Items filtered by date: January 2024

Heel pain, a pervasive discomfort impacting daily activities, can be attributed to a myriad of factors. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause, arises from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Excessive strain on this ligament, often from overuse or wearing improper footwear, can lead to stabbing pain. Achilles tendonitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, contributes to discomfort, particularly in activities that stress the calf muscles. Additionally, heel spurs, bony protrusions at the bottom of the heel, may result from prolonged plantar fasciitis, causing intermittent or chronic pain. Other potential causes may include stress fractures, nerve impingement, or bursitis. Foot anatomy, gait abnormalities, and excessive weight can further exacerbate heel pain. Identifying the specific factors that contribute to heel pain is essential for tailored interventions. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment methods. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot Specialists. 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 offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, Sachse, and Lewisville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A diabetic foot ulcer, a grave complication for individuals with diabetes, is a chronic open sore that develops on the feet, typically on the bottom or sides. It arises from a combination of factors intricately linked to the effects of diabetes on the body. Diabetes can lead to neuropathy, causing reduced sensation in the feet and making it challenging to detect injuries or pressure points. Additionally, compromised blood circulation hampers the healing process, increasing the risk of infections and the formation of ulcers. Contributing further, the elevated blood sugar levels associated with diabetes impair the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Foot ulcers, if left untreated, can escalate into serious complications and be quite painful. Recognizing the effects of diabetic foot ulcers underscores the importance of meticulous foot care in diabetes management. If you have diabetes and have developed a foot ulcer, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this type of wound, and help you to manage this condition.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Rockwall, Greenville, Dallas, Sachse, and Lewisville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.