Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Growing Pains and Other Causes of Pediatric Heel Pain

Heel pain in children is often linked to Sever’s disease, a growth plate inflammation that appears during growth spurts, especially in active kids. But it is not the only reason young heels may hurt. Overuse injuries from sports, wearing poorly fitting shoes, flat feet, or high arches can also strain the heel. Plantar fasciitis, although more common in adults, can occur in athletic children. Bruises from impact, minor fractures, or tendonitis may cause similar discomfort. Even certain infections or inflammatory conditions can lead to heel pain. Symptoms can include limping, swelling, or pain that worsens after activity. Early evaluation helps identify the true cause and guide treatment, which may involve rest, stretching, wearing better footwear, or orthotics. If your child has ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Warren Levy, DPM of Armitage Podiatry Center. 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?

  • 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 feel free to contact our office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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How Podiatrists Help Heal Foot Wounds

Podiatrists play a vital role in managing wounds on the feet and lower legs, which people with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve damage are especially prone to. Foot wounds can heal slowly due to reduced blood flow and constant pressure from walking, increasing the risk of infection. A podiatrist begins with a detailed evaluation to identify the cause and severity of the wound. Treatment may involve removing damaged tissue, applying specialized dressings, and using offloading devices to reduce pressure on the affected area. They also monitor healing progress and work closely with other healthcare providers, when needed. Prompt, expert care from a podiatrist can prevent complications, including severe infection or limb loss. If you have a slow-healing or infected wound on your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist promptly for professional assessment and effective care.

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 Warren Levy, DPM from Armitage Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Plantar Fasciitis Is a Common Cause of Heel Pain

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. It is often caused by repetitive strain, prolonged standing, or wearing unsupportive footwear. Risk factors include high arches, flat feet, obesity, and increased activity levels. Symptoms typically include sharp heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after rest. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend stretching exercises, prescribe custom orthotics, and suggest footwear changes. If you are experiencing heel pain that interferes with daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Warren Levy, DPM from Armitage Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

 

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Why the Bottom of Your Foot Might Hurt

Discomfort felt along the sole of your foot can have many causes. One of the most common is irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick tissue that supports your arch. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can lead to soreness, especially during the first steps after resting. Foot strain from standing too long, wearing unsupportive shoes, or changes in physical activity can also contribute to pain. Issues like pinched nerves, tiny stress fractures, or soft tissue injuries may also result in discomfort that worsens with pressure. People with flat feet or high arches may be more prone to pain due to extra strain on muscles and ligaments. Rest, wearing supportive footwear, and gentle stretching are first steps in relieving symptoms. If you find your foot discomfort lingering or getting worse over time, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for professional care.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Warren Levy, DPM from Armitage Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

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