When children experience heel pain, it can interfere with their ability to play, walk comfortably, or participate in daily activities. One of the most common causes is Sever disease, an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel that often develops during growth spurts. Other possible issues include overuse injuries, poorly fitting shoes, flat feet, or biomechanical imbalances that place added strain on the heel. Although heel discomfort in children is often temporary, it should never be ignored, especially if the pain persists, worsens with activity, or changes the way a child walks. Early evaluation allows a podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate care, which may include activity modifications, stretching, wearing supportive footwear, or custom orthotics. It is suggested you see a podiatrist if your child has ongoing heel pain or difficulty walking without discomfort.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Highlands Foot and Ankle. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Waco, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot blisters are fluid filled pockets that form when repeated friction, heat, and moisture damage the outer layers of skin. During hiking, blisters often develop as the foot rubs against boots over long distances, especially on uneven terrain. Symptoms may include redness, burning pain, swelling, tenderness, and clear or cloudy fluid beneath the skin. Prevention is important, and starts with making sure boots fit correctly and provide proper support without excessive movement. Choosing the right socks that reduce moisture and friction can also help protect the skin. When hiking for long periods, bringing a second pair of socks allows damp socks to be changed, lowering the risk of irritation. A podiatrist can help by treating painful or infected blisters, recommending proper footwear, and providing guidance to prevent recurrence. If foot blisters are limiting your comfort or hiking enjoyment, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Highlands Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Foot drop is a condition in which the foot drags or has difficulty lifting while walking, often caused by weakness in the muscles that raise the front of the foot and toes. This weakness can develop from problems in the muscles themselves, nerve damage that interrupts signals to the foot and ankle, or structural issues that affect movement. People with foot drop often change their walking style to avoid tripping, sometimes lifting the knee higher than normal to clear the toes from the ground. Over time, this can create additional strain on the joints of the foot and ankle. Causes include direct injury to the dorsiflexor muscles, nerve compression, diabetic neuropathy, or stroke-related changes. A podiatrist can identify the underlying reason for the problem and recommend supportive devices to improve mobility. If you have problems lifting your feet while walking, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Highlands Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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