Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Heel Pain Treatment Albany
What is heel pain?
One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis that causes pain in the bottom of your foot, particularly around your heel area. It happens when the thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia, which supports the arch of your foot, becomes irritated or inflamed.
Plantar Fascia
Imagine the plantar fascia as a rubber band that connects your heel bone to the front of your foot. When you walk, run, or stand, this band stretches and helps support the arch, acting like a shock absorber for your foot. However, if the band is overused or strained, small tears can develop in it, leading to pain and discomfort.The pain of plantar fasciitis is often worse in the morning when you take your first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a while. It might also be more noticeable after long periods of standing or physical activity.Factors that can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis include wearing improper footwear, having flat feet or high arches, being overweight, or engaging in activities that put a lot of stress on your feet, like running or dancing.
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Types of Heel Pain
Bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction between tissues. Inflammation of the bursa located near the heel can lead to pain and discomfort.
Stress Fractures
Tiny cracks in the bones of the foot, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse, can result in heel pain. These fractures are common in athletes and runners.
Sever's Disease
This is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to physical activity or sports.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, tarsal tunnel syndrome involves compression of a nerve in the foot, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness in the heel.
Nerve Entrapment
Sometimes, nerves in the foot can become compressed or trapped, causing pain in the heel or other parts of the foot.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This autoimmune condition can lead to inflammation and pain in various joints, including those in the feet, including the heels.
Heel Bone Fracture
A direct injury or trauma to the heel bone can cause a fracture, resulting in significant pain.
Infection
In rare cases, bacterial or fungal infections can cause heel pain, especially if there's an open sore or wound in the area.
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How can Advanced Podiatry help?
Accurate Diagnosis
Podiatrists are trained to thoroughly examine your feet and assess your gait (how you walk) to pinpoint the exact cause of your heel pain. They will consider your medical history, lifestyle, and any relevant factors to determine the underlying issue.
Customised Treatment Plan
Based on the diagnosis, our podiatrists can develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and needs. This may involve a combination of therapies and interventions.
Conservative Treatments
Our podiatrists often start with conservative treatments to manage heel pain. These can include stretching exercises, physical therapy, custom orthotic inserts, night splints, and footwear recommendations to reduce strain on the feet.
Medications
In some cases, podiatrists may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers to help manage the pain and inflammation associated with heel conditions.
Injection Therapies
Certain conditions like plantar fasciitis may benefit from corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Physical Therapy
Podiatrists can recommend specific exercises and stretches to strengthen and stabilise the muscles and tendons around the heel, promoting healing and preventing future problems.
Strapping and Taping
Podiatrists may use taping or strapping techniques to support the affected area, reduce strain, and alleviate pain.
Shockwave Therapy
This non-invasive treatment involves delivering controlled shockwaves to the affected area to stimulate healing and reduce pain.
Custom Orthotics
Our podiatrists can design and provide custom-made orthotic devices that help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot and provide support to alleviate heel pain.
Surgical Options
If conservative treatments do not provide relief, our podiatrists may explore surgical options. However, surgery is usually considered a last resort and is only recommended when other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Education and Prevention
Our podiatrists can educate you about proper foot care and techniques to prevent future heel pain. They can advise you on footwear choices, appropriate exercises, and lifestyle modifications.
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Forefoot Pain
What is Forefoot Pain?
Forefoot pain is a type of pain that happens in the front part of your foot, specifically around the area where your toes are located. It can be exacerbated by weight bearing activity or even incorrect footwear. Some common causes are listed below:
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Common Causes of Forefoot Pain
Overuse
If you use your feet a lot, like during long walks or standing for extended periods, the forefoot can become sore and painful.
Ill-fitting shoes
Wearing shoes that are too tight or don′t provide enough support can put extra pressure on the forefoot, leading to pain.
Injury
Sometimes, a specific injury like stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or twisting it the wrong way can cause forefoot pain.
Conditions like bunions or hammertoes
These are foot deformities that can cause the toes to bend in uncomfortable ways, leading to pain in the forefoot area.
Nerve problems
Sometimes, nerves in the foot can get compressed or irritated, causing pain in the forefoot.
Arthritis
This is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, and it can also affect the joints in the forefoot.
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How can Advanced Podiatry help?
Diagnosis
A podiatrist will start by asking you about your symptoms, medical history, and any recent activities that might have contributed to the pain. They will then examine your feet to identify the source of the pain and may order additional tests, such as X-rays or scans, to get a better look at the bones and joints.
Treatment Plan
Once the cause of the forefoot pain is determined, our podiatrists will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
Footwear Recommendations
Our podiatrists can suggest appropriate shoes that provide proper support and cushioning for your feet. They may also recommend orthotic inserts to help alleviate pressure and correct any foot imbalances.
Medications
Over the counter or prescription pain medications, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs, can help reduce pain and inflammation in the forefoot area.
Physical Therapy
Our podiatrists might recommend specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles in your feet and improve flexibility. This may help alleviate pain and prevent future issues.
Custom Orthotics
If your foot structure is contributing to the pain, our podiatrists may design custom orthotic inserts that fit inside your shoes. These inserts can help distribute pressure more evenly and provide better support.
Padding and Strapping
Our podiatrists may use special padding or strapping techniques to relieve pressure from specific areas of the forefoot, especially if you have conditions like bunions or hammertoes.
Injections
In some cases, corticosteroid injections might be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
Footwear Modifications
If necessary, our podiatrists might recommend modifications to your shoes or provide guidance on lacing techniques to reduce pressure on certain areas of the foot.
Surgical Intervention
If conservative treatments don't provide relief, and the pain is due to a more severe condition like a deformity or structural issue, the podiatrist might discuss surgical options with you.