There are many possible causes of heel pain, with plantar fasciitis being the most probable. This condition is an inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the toes with the heel. This is where the pain is felt. Pain on the bottom of the heel may also be due to a stress fracture in the heel caused by repetitive stress. Pain at the back of the heel can be caused by several additional conditions. Heel bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled bursa sac at the back of the heel becomes irritated and inflamed. Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement at the back of the heel which can sometimes be caused by high-heeled, or hard-backed shoes that rub against the area. Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon that also produces pain at the back of the heel where it attaches to the heel bone. Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the heel growth plate in growing children, can also cause pain in the back of the heel. A podiatrist is highly skilled at pinpointing the underlying issue causing heel pain and treating it accordingly. Make an appointment today if you are experiencing any kind of heel pain.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant of District Podiatry, PLLC. 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?
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 Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Some people are born without an arch in their foot and have flat feet. This may or may not cause problems, but if problems arise, it is usually displayed in pain – of the feet, knees, hips, and/or lower back. Strain from awkward pulling of muscles connected to the feet can throw a person’s whole body out of alignment. Without an arch in the foot, body weight is distributed unevenly. There is no cure for flat feet. Alleviating symptoms may include resting the feet, wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes, using store-bought or custom-made orthotic inserts for additional arch support, stretching exercises, medication, and cortisone injections. Seeing a podiatrist is suggested for a thorough examination of your feet and guidance as to the best treatment plan to manage flat feet.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The medical term for an ingrown toenail is onychocryptosis. It is a painful foot condition that occurs when the toenail grows into the skin on the side of the nail. It can happen as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, it may happen from cutting the toenails incorrectly. The proper way to trim toenails is to cut them straight across, and not rounded. Ingrown toenails typically affect the big toe, and research has shown it is a more common condition among men rather than women. Incurring a foot injury may lead to developing an ingrown toenail. This can happen if the foot is jammed against a piece of furniture, or has become damaged from a heavy object dropping on it. Common symptoms of an ingrown toenail include redness, tenderness, and pain. It may feel better when the affected toe is soaked in warm water, which can make it easier to gently pull the skin away from the nail. It is suggested that if you have an ingrown toenail you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you proper treatment methods.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant of District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Gout, a type of arthritis, usually develops from too much uric acid in the blood. When there is a build-up of uric acid, uric acid crystals can form and deposit in joints, which will cause considerable pain, inflammation, and swelling. Gout is often seen in the big toe. This may happen because of the kidney’s inability to clear uric acid, an overproduction of purines, or both. Those who are insulin resistant, obese, or consume alcohol - particularly beer - are more apt to suffer from this condition than others. Dietary changes aimed at gradual, safe weight loss and avoiding food and drink containing high levels of purines or sugar are recommended to reduce levels of uric acid in the blood. Similarly, being well hydrated helps reduce the risk of crystal formation. If you feel pain in your big toe a podiatrist can provide proper diagnosis and treatment.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The outside of the foot is generally where the pain is felt when cuboid syndrome exists. It is often misdiagnosed, and this can happen from the gradual onset of this condition. It is known to be a common ailment among ballet dancers and happens when the ligaments and joints surrounding the cuboid bone get injured. One of the first symptoms of cuboid syndrome consists of sharp pain underneath the pinky toe. Additional symptoms can include red skin around the injured area, and it may be difficult to move or twist the ankle. Research has shown it may be necessary to move the bone back into its original place, followed by taping the foot. Mild relief may be felt when the affected foot is elevated, and this may help to reduce some of the swelling. Many patients can return to their chosen activity that caused the syndrome after several weeks after the healing process has been completed. If you have injured your foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.
Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.
Causes
The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:
Symptoms
A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
