Items filtered by date: November 2024

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the ball of the foot, becomes inflamed or strained. Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of heel pain, and is frequently felt as sharp pain near the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. The discomfort may ease when you start moving but can return after standing or walking for extended periods. Causes include repetitive stress from activities like running, having high or low arches, tight calf muscles, or wearing unsupportive shoes. A chiropodist can help to manage plantar fasciitis symptoms by offering tailored treatment plans and recommending devices to relieve strain on the fascia. Diagnosis involves a physical examination, sometimes accompanied by imaging tests. Treatment typically includes stretches and wearing orthotic devices that provide support. If you are experiencing heel pain that may be related to plantar fasciitis, it is suggested to schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice and guidance.

Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort. 

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Stabbing pain near the heel

• Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest

• Pain that increases after exercising

• Swelling

• Tightness in the Achilles tendon

Diagnosis

Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination. 

Treatment

Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended. 

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

Toe-walking is common in babies learning to walk, but for some children, it becomes a persistent habit. While many children outgrow it without intervention, consistent toe-walking can be linked to having a short Achilles tendon, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy. In these cases, the child's heel may not strike the ground properly, affecting their balance and coordination. Autism spectrum disorders have also been associated with toe-walking. Symptoms may include difficulty in maintaining balance, frequent falls, and discomfort while wearing shoes. Treatment depends on whether the cause is habitual or medical. A chiropodist can assess the condition through a physical exam and recommend interventions like stretching exercises, leg splints, or in more severe cases, referral for casting or surgery to lengthen the tendons. These interventions can improve the child's gait and prevent complications like reduced mobility or discomfort. If your child consistently exhibits toe-walking, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for helpful advice.

If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain in Children

While children can experience many of the same foot problems as adults do, some foot problems may be more common during childhood. 

Causes of foot pain in children can include:

• Deformities that are present from birth, such as flat feet or clubfoot

• Sever’s disease, which is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone

• Various sports injuries, such as sprains and fractures 

• Ingrown toenails

• Athlete’s foot

• Plantar warts

Prevention

It is important to look after the health of children’s feet in order to prevent future problems from arising. Keep your child’s feet clean and dry, trim their toenails regularly, ensure their shoes fit properly, and keep a watchful eye on any symptoms of foot pain, such as limping. If you notice any symptoms or if your child complains of foot pain, a chiropodist can help. 

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

Heel spurs are bony protrusions that form on the underside of the heel bone, often leading to discomfort and pain. The primary cause of heel spurs is prolonged strain on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This strain can result from repetitive activities such as running, jumping, or standing for extended periods. Symptoms of heel spurs typically include sharp pain in the heel, especially during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. This pain may lessen with movement but can return after periods of rest. Swelling and tenderness surrounding the heel may also be present. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Heel spurs are bony outgrowths from calcium deposits. They occur at the back of the heel bone or underneath the heel bone and usually form in response to chronic irritation of the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. They are often asymptomatic, but if you are suffering from heel pain, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Symptoms of Heel Spurs

• Tenderness

• Heel pain

• Pain when walking

• No symptoms

Diagnosis

Since heel spurs are often asymptomatic, they are usually only diagnosed when they are found on the heels incidentally during an X-ray taken for another reason. Nevertheless, if you have heel pain, and particularly if you have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, it may be worth it to see if you have heel spurs too. 

Treatment

Unless they are causing symptoms, heel spurs typically don’t require any treatment. When they are symptomatic, treatments are typically conservative. They may include resting and icing the affected foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing orthotics or supportive footwear, especially while exercising. 

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