therapy. Under certain circumstances, surgery may be required to install support pins around the fracture to assist in healing.
If you are undergoing a new exercise regimen in running or some other kind of high impact activity, set incremental goals on a weekly basis so you can build up muscle strength. Make sure to wear supportive shoes to better protect you feet.
If you begin to experience any symptoms of stress fractures, you should stop exercising and rest. If the symptoms persist, consult with your podiatrist. Remembering these tips can help you prevent stress fractures to your foot and ankle, and allow you to continue living normally.
Tuesday, 12 November 2024 00:00
Causes of Foot Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone that often affect the metatarsal shafts in the foot. Unlike fractures caused by a single injury, foot stress fractures result from repetitive pounding and overuse that surpasses the ability of muscles to absorb shock. This is common among runners who increase their training intensity too quickly or people who walk long distances without proper conditioning. Poor footwear with insufficient shock absorption, a high arch foot structure, and osteoporosis can raise the risk of developing stress fractures in the feet. Symptoms typically start as mild pain in the forefoot after a long or intense workout. Gradually the pain occurs earlier with each activity until it becomes constant and severe. A podiatrist can diagnose foot stress fractures through a physical exam and digital imaging tests. Relief includes reducing the offending activity, finding more protective footwear, and in some cases, using crutches to allow the bones to heal. If you believe you have foot stress fractures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Chicago, Highland Park, and Uptown, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 05 November 2024 00:00
Proper Shoe Fitting
When it comes to maintaining foot health, wearing properly-fitting shoes is important. While wearing the appropriate pair of shoes may seem like a trivial concern, the reality is that improperly fitted shoes cause an astounding amount of injuries to the feet. The overall structure and the biomechanics of our bodies are directly affected by our posture, gait, and feet. Because of this, pain and discomfort felt throughout the body are often related to a problem in the feet. And, most foot problems usually stem from improper footwear.
Shoes should not be purchased with the expectation that they will easily stretch and contort to the size and shape of your feet. When shopping for footwear, look for shoes that fit correctly and comfortably as soon as you put them on. Do not purchase shoes that are too large or that slip in the heel area when you walk. Do not choose shoes that are loose with the intention of wearing thicker socks to compensate for the space. The widest portion of the shoe, the ball of the foot, must be made sure to fit comfortably in the shoe.
Keeping all of these suggestions in mind may be difficult when shopping and when trying to select from a wide array of different shoes. Nonetheless, your time and money will be wasted if you purchase a pair of shoes that are too uncomfortable for you to actually wear them. After finally selecting and purchasing a pair of shoes, try them on at home. To truly ensure whether or not your shoes fit comfortably with normal activity, walk around on a carpeted surface to determine how they feel on your feet.
The possibility of damaging your feet’s 33 joints, 26 bones, and 100+ ligaments is much higher than many people suspect. Finding an appropriate and properly-fitted pair of shoes is perhaps the single most important action you can take to maintain excellent foot health and help prevent injury. The fact that our feet continue to change with age is one that many people often forget. Even if our feet no longer change in size when we mature, our feet will still change in shape.
If you already have pre-existing foot problems, there is a greater possibility that wearing improperly-fitted shoes will worsen those problems. The good news, however, is that appropriate footwear is not difficult to find. While shopping for shoes, remember that improper footwear can detrimentally affect the feet, the entire body and its biomechanical structure as well. The shoes you wear can greatly impact your legs, back, and entire body, as your posture and gait are related to your feet. Finding and selecting the best properly-fitted shoes is necessary in achieving optimal health.
Tuesday, 05 November 2024 00:00
Tips on Finding the Right Hiking Boots
Choosing the right hiking boots is important for your foot health and comfort on the trails. Hiking can put a lot of stress on your feet, especially if you are carrying a heavy pack or are hiking on uneven terrain. The proper hiking boots provide the necessary support, stability, and cushioning to reduce the risk of foot pain, blisters, and even long-term injuries like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. When selecting hiking boots, it is important to consider the type of hiking you plan to do. Lightweight boots may be suitable for shorter day hikes on well-maintained trails. For more challenging terrain or longer backpacking trips, midweight or heavy-duty boots provide better ankle support and protection from rough surfaces. Getting the right fit is equally important as boots that are too tight or too loose can lead to foot or ankle pain and injury. A podiatrist can help by assessing your foot’s structure and gait in order to determine which boots or orthotics will provide the best fit and support. If you have foot problems as a result of hiking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.
Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting
- Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
- Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
- Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
- Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
- Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot
The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chicago, Highland Park, and Uptown, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
