Heel and Back-of-the-Foot Pain
Plantar fasciitis or heel spurs
Back of the arch right in front of heel.
At onset, some people report a tearing or popping sound. Pain is most severe with
first steps after getting out of bed. Pain decreases after stretching, returns
after inactivity.
Over-the-counter foot insole (cut quarter-size hole surrounding painful area).
Relief:
Possible night splints. Orthotics if necessary.
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Bursitis of the heel
Center of the heel.
Pain, with warmth and swelling. Increases during the day.
Relief:
Heel cup
Haglund's deformity (pump bump)
Fleshy area on the back of the heel.
Tender swelling aggravated by shoes with stiff backs.
Relief:
Soft shoes. Heel pads. Possible orthotic to support heel.
Achilles tendinitis
Achilles tendon: area along the back between calf muscles and heel.
Pain worsens during physical activities (particularly running), after which the
tendon usually swells and stiffens. If it ruptures, popping sound may occur
followed by acute pain similar to a blow at the back of the leg.
Relief:
Insoles, tendon strap, heel cups.
Arch and Bottom-of-the Foot Pain
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Anywhere along the bottom of the foot.
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, pain, most commonly felt at night.
Relief:
Specially designed orthotics to relieve pressure.
The Foot and Associated Problems of Pain and Discomfort
Overview
•About 75% of people in the United States have foot pain at some time in their lives.
•Most foot pain is caused by shoes that do not fit properly or that force the feet into unnatural shapes (such as pointed-toe, high-heeled shoes).
•Foot pain generally starts in one of three places: the toes, the forefoot, or the hindfoot.
•Nearly all causes of foot pain can be grouped under one of the following:
•Ill-fitting shoes
•Certain medical conditions
•High-impact exercise
Treatment
•The acronym RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation -- the four basic elements of immediate treatment for an injured foot.
•Orthonyxia, a newer surgical technique that implants a small metal brace into the top of the nail, may be as effective as traditional surgical techniques for preventing ingrown toenails from recurring.
•The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) suggests shoe inserts, medications, and stretching as a first line of therapy for heel pain.
Prevention
The American Podiatric Medical Association offers the following tips for preventing foot pain:
•Don't ignore foot pain -- it's not normal.
•Inspect feet regularly.
•Wash feet regularly, especially between the toes, and dry them completely.
•Trim toenails straight across, but not too short.
•Make sure shoes fit properly.
•Wear the right shoe for specific activities (such as running shoes for running).
•Don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
•Avoid walking barefoot, which increases the risk for injury and infection.
•It is critical that people with diabetes see a podiatric physician at least once a year for a checkup.
In future postings I will offer a discussion of specific foot ailments.
•About 75% of people in the United States have foot pain at some time in their lives.
•Most foot pain is caused by shoes that do not fit properly or that force the feet into unnatural shapes (such as pointed-toe, high-heeled shoes).
•Foot pain generally starts in one of three places: the toes, the forefoot, or the hindfoot.
•Nearly all causes of foot pain can be grouped under one of the following:
•Ill-fitting shoes
•Certain medical conditions
•High-impact exercise
Treatment
•The acronym RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation -- the four basic elements of immediate treatment for an injured foot.
•Orthonyxia, a newer surgical technique that implants a small metal brace into the top of the nail, may be as effective as traditional surgical techniques for preventing ingrown toenails from recurring.
•The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) suggests shoe inserts, medications, and stretching as a first line of therapy for heel pain.
Prevention
The American Podiatric Medical Association offers the following tips for preventing foot pain:
•Don't ignore foot pain -- it's not normal.
•Inspect feet regularly.
•Wash feet regularly, especially between the toes, and dry them completely.
•Trim toenails straight across, but not too short.
•Make sure shoes fit properly.
•Wear the right shoe for specific activities (such as running shoes for running).
•Don't wear the same pair of shoes every day.
•Avoid walking barefoot, which increases the risk for injury and infection.
•It is critical that people with diabetes see a podiatric physician at least once a year for a checkup.
In future postings I will offer a discussion of specific foot ailments.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
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