Sprains and Heel Pain

An ankle sprain occurs by stretching or tearing one or more ligaments on either or both sides of the ankle. Ignoring a sprain won't help it heal any faster. Ankle injuries that are serious enough to cause disabling pain should be treated by a podiatrist. Further examination may even reveal a torn ligament or bone fracture. Common treatments for sprains include rest, elevation, compression, and ice. More serious sprains may call for crutches or other walking devices.

Podiatrists and Heel Pain

What can a podiatrist do about heel pain? We must first answer the question "What is a Podiatrist"? A podiatrist is a specialist who focuses on your feet and ankles. They are quite simply "The Experts" on your feet, heels, and ankles and should be the very first doctor you call when you experience pain or other problems with them.

The DPM after a podiatrist's name stands for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Most people know that podiatrists deal with foot, heel, and ankle problems and work with seniors, or diabetics, or people with poor circulation; what most people don't know is that podiatrists treat patients of all ages. A podiatrist is also well-qualified to help children and young adults with the problems they can experience with their feet, heels, and ankles.

Podiatrists are required, just like any other doctor, to be licensed by the state in which they practice. When medically necessary, podiatrists perform surgery to correct or remedy problems. Before we recommend surgery, we will explore the many conservative therapies and remedies that are available for our patients and then recommend the very best course of treatment. As medical science advances and new therapies become available to the public, podiatrists are increasingly able to offer their patients some of the most state-of-the-art care available.

Stress Fractures and Heel Pain

An incomplete break in the bone by overuse is known as a stress fracture. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and redness. Up to 15% of all sports injuries are stress fractures. A podiatrist needs to perform an examination and look at X-rays of the injury in order to diagnose a stress fracture. Treatments include immobilization of the foot with the use of a cast or walking boot, medications, and in some cases orthotic devices to prevent further and future injuries.

Sever's Disease

The most frequent source of heel pain in children between the ages of 9 and 15 is Sever's Disease. It is caused by an inflammation of growth plates in the back of the heel sue to rapid bone growth and is most often seen in children who participate in athletics. With this condition, pains is usually felt at the back and side of the heel bone or even the bottom of the heel. Pain usually worsens when the heel bone is squeezed or when the child is running or jumping. Podiatrists are trained to treat patients of all ages and it is important to have your child examined if they are complaining of heel pain or limping.

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.