Items filtered by date: January 2022

There are many possible causes of heel pain, with plantar fasciitis (an inflammation of the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot) topping the list. Injuries during exercising or while playing sports can also cause heel pain, which can sometimes occur if you have not first properly stretched your calves, ankles, and feet. Running too frequently, training on hard surfaces, suddenly turning your heel inwardly, or coming down hard or landing awkwardly on your heel can all lead to painful injuries of the heel. Wearing shoes that do not sufficiently absorb shock or support the heel can also contribute to heel pain, as can bone spurs on the heel, swelling of the bursa sac at the back of the heel (bursitis), and conditions that affect the Achilles tendon (which attaches to the heel bone). Pain in the heel should not be ignored. A podiatrist can diagnose your heel pain to determine its cause and create a treatment plan to treat it accordingly.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one our our podiatrists of Newtown Comprehensive Foot Care. 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 office located in Newtown, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

It is believed that many foot problems are caused by wearing the wrong kind of shoe. Here are some things you can do to help keep your feet healthy by choosing the right kind of shoe for your individual foot. Start by outlining your feet on a piece of paper and bringing that with you when you are buying shoes. Go in the afternoon or evening, after your foot has had a chance to expand throughout the day. When you get to the store, have your foot measured or do it yourself. Be sure to stand up to make sure each foot is measured accurately. If your feet vary in size, choose the larger size. Look for shoes that have good arch support, no rough inner seams, at least 1/2” of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe, and a structured back to hug your heel. When you find a shoe you are interested in, check to see if it matches your foot shape before you try it on. Place the shoe on top of the outline you brought: if it covers the outline completely, that means it might be a good match. Try the shoe on and walk around to make sure nothing pinches or rubs your foot. For additional tips on finding shoes that are right for your feet, consult with a podiatrist.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one our our podiatrists from Newtown Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Standing for prolonged periods of time can cause aches and pains in your feet and lower limbs. In addition to wearing comfortable shoes and taking breaks to sit and walk around, one other way that you can prevent or relieve pain is to stretch. A lunging calf stretch can help prevent cramping in the calf muscles, plantar fasciitis, and other foot problems. It can also promote circulation. To do this stretch, stand one step away from a wall and place both palms flat against it. Step your left foot back and bend your right knee into a lunge. Keep your toes pointing forward and slowly push your left heel toward the ground until you feel a stretch in your calf. Hold and then repeat on the opposite foot. To learn more about the benefits of stretching your feet, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one our our podiatrists from Newtown Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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

Shoe inserts that are designed to help relieve pain for a variety of foot conditions (including corns and calluses, tendonitis, bunions, heel pain, and recurring stress fractures) are known as orthotics. Orthotics can be made from various materials, such as rubber, plastic, leather, and in some cases, even metal. Podiatrists often make custom orthotics to treat specific issues. Podiatrists customize orthotics by accounting for the biomechanics of the foot as well as the function and structure of the foot. Patients who are struggling with pain in their feet may wish to consult a podiatrist who can prescribe custom orthotics that are specific to your foot.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one our our podiatrists from Newtown Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Newtown, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.