Items filtered by date: April 2022

Although plantar fasciitis (an inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament on the sole of the foot) is often the root of heel pain, it can come from a variety of other conditions as well. For instance, compression of the medial calcaneal nerve, which travels down the inner part of the ankle, can create a tingling or numb sensation in the heel as well as pain. In older adults, fat pads in the heel can wear down (fat pad atrophy) and cause pain. Systemic inflammatory conditions such as certain types of arthritis, Reiter syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, and a common type of lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) may sometimes be associated with heel pain. Sometimes tiny nodules, or plantar fibroma, develop on the plantar fascia which can cause pain in the arch near the heel. To have the cause of your heel pain properly diagnosed and treated, make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Todd A. Bell, DPM of Connecticut. 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 Bloomfield, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are many professions where it is mandatory to stand for the majority of the day. Teachers often fall into this category, and many of them experience pain from working on their feet. It is important to choose shoes that fit correctly. These generally consist of shoes that can provide adequate arch support, and wearing these types of shoes may prevent developing plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Some teachers find it beneficial to stretch their muscles throughout the day, and standing tall can help to improve alignment. The calf muscles can be stretched by standing on a step, and lowering the heel until a gentle pull is felt. If you would like more information about how to keep your feet healthy while standing all day, please speak to a podiatrist.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Todd A. Bell, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Active, growing children that experience pain in their heels may have a condition known as Sever’s disease. The cause of this pain stems from irritation of the growth plate in the heel bone, as it has not yet completely developed and calcified. Bones in the calf grow more rapidly than the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the heel bone where the growth plate is located. This difference in growth can cause tightness and pressure in the Achilles tendon, which is often exacerbated with physical activity—particularly sports that involve running and jumping. Icing the area and refraining from activities that make the pain worse can sometimes help ease the pain. For professional pain relief, make an appointment with a podiatrist. They can offer a variety of pain management techniques, such as custom orthotics and heel raises, personalized stretching routines, footwear recommendations, and prescription pain medications.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Todd A. Bell, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor 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 Bloomfield, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

When the bone fractures on the outer edge of the foot, this is known as a Jones fracture. It can be referred to as a 5th metatarsal fracture, and is considered to be a common type of break. It generally happens as a result of tripping on an uneven sidewalk, or twisting the ankle while participating in sporting activities. It causes severe pain and discomfort, and the majority of people who endure this type of fracture cannot walk on the affected foot. After a proper diagnosis is performed, which typically consists of having an X-ray taken, the correct treatment can begin. Many people wear casts or boots for several weeks as the healing process takes place. This enables the patient to walk, while keeping the foot stable. If you have fallen, and think you may have broken your foot, please consult  with a podiatrist as quickly as possible for correct treatment options.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Todd A. Bell, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.