Plantar heel pain, often referred to as plantar fasciitis, can cause discomfort and interfere with daily activities. It typically occurs when the band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated or inflamed. This condition often brings sharp pain in the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest. Plantar heel pain can be triggered by various factors, including overuse, improper footwear, obesity, or certain foot structures. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, may recommend treatments such as stretching exercises, orthotic inserts, or in severe cases, corticosteroid injections and possibly surgery. With proper care and treatment, most people can find relief from plantar heel pain and get back to enjoying their daily activities without discomfort. If you are suffering from heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Donald Manger, DPM of Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. 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 Hamilton Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As people age, the risk of a fall increases, but it should not be seen as inevitable. Falls can be caused by various factors, including weak muscles, poor balance, and dizziness. Foot problems like pain or deformities, and cognitive issues such as memory loss, and vision and hearing impairments, can also contribute to the risk of falls in seniors. Medications that induce drowsiness, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain bladder or bowel conditions can increase the likelihood of falling. Falls often result from an interaction of these factors, with a higher number of risk factors further elevating the potential for falls. In addition, falls can sometimes signal underlying health issues like constipation, infections, dehydration, or sudden confusion. A podiatrist can provide expert advice and interventions to address foot-related problems, improve balance, and reduce the risk of future falls. If instability causes you to lose your balance or fall frequently, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and options for treatment. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Wearing improper footwear, particularly shoes that lack adequate support or fit poorly, can significantly contribute to hind-foot pain. High heels and narrow-toed shoes, while fashionable, can place excessive stress on the structures of the hind-foot. The heel and ankle are two particularly susceptible areas for pain. Wearing these kinds of shoes can also lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and bursitis. These styles force the foot into an unnatural position, disrupting alignment and increasing pressure on the back of the foot. Stress on the foot over time not only leads to pain and discomfort but also can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. It is important to choose shoes with proper support, cushioning, and a fit that accommodates the natural shape of the foot to prevent hind-foot pain. Podiatrists often stress the importance of wearing shoes that complement one's lifestyle as well as provide the foundation for healthy foot posture and function. If you are experiencing pain in the back of the foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a full diagnosis and proper shoe recommendations to support your recovery. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Donald Manger, DPM from Associated Podiatric Physicians, PA. 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 Hamilton Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.