You Don’t Have to Live with Heel Pain

You Don’t Have to Live with Heel Pain

The majority of cases of heel pain are the result of a condition called Plantar Fasciitis. This occurs when the plantar fascia—a long band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your toes to your heel—becomes irritated and inflamed.

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Don’t Be Scared Off by These Common Foot Conditions

Don’t Be Scared Off by These Common Foot Conditions

At Texas Foot Specialists, we know that there are also certain foot and ankle conditions that sound scary but in reality are quite treatable, especially if patients bring them to our podiatrists Dr. Bruce Miller or Dr. Gregory Mangum in a timely manner.

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5 Ways To Ease Heel Pain

5 Ways To Ease Heel Pain

At Texas Foot Specialists, one of the most common reasons patients come to see us is heel pain. When you make an appointment at our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston office (713-664-6677), our podiatrists Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum will examine your feet and do any imaging studies or tests needed to determine the source of your discomfort.

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Child’s Heel Pain and Sever’s Disease - The Texas Foot Specialists

Heel pain is a common complain among child athletes. This is often traced back to a foot condition also known as Sever’s disease. This is a foot condition that is caused by inflammation of tissues surrounding the heel growth plate. Pain in turn is caused by irritated nerves due to increased pressure in the area.

Sever’s disease is common among children because the heels have yet to fully develop. This happens when the heels are constantly exposed to repeated abuse from activities such as running or jumping. Because the heels are still relatively “soft,” it is unable to support the stress generated by sports and other related activities. Consult a podiatrist if your child experiences chronic heel pain. Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are Podiatrists who specialize in helping children suffering from Sever’s disease.

What is Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease is a heel-related foot condition common among child athletes. This results from early exposure to sports activities that demand high impact foot movements. Because the heels or heel growth plate in particular is relatively underdeveloped, it is unable to withstand the stress demanded by such activities.

It is still unclear how Sever’s disease develops but it is likely to be caused by the underdeveloped heels constant exposure to stress. It can further be aggravated by not wearing footwear without ample foot and heel support. Children who are overweight can also suffer from Sever’s disease. Because the heels are unable to support the additional weight, activities such as walking or standing could trigger the development of Sever’s disease.

Possible Causes of Heel Pain in Children

Heel pain is not only caused by Sever’s disease. This can also be caused by foot and joint injuries. Consult a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis. It ensures that you are getting the right treatment that addresses the cause of heel pain. Other causes of heel pain include activities that expose the heels to repeated trauma, bone fractures and tendo-Achilles bursitis.

What you should do

Children who experience heel pain should immediately rest their feet and stop any foot-related activity. Wear footwear that provide foot and heel support especially when performing sports activities. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) and pain medications can help ease inflammation and pain.

Sever’s diseases usually goes away as the heels mature. Consult a podiatrist to learn more about Sever’s disease and possible treatment options.

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Spice Girl Has Heel Pain - The Texas Foot Specialists

While high heels are one possible cause for heel pain, there are many reasons why one might experience discomfort in the heel area. Heel pain is a common ailment that afflicts many individuals, and celebrities are no exception. Former Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham suffers from chronic heel pain and bunions as a result of her refusal to wear any other shoes apart from high heels.

How is heel pain treated?

  • Orthotic devices can elevate your arches and provide cushioning to aching heels
  • Doctors can prescribe strong anti-inflammatory and pain medication
  • If several months of treatment don’t work, or your tendon has torn, doctors may suggest surgery to repair your Achilles tendon 

Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists is a podiatrist who specializes in treating heel pain.

What Causes Heel Pain?

Achilles tendinitis is another reason why you might experience pain in the heel area. If the pain is on the bottom of your heel, it’s likely to be Plantar fasciitis, but if you experience discomfort alongside the back of your heel, that is a common symptom of Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendinitis can be diagnosed via an MRI or an ultrasound.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of heel pain, and is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toe, and by doing so, runs across the bottom of your foot to create the arch.

How can I prevent heel pain?

With the foot containing 26 bones, the largest of which is your heel, proper precautions can help prevent discomfort and pain.

  1. Wear proper shoes- while you may enjoy living on the more fashionable side of life, high heels can cause deformities that in turn, trigger pain.
  2. Maintain a healthy diet- obesity can cause multiple issues with the feet, so by maintaining a healthy diet, you prevent the extra strain on your feet.
  3. Ensure that your shoes fit correctly and provide support for your feet
  4. Stretch before you exercise

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston, we specialize in helping people with foot disorders. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Plantar fasciitis - Peyton Manning - The Texas Foot Specialists

Peyton Manning, legendary Broncos Denver’s quarterback suffered from a partially torn plantar fascia in his left foot last season. He was then relegated to the sidelines and had difficulty walking for weeks. This was not uncommon, since foot injuries is a common occurrence among athletes.

Plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain that usually occurs in the morning and will disappear after making few steps. This kind of injury is very common to runners and athletes who are involved in tough playing games. Consult a podiatrist for any type of foot injury. Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists who specialize in helping people with chronic foot pain and other types of foot conditions.

Symptoms

  • There is an aching, or burning pain in the sole of your foot
  • Foot pain that occurs as you step out of the bed early in the morning
  • Pain that will decrease after you’ve been on your feel for a while
  • Sudden heel pain
  • Foot pain that lasted for more than few days
  • Pain in just one foot
  • Swelling, heat feeling, or redness in the heel area
  • Limping
  • Plantar fasciitis is mistaken with other conditions that have the same symptoms such as arthritis or tarsal tunnel syndrome.


What are the risks in developing plantar fasciitis?

  • Pronation. This is a condition when a plantar fascia doesn’t transfer weight evenly while walking.
  • Overuse of the feet without proper rest
  • Tightness, flat feet, or high arches at the back of the heel
  • Obesity
  • Standing or lifting heavy objects for a long period of time
  • Ill-fitting or worn footwear
  • Normal aging process
  • Physical trauma to the foot

What are the treatments for plantar fasciitis?

A simple three step approach is all you need to experience immediate symptom relief: 

Give your feet a rest - adjust your daily habits to spend some time off your feet and let it rest. Ice brings cooling relief - you have to apply an ice pack to your injured heel for twenty minutes every two hours. This will numb the pain and control inflammation. Use of orthotics devices such as splints, shoe inserts, and wraps will lessen the pressure on your heel.

 How to prevent plantar fasciitis

  •  You need to maintain a healthy weight.
  • You have to warm up before participating in any sports.
  • You need to wear shoes that cushion the heel and support the arch. 

The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston we specialize in helping people with plantar fasciitis and other chronic foot problems. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Heel Pain in Athletes - The Texas Foot Specialists

Joining a sports activity places people at a higher risk for foot injuries. This is because it exposes the foot to constant pressure from the different high-impact foot movements required. Running and jumping for example exposes the feet to tremendous stress that often exceeds it structural limits. When this happens, foot injuries are just around the corner.

 What is a Bruised Heel? 

A bruised heel can be very painful and can be caused by repeated abuse such as high impact foot movements. The foot and its numerous structures are responsible for absorbing the shock from running, jumping or walking. The calcaneus bone or heel bone is responsible for the feet’s load bearing function. 

 The heels are at high risk for injuries. A person’s weight is transferred from the legs directly to the heels. This is the feet’s first point of contact with the ground before the pressure is transferred to other foot structures. The heel bone or calcaneus bone is surrounded by a layer of fatty tissue. This helps absorb some of the pressure away from the heel bones.   

Bruised Heel Management

If you suspect a bruised heel, rest the foot immediately. Continued foot activities may only worsen the condition. Resting buys your body precious time to heal. Consult a podiatrist if pain persists even with rest. A podiatrist can identify if this is a simple case of a bruised heel or a symptom of a serious foot injury. Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum are Podiatrists specialize in treating bruised heels and other foot injuries. 

To prevent future injuries, wear shoes with adequate heel support or heel cushioning. This should be used when the heels are tender or if you are suffering from a bruised heel. This should be worn on both heels. Wearing a foot insert on one shoe may cause an imbalance which can cause an accident or another foot injury. 

Replace your running shoes regularly. Running shoes on average are designed to last around 400 miles. Constant abuse from running or jumping can destroy the shoes’ integrity leaving its structures weak. 

Bruised heel recovery time

A bruised heel if caught early and gets adequate rest can recover pretty quickly. Symptoms could disappear in as little as a few days. If the early symptoms are ignored and a person continuous with their regular activity, this can aggravate the injury. 

Consult a podiatrist for any signs of foot injury. If diagnosed early, treatment is easier and recovery time can be quicker.  The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston we specialize in helping people suffering from a bruised heel and other foot injuries.  To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.

Bruised Heel – Foot Abuse and Overuse in Athletes

Any physical activity that requires extensive footwork exposes people to foot injuries. Repeated high impact activities such as running or jumping places great pressure on the foot and its structures. The feet are very durable but they too has their limitations.   

Bruised Heel

A bruised heel happens when the heels are exposed to repeated physical abuse. The heels are responsible for supporting the body’s weight even during walking or standing, the possibility of injury is a constant.

The calcaneus bone or heel bone acts like a shock absorber. The body’s weight is transferred to the legs and ultimately the foot. The heel aside from absorbing the body weight is also the body’s first point of contact with the ground before the stress is dispersed to other foot and body structures.

The heels are naturally surrounded by fatty tissue. This helps in absorbing the shock and limits the stress on the heels. However, this is lost with age increasing the risk for bruised heels and other injuries.

Treatment and Management

Rest the foot immediately if a bruised heel is suspected. Continuing your normal activities or engaging in foot-heavy activities can only aggravate the situation. A bruised heel may heal faster if given time to rest. However, if pain persists even after resting the foot then consulting a podiatrist is advised. Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are Podiatrists who specializes in treating bruised heels and other foot injuries.

Prevention

Preventing bruised heels in the future can be done by practicing proper foot care. This can be done by using custom orthotics. Shoe inserts should be used on both feet and not only on the affected foot. This is because wearing one insert causes a slight imbalance which in turn can cause more injuries.

Just like your car’s wheels, shoes should be replaced over time. Wear and tear happens due to direct contact with the ground. Shoes are designed on average to last around 400 miles.

Recovering from a bruised heel

You may recover quickly from bruised heels  if detected early and given ample time to heal. The injury could disappear in a matter of days.  Visit a podiatrist if a bruised heel persists even after rested or pain intensifies.   The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston we specialize in helping people suffering from a bruised knee and other foot injuries. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.