Foot, Ankle & Heel Pain

HEEL PAIN

PLANTAR FASCIITIS - HEEL SPURS 

We treat a lot of heel pain or plantar fasciitis in our practice. Many of the symptoms include pain when you first get up in the morning, burning, numbness and increased symptoms by the end of the day. The pain is usually caused by tightening of the plantar fascia ligament located on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia ligament supports the arch. When you're resting, the ligament contracts. As you start to walk, the ligament pulls and may tear slightly causing pain. Heel pain can also be brought on by trauma, over exertion, ill- fitting shoes or poor foot alignment.

We initially treat plantar fasciitis conservatively with:

• anti-inflammatory medication

• plantar fascia exercise

• cortisone injections

• functional orthoses

Proper foot support is one of the most important treatments we recommend. The purpose of foot support is to stop the ligament from tearing, thereby, getting at the cause of the problem. We often prescribe custom orthotics for the best possible foot support. Custom orthotics are inserts that fit into your shoes, which are custom molded specifically to your foot, to correct the faulty foot alignment and bring your foot into a more correct position. We find that most of our patients respond to conservative treatment with favorable outcomes. For those patients that require additional treatment surgery may be necessary.  So, if you're suffering with heel pain, don't wait for it to become a chronic problem. Schedule an appointment today, and we'll get you back, to the activities you love, in no-time.

ANKLE SPRAINS

Ankle sprains are an extremely common injury. They involve possible joint damage resulting in swelling, instability and pain, to more severe damage, such as torn ligaments, bruised cartilage and broken bones. Immediate treatment includes rest, ice, compression and anti-inflammatories.  Unfortunately, as many as 80% of untreated sprained ankles result in prolonged symptoms. These can include chronic pain or ankle instability, that makes a person prone to repetitive injury later in life and arthritic changes.

 In our practice Zara Hercules, DPM, we utilize the latest technology to determine if there is a fracture, dislocation or torn ligaments.  If you've sprained your ankle or have a history of ankle sprains, early evaluation and aggressive treatment  is the best way to avoid chronic pain, instability and arthritis of the involved joints. Come in immediately to be evaluated and to learn more about all of your treatment options.

FRACTURES OF THE FOOT OR ANKLE

A Broken Bone is also known as a fracture.  There is a common misconception that a broken bone is worse than a fracture.  In reality they are the same. There are many different types of fractures or breaks. A bone can be broken and the fragments can be out of position.  We call this a displaced fracture.   Conversely, if they are in good alignment it's called a non-displaced fracture. If a bone is broken and you can barely see it on an x-ray, it is a hairline fracture.  Finally, if a bone is broken and one of the fragments has punctured the skin, we call this an open or compound fracture. Since open fractures can easily become infected immediate surgical management is required. Broken bones are usually splinted initially to prevent bone movement and further damage to the soft tissues that surround them.If the fracture is displaced it may need to be set.  In certain fractures, setting them can be difficult. In these types of fractures, surgery is also indicated. This will provide the best opportunity for healing.

Even though all of this sounds very scary, most fractures can be managed in a cast without going to the OR. Even simple fractures of the toes respond very well to this treatment.  And yes, we do put casts on toes.  Not the plaster or fiberglass most people think of.  Instead, we use a mesh tape which holds the toe in place. If you, or someone you know has sustained an injury to the foot or ankle our podiatry team at Zara Hercules, DPM will make every attempt to see you ASAP. usually the day you call, schedule an appointment today.

ACHILLES TENDON INJURY

Achilles tendinitis is a medical condition that causes pain along the back of the leg near the heel. This happens when the Achilles tendon is constantly abused. This condition is common among athletes and middle age people who are actively engaged in sport activities. The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. It allows a person to extend the foot and point the toes to the floor. This is also the thickest, longest and strongest tendon of the body.

Common Causes of Achilles Tendinitis -The condition may occur if the Achilles tendon is subjected to:

• Repetitive activities

• Postural problems such as flatfoot

• Jumping on hard surfaces

• Shoes with improper support

• Excessive running

• Tight calf muscles and bone spur are factors that may contribute to the development of Achilles tendinitis.

Signs and Symptoms- A leading symptom of Achilles tendinitis is sharp pain along the back of the tendon closest to the heel. Most of the symptoms are common and can be seen in people suffering from foot injury.

• Pain when flexing the ankle

• Tenderness in the feet

• Redness over the painful area

• Burning sensation around the joint

• Nodule formation on the tendon

• Thickening of the tendon

• Cracking sound when the ankle moves

• Trouble standing up on one toe

• Lower leg feels stiff

Treatment and Management - Generally, tendons such as the Achilles tendon do not heal rapidly or completely. A lifestyle change is sometimes needed to prevent the recurrence of Achilles tendinitis. The aim in treating Achilles tendinitis is to relieve the pain and reduce the swelling. Treatment of the symptoms includes:

• Resting the leg

• Cold compression therapy

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication

• Physical therapy

• Heel lift

• Using of a brace or cast to keep the heel and tendon still

• Surgery may be needed if the symptoms do not improve. It is best to consult a podiatrist or foot specialist for him to assess the severity of the condition and select the best procedure to repair the Achilles tendon.