Heel Bumps

Also known as Haglund's Deformity, heel bumps are a bone enlargement on the back of the heel bone. They usually occur for athletes when the shoes they wear rub up against the heel, and they can be aggravated by the height or stitching of a heel counter of a particular shoe. The result is a painful bump or bumps on the heel that make exercising very difficult. Another term used for this condition is pump bump because it can frequently occur with the wearing of high heels as well.

Heel Bursitis

There are several fluid-filled sacs behind the heel bone that act as a cushion and a lubricant between muscles and tendons sliding over bone. They are known as bursae. Repetitive or over use of the ankle can cause the bursae to become inf lammed or irritated leading to heel bursitis. The condition is often mistaken for Achilles Tendonitits. Symptoms include pain in the heel, especially when walking, running, or jumping or when the area is touched. The skin around the back of the heel may be red and warm to the touch, and the pain may worsen when standing on tiptoe. It is commonly seen in people who are just starting an aggressive exercise routine.

Heel Spurs

Sometimes heel spurs are found in people with plantar fasciitis, but they are rarely the source of pain. Heel spurs are bony growths on the underside of the heel bone caused by tension from a tight plantar fascia ligament. They result from strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing away of the lining or membrane that covers the heel bone. Close to 70% of patients with plantar fasciitis have a heel spur that can be seen on an X-Ray. Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are often confused and they are related, but they are not the same condition.

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia is foot pain in the ball of your foot which is the area between your arch and your toes. It gets its name because the pain experienced is located in the metatarsals located in this part of the foot.

In this condition, one or more of the metatarsal joints becomes inflamed and possibly painful. People often develop a callus under the affected joint. There are many causes of Metetarsalgia including injuries, arthritis, poorly fitting shoes, and working on hard surfaces. Sometimes changing your shoes can help fix the problem, but we also recommend custom molded orthotics.

Dr. Vail!

The Advanced Footcare Clinic is the office of Dr. Thomas F. Vail, DPM, located in Findlay, Ohio. Dr. Vail is originally a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He is a cum laude graduate of Xavier University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Vail then went on to receive his medical degree (DPM) at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his surgical residency in Youngstown, Ohio, and completed an addition year specializing in minimal incision technologies in South Bend, Indiana.Dr. Vail is currently on staff at the Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center in Findlay and Bluffton, as well as the Findlay Surgery Center. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, as well as its Ohio Affiliate. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS) as well as being a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Powerstep Insoles

For patients looking for added comfort and support in their shoes, our office offers Powerstep insoles. These over-the-counter shoe inserts are to help realign joints in the body, as well as to support the foot, especially for the patient who may not bear their weight in a neutral position. These insoles are not only available in our office, but through our online store as well. Just visit http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/vail/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=195&DEPARTMENT_ID=57

Powerstep Full-Length Insoles: support and comfort from heel to toe
The Podiatrist's Prescription for Pain Relief!

Powerstep Full-Length features a prescription-like arch support encased in a unique double-layer cushioned insole (orthotic), plus a contoured stabilizing heel cup.Provides effective relief for heel and arch pain.

Features:
-Powerstep Full-Length features a prescription-like orthotic and arch support with a polypropylene shell encased in a unique double-layer cushioned insole.
-The Powerstep insole also has a well-contoured stabilizing heel cradle and intrinsic neutral fore-foot and rear-foot posts.
-Powerstep insoles have a special anti-bacterial Sanitiz fabric topsheet that reduces friction, heat and perspiration and prevents slippage.
-Powerstep provides effective relief from heel and arch pain and other common conditions.
-Powerstep insoles in full-Length is available in 10 sizes to ensure optimal fit.

Product Number:
10000

Visit our online store for other footcare needs besides just the Powerstep insole: http://www.ourdoctorstore.com/vail/

Pediatric Foot Care

Podiatrists are trained to care for the feet and ankles of patients of all ages and activity levels. Many foot ailments originate in childhood and some are even present at birth. It is a good idea to seek the advice of a podiatrist if you notice something about your baby's feet or child's feet that doesn't look normal. As children grow and their feet continue to develop, foot problems can result from injury, deformity, illness, hereditary factors, and improper footwear. If you think you child has any foot ailments that make walking difficult or uncomfortable you should have a thorough examination performed by a podiatrist. A podiatrist can also provide advice on ways to prevent sports-related injuries when your child starts to participate sports.