Items filtered by date: October 2022

There are many people worldwide who have heel pain. It can happen for a variety of reasons, and prompt medical treatment may bring relief. A heel spur is known to be painful, and occurs as a result of calcium deposits that build up on the bottom of the heel. In severe cases, this is often removed surgically. Plantar fasciitis is a common heel injury and happens when the band of tissue that is on the sole of the foot becomes inflamed. This is known as the plantar fascia, and it connects the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis can happen from wearing shoes that do not have adequate support, and from standing on hard surfaces for most of the day. Heel pain may also happen from a foot injury, such as landing awkwardly on the heel. Relief may be felt when the affected foot is elevated, and this may relieve a portion of the swelling that can accompany heel pain. Many patients find it helpful to perform specific heel stretches, including standing on a step, and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. Heel pain is effectively treated by a podiatrist, and it is strongly advised that you contact this type of doctor who can diagnose the cause, and offer you the correct treatment techniques.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. 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 our office located in Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A common cause of foot pain can come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The shoes may be too tight, or they may be large in width and length. When shoes don’t fit properly, they can be uncomfortable and cause various foot conditions to arise. Bunions can easily develop from wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in, and larger shoes may have to be purchased to accommodate the bunion. Hammertoe is a deformity, and the muscle imbalance in the toes may cause them to shift toward each other. A corn can cause debilitating foot pain when it develops on the side of the pinky toe. An ingrown toenail can develop when the toe constantly rubs against the top of the shoe and can become infected if not promptly treated. Many people develop gout which is a form of arthritis, and this can happen from eating foods that have high amounts of purines. This can contribute to having excess uric acid levels and may cause crystals to form in the joints of the big toe. If you are suffering from foot pain for any reason, please consult a podiatrist who can help you determine what the cause is and treat it appropriately.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Falling is common among people who are 65 years and older, and research has shown that frequently exercising may reduce this risk. This may be a result of increased strength in the muscles, bones and tendons, in addition to achieving improved balance. It is suggested that exercise is started slowly with practicing a few exercises per day until the body gets accustomed to it. This can be followed by increasing the number of repetitions and intensity. It is helpful to wear appropriate shoes that have adequate cushioning while exercising, in addition to using support if needed. Many people enjoy practicing yoga or pilates, and this can be added to partaking in a walking program. Falling can impact the feet, and research has shown that having a strong body may greatly reduce the risk of falling. If you would like additional information about fall prevention methods, please confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

The abbreviation for peripheral artery disease is PAD, which is defined as restricted blood supply to the feet and legs. It is a common condition, and the symptoms that are generally experienced include foot pain while walking, hair loss on the legs, and the skin may change color or appear shiny. The majority of people with PAD have symptoms that develop gradually and may ultimately need medical attention. Diabetic patients often have this condition, as a result of elevated blood glucose levels. This serious condition may be improved, and relief can be found when lifestyle changes are implemented. These include eating healthy foods, reducing alcohol consumption, and losing weight, if needed. There may be existing medical reasons that can lead to developing PAD, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. One of the symptoms of PAD is the inability to feel cuts or scrapes on the feet. These may go undetected and can lead to infection, which in turn may lead to ulcers, gangrene or amputation. If you have symptoms of PAD, it is strongly suggested that you are under the regular care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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