If you walk or run a lot, you may end up with a bruised heel, an injury that is different from plantar fasciitis. Symptoms of a bruised heel include pain in the bottom of the heel, or the calcaneus, as well as redness or purple bruising on the outside of the heel. A bruised heel can also be caused by sudden trauma to the heel, such as a hard landing from a high jump onto a hard surface. The resulting pain is from an injured fat pad and can take up to three weeks to heal, but if the bone is also injured it may take longer. Additional causes of a bruised heel include wearing flip-flops, landing on your heels when you run, running or walking on hard surfaces, and stepping on a hard stone. Factors that increase risk of heel bruising are obesity, inadequate cushioning in running shoes, overtraining, and running in bare feet. The first thing to do when you have sustained a bruised heel is to cease activity. Consider seeing a podiatrist for information about inserts for your shoes that can provide better cushioning of the heels. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Ramin Nadjafi, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Group. 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 contact our office located in Orlando, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the connective plantar fascia tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, or even torn, from overuse. Women, runners, people who are obese or who stand while working, are more at risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Also, having certain structural issues—such as flat feet, high arches, or tight calf muscles—can cause the plantar fascia to pull away from the heel while it is bearing weight, and may lead to this condition. Plantar fasciitis can be very painful, especially when you take your first steps in the morning, thereby engaging the plantar fascia after a long period of inactivity. Icing, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications and injections, casting, splinting, and other conservative treatments administered by a podiatrist can usually repair the plantar fascia without the need for surgery. It is suggested to make an appointment with a podiatrist to have your condition diagnosed and treated properly. 

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 Ramin Nadjafi, DPM from Advanced Podiatry Group. 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 Orlando, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Basketball can be tough on a player’s feet. In addition to physical contact between players, there is a lot of running, jumping, landing, and quick changes of direction in the sport. Basketball players may sustain foot or ankle conditions like ankle sprains, tendon injuries, and blisters. Overusing their feet and excessive training can also lead to plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. A Jones fracture is an injury to the area between the fifth metatarsal and the bone running from the smallest toe to the ankle. This is common among basketball players due to repetitive stress to the bone. It is difficult for someone involved in a sport like basketball to stay off their feet until their injury is fully healed, but the damage can worsen and lead to chronic foot and ankle problems. If you are a basketball player that develops a foot sports injury, consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, as well as advice on possible prevention techniques.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Ramin Nadjafi, DPM of Advanced Podiatry Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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