Heel pain is an issue many Americans face every day. In fact, it is the most common form of heel pain. Why? The plantar fascia tissue on the bottom of your feet works hard. It connects your heel bone with your toes, helps form and support the arch, acts as a shock absorber, and is constantly contracting and lengthening as we walk, run, and jump. This hard-working tissue can become damaged or even torn from overuse, thus causing pain and inflammation in the heel referred to as plantar fasciitis. If you have plantar fasciitis you will most likely feel pain throughout the day, but it is particularly acute first thing in the morning. There are things you can do to help avoid the development of plantar fasciitis, such as wearing shoes that fit properly and maintaining a healthy body weight. Consult with a chiropodist for more preventative tips on how to avoid plantar fasciitis, or to receive treatment for this painful condition. 

Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Stabbing pain near the heel

• Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest

• Pain that increases after exercising

• Swelling

• Tightness in the Achilles tendon

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination. 

Treatment

Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended. 

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

When people break a foot, they are mostly unaware of the complications that may occur. These include a failure to completely heal, and surgery may be required to repair the bone and surrounding areas. Additionally, arthritis may develop if the fracture line enters a joint surface, and an open wound from a fracture may become infected. In cases where the foot is crushed, considerable swelling may develop. This may lead to a condition that is known as compartment syndrome. This may affect the patient’s normal blood pressure, and blood flow may be decreased to parts of the foot. A broken foot is diagnosed by having an x-ray taken, and the foot is generally put in a boot or a cast. This is typically an effective method in providing stability as the healing process takes place. People who enjoy high-impact sports may be at an increased risk of incurring a broken foot. It is beneficial to use appropriate protective equipment which may help to reduce the chances of breaking a foot. Severe pain and discomfort often accompanies a broken foot, and the toes may tingle. If you have fallen or think you may have broken your foot in another way, please consult with a chiropodist who can effectively treat this condition.

A foot fracture is a crack or break in a foot bone, often caused by repetitive stress on the foot or a high-impact foot injury. If you’re suffering from foot pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms

• Pain

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Swelling

• Difficulty walking

• Deformity

Causes

• Repetitive overloading of the foot

• Having a previous fracture

• Abnormal foot biomechanics

• Changing training surfaces suddenly 

• Poor footwear

• Osteoporosis 

• High-impact injury 

Treatments

• Rest

• Ice

• Elevation

• Pain medication

• Braces or other orthotics

• Casts

• Crutches

• Surgery in more severe cases 

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

It’s never too soon to embark on foot care for your child. Inspecting your child’s feet regularly is a good first step to avoiding future foot problems. Observe the way your child moves to see if they are toeing in or out or have knock knees. Most children are born with flat feet but pay attention to the development of the arches once they start to walk. Maintaining good foot hygiene is a great way to teach your child the importance of having healthy feet. Wash and thoroughly dry their feet each day. Socks should be clean and changed, too. A child who is active in sports may need padded socks to help absorb moisture and prevent future heel problems. Encourage them to wear different pairs of shoes each day. Pay attention to your child’s weight, as obesity can have a negative effect on their feet. If you notice any abnormalities in your child’s feet or gait, it is a good idea to consult a chiropodist who can evaluate the situation and offer treatment options.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children

While children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults do, some foot problems may be more common during childhood. 

Causes of foot pain in children can include:

• Deformities that are present from birth, such as flat feet or clubfoot

• Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone

• Various sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures 

• Ingrown toenails

• Athlete’s foot

• Plantar warts

Prevention

It is important to look after the health of children’s feet in order to prevent future problems from arising. Keep your child’s feet clean and dry, trim their toenails regularly, ensure their shoes fit properly, and keep a watchful eye on any symptoms of foot pain, such as limping. If you notice any symptoms or if your child complains of foot pain, a chiropodist can help. 

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