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Heel pain is a common complaint that can arise from several causes. The most frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Other common causes include Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, or overuse from activities like running. Less common causes include stress fractures, nerve entrapment, or tarsal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms typically include sharp or aching pain, often worse in the morning or after long periods of rest. Swelling, redness, or stiffness may accompany the pain. Diagnosis involves a physical examination and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to rule out fractures or other conditions. Treatment depends on the cause but often includes rest and wearing supportive shoes. A podiatrist may recommend orthotics or targeted exercises, and in rare cases, surgery may be necessary for more severe conditions. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM of Northeast Philadelphia. 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?
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 Philadelphia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
For athletes, the thrill of pushing limits can sometimes lead to unseen dangers, like stress fractures. These tiny cracks in the bone emerge from repetitive submaximal loading. This creates microfractures that, if left unaddressed, can spiral into full-blown fractures. The body reacts to stress on a spectrum, starting with a stress reaction and potentially ending in a fracture when repair mechanisms fall out of balance. This often results in nagging pain that intensifies during activity and subsides with rest, making it easy to ignore at first. To safeguard against these hidden injuries, athletes must tune in to their bodies and prioritize foot health. Smart training, wearing proper footwear, and adequate recovery are important. If you are feeling persistent foot pain after activity, it is suggested you book an appointment with a podiatrist to keep your feet in top condition, and to prevent further injury.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Philadelphia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Neuropathic ulcers are serious foot wounds often associated with conditions like diabetes. They develop as the result of nerve damage, which can reduce sensation and lead to injuries going unnoticed. Common symptoms of foot ulcers include localized redness, swelling, and a foul odor. The ulcer itself may appear as an open sore, often located on pressure points like the heel or ball of the foot. Treatment is important to prevent complications, such as infections or amputations. Initial steps include keeping the ulcer clean and dry, often using saline solutions for cleansing. Debridement, or removal of dead tissue, may be necessary to promote healing. Offloading the affected area by using specialized footwear or orthotic devices helps alleviate pressure and facilitates recovery. If you suspect you have a neuropathic foot ulcer, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This specialist can provide expert care tailored to your needs and help ensure a successful recovery.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with John M. Fanelly, DPM from Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Philadelphia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Early detection of toenail fungus is essential for effective treatment and prevention of complications. Addressing the condition in its initial stages can significantly reduce the risk of the infection spreading to other nails or worsening over time. When identified early, treatment options are generally more straightforward and less invasive, often involving topical antifungal medications. Prompt intervention also helps prevent the toenail from becoming thickened, brittle, or discolored, which can lead to more severe discomfort and difficulty in finding suitable footwear. Furthermore, early diagnosis is particularly important for individuals with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, who are at higher risk for complications. If you see the beginning stages of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you treatment remedies, which often includes prescribed medication.
For more information about treatment, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM of Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Philadelphia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Ingrown toenails occur when the nails grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and possible infection. While mild cases of ingrown toenails can sometimes improve on their own, more severe or persistent cases often require medical care. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the ingrown toenail and offer specific treatment options. In advanced cases, minor surgical procedures, such as partial or total nail removal, may be necessary to alleviate pain and prevent recurrence. Ingrown toenails that become infected may also be treated with antibiotics, if needed. Early intervention can reduce the likelihood of such complications, especially for patients with diabetes or circulation issues. Regular care from a podiatrist, such as learning how to correctly trim nails and wearing shoes that fit properly, can also help. If you have a painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.
Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact John M. Fanelly, DPM of Northeast Philadelphia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.
Causes
Prevention
Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.
Treatment
Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Philadelphia, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
