Heel pain can be debilitating for some patients, and can arise due to a variety of different causes. The three most common sources of heel pain are plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and arthritis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed or torn. Achilles tendonitis is the result of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becoming inflamed. Other common causes of heel pain can include bursitis, stress fractures, or the wearing down of the heel pad at the bottom of the heel. If you are struggling with heel pain, consulting with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly beneficial.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group. 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 one of our offices located in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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A bunion is a bony lump that can form along the outside of the foot at the base of the big toe joint. This is a common type of deformity that can progressively worsen over time, with the bump enlarging and pushing the big toe towards the smaller toes and out of alignment. Symptoms of a bunion include a hard lump on the side of the toe, toe deviation, pain, stiffness, and redness. A large enough bunion may cause the sesamoid bones, located just under the big toe, to shift out of place. Additionally, the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that sit over the big toe may become irritated and inflamed, leading to a painful condition called bursitis. If you notice a bunion forming on your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Blue toe syndrome is a condition in which one or more toes develop a lace-like, bluish-purple discoloration (livedo reticularis) due to a blockage of the small blood vessels in the foot. In addition to skin discoloration, blue toe syndrome can cause intense pain in the foot that may radiate higher up into the leg. This condition is often associated with older age and other conditions that affect blood flow, such as atherosclerosis. Left untreated, blue toe syndrome can lead to skin ulceration, tissue death, and even gangrene. If you notice a sudden bluish-purple discoloration in your toes, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.
While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:
Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition characterized by poor circulation in the lower limbs. It occurs when the arteries that transport blood in the lower limbs become narrow and hardened due to a buildup of plaque. In its earlier stages, PAD is often asymptomatic. As it progresses, symptoms can begin to appear and may include leg cramping, numbness, weakness, coldness, discoloration, hair loss, changes in the texture and color of toenails, and the formation of poorly healing wounds on the feet and ankles. Since symptoms might not arise until the disease has progressed significantly, screening for PAD is very important. People who are at risk for PAD, such as adults over the age of 50, those who live a sedentary lifestyle, and those who have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular problems, should speak with a podiatrist about getting tested for PAD.
Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD include:
It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.
Diagnosis
While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.
Treatment
Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Ankle pain may be caused by a variety of injuries, foot conditions, or systemic diseases. Injuries that commonly cause ankle pain include sprains, strains, and fractures. Achilles tendinitis, chronic bursitis, and flat feet are examples of foot conditions that may lead to ankle pain. Systemic diseases like arthritis, gout, poor circulation, and peripheral neuropathy can also cause ankle pain. Ankle pain will vary in intensity based on the nature of the condition. It may worsen over time, and be accompanied by swelling, redness, inflammation, redness of the skin, and warmth. The ability to put weight on the ankle may also be mildly or completely hindered. Patients who are suffering from ankle pain should consult with a podiatrist because podiatrists are highly skilled at diagnosing and treating all kinds of ankle pain. They are also able to use various diagnostic and treatment methods from conservative care to surgical reconstruction to treat the underlying condition.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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