Heel pain can turn a short walk into an unpleasant experience. Each time your heel hits the ground, a heel strike sends force through the heel and ankle. Pain begins when tissues or bones cannot handle that force well. One cause is plantar fasciitis, irritation of the strong band along the bottom of the foot. Another cause is Achilles tendinitis, an irritation of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel. Either problem can result in pain, stiffness, or swelling. 

Other foot problems can make the heel hurt while walking. A stress fracture is a small crack in the heel bone, caused by repeated high-impact activity. A pinched nerve near the ankle can also cause pain, tingling, or numbness around the heel. An irritated fluid-filled sac, called a bursa, near a tendon can hurt. Shoes that lack proper support can add heel strain. A sudden increase in running, jumping, or long-distance walking can do the same. Severe pain after an injury, an inability to bear weight, or major swelling deserves prompt medical attention. Because several problems cause similar symptoms, the location and pattern of pain matter. 

A podiatrist can examine your foot, watch how you walk, and ask when the pain began. Imaging can identify a fracture or hidden problem. After finding the cause, the podiatrist can create a plan that protects the injured area and improves foot support. Treatment options include custom orthotics, a walking boot, or a night splint. An injection might be considered for certain inflammation. Surgery is reserved for select cases that do not improve with other care. A podiatrist can also check your shoes and explain safe activity changes. Early evaluation is essential because walking on an injured heel can limit movement and make pain harder to manage. If you have heel pain while walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact David K. Morris, DPM of Florida. 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 our office located in Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis causes pain where a band of tissue runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel toward the toes. This tissue supports the arch and absorbs pressure. Repeated strain can irritate it and lead to sharp heel pain. Discomfort is usually strongest with the first steps after getting out of bed or standing after a long rest. It can ease once the foot begins moving, then return after extended standing or activity. Tight calf muscles, changes in activity, and excess body weight can increase strain. Shoes that lack proper support can add stress to the heel and arch.

A podiatrist can determine whether plantar fasciitis is causing the pain or another foot problem is responsible. The examination includes checking the tender area, the arch, and movement in the foot and ankle. The podiatrist may also watch how the patient stands and walks. X-rays can help rule out a fracture, arthritis, or another bone problem. Other imaging can be ordered when the source of pain remains unclear. An accurate diagnosis matters because heel pain can also result from a pinched nerve, damaged heel pad, or stress fracture.

Treatment focuses on reducing pressure, improving support, and allowing the irritated tissue to heal. A podiatrist can recommend fitted shoes and prescribe custom orthotics to improve how pressure moves across the foot. A night splint can hold the foot in a position that reduces morning pain. The podiatrist can also provide a guided stretching plan and monitor progress. Most cases improve without surgery, although recovery can take several months. Persistent pain may require further treatment. Surgery is rarely recommended and is reserved for severe symptoms that do not respond to other care. Follow-up visits help the podiatrist adjust treatment and address problems that could cause the pain to return. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact David K. Morris, DPM  from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

A foot stress fracture is a small bone crack that develops from repeated stress and overuse. It can occur when the force placed on a bone exceeds its ability to recover between activities. Stress fractures are common among athletes because running, jumping, and repeated training create continuous impact on the feet. The condition may develop gradually rather than following one obvious accident. Early symptoms often include localized pain, tenderness, and swelling on the top of the foot. As the injury progresses, walking may become uncomfortable or difficult, especially after physical activity.

Overuse is a major cause of foot stress fractures. Increasing mileage, changing training surfaces, or starting an intense exercise program without enough recovery can place excessive stress on the bones. Athletes may be at greater risk when they continue training despite persistent pain. Other risk factors include wearing improper footwear, weakened bones, and inadequate recovery between workouts. A previous stress fracture can also increase the likelihood of developing another one. Recognizing these factors can help athletes make informed choices about training and injury prevention.

A podiatrist can evaluate persistent foot pain and determine whether a stress fracture may be present. The process typically begins with a review of symptoms and physical activity, followed by examination of the foot and ankle. The podiatrist may check for localized tenderness, swelling, and changes in walking mechanics. X-rays can help identify fractures, although some stress injuries may require additional imaging for confirmation. A gradual return to activity is important once healing has progressed.

Athletes should not ignore pain that repeatedly develops in the same area during training. Continuing high-impact activity while a stress fracture is present can delay healing and potentially worsen the injury. If you have gradual foot pain, swelling on the top of the foot, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat foot stress fractures.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. 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 contact our office located in Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A broken toe can happen suddenly and cause intense pain right away. Dropping a heavy object on the foot is a leading cause. A badly stubbed toe or missed step can also break one of the small toe bones. Repeated impact on hard surfaces can lead to a stress fracture, which is a small crack in the bone. Signs of a broken toe include swelling, bruising, and pain while walking. Some patients hear a cracking or popping sound when the injury happens. Being able to walk does not mean the toe is not broken.

Some toe fractures are more serious than others. A crooked or deformed toe can indicate that the broken bone has moved out of its normal position. An injury that breaks the skin also requires prompt attention. Big-toe fractures can be especially important because the big toe plays a major role in balance and movement. Treatment can include a splint or buddy taping, which secures the injured toe to the toe beside it. More serious fractures can require a cast or surgery. With proper care, many broken toes heal within four to six weeks.

A podiatrist can examine an injured toe and determine the location and severity of the break. Imaging can help show whether the bone remains properly aligned. A podiatrist can stabilize the toe and monitor healing so that the bone does not heal in the wrong position. Proper treatment can also reduce the risk of lasting pain, joint stiffness, or problems involving the toenail. In some cases, arthritis can develop in the injured joint later in life. If you have broken your toe,  it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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