Tag Archives: heel pain

heel pain

Common Causes Of Heel Pain

Common Causes Of Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common foot problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes of heel pain include:

  1. Plantar Fasciitis: This is the most common cause of heel pain, occurring when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed or irritated.
  2. Achilles Tendinitis: This condition occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, becomes inflamed or irritated.
  3. Heel Spurs: These are bony growths that develop on the bottom of the heel bone, often as a result of long-term plantar fasciitis.
  4. Stress Fractures: These are small cracks in the bones of the foot, which can occur as a result of overuse or repetitive impact.
  5. Bursitis: This is the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions and protects the joints in the body. When it occurs in the heel, it can cause pain and swelling.
  6. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: This is a condition that occurs when the tibial nerve, which runs through a tunnel in the ankle, becomes compressed or pinched.
  7. Sever’s Disease: This is a condition that occurs in children and adolescents when the growth plate in the heel bone becomes inflamed or irritated.

Other causes of heel pain can include nerve damage, arthritis, and obesity. It is important to see a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of heel pain and to receive appropriate treatment.

Please call us to schedule our housecalls podiatrist visit:  312-998-0974

heel pain

Heel Pain Treatments

There are several treatments available for heel pain, depending on the underlying cause of the pain. Here are some common treatments:

  1. Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain can help the heel heal.
  2. Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.
  3. Stretching: Stretching exercises can help to relieve tension in the foot and ankle muscles.
  4. Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts can help to distribute the weight more evenly on the foot, reducing pressure on the heel.
  5. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve flexibility and strength in the foot and ankle, which can reduce pain and improve function.
  6. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
  7. Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
  8. Surgery: Surgery may be necessary in rare cases, such as for severe cases of plantar fasciitis or heel spurs that do not respond to other treatments.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition.

Please call us to schedule our podiatrist visit:  312-998-0974

Heel pain

Heel Pain Reasons

Heel Pain

Heel pain can be caused by a number of different conditions. Some of the most common causes of heel pain include:

  1. Plantar fasciitis: This is the most common cause of heel pain. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is usually felt as a sharp pain in the heel when first getting up in the morning or after sitting for a long period of time.
  2. Achilles tendonitis: The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is caused by overuse or strain of the tendon and is typically felt as a dull ache in the back of the heel.
  3. Heel spurs: Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the heel bone. They are often caused by long-term plantar fasciitis or other conditions that put stress on the heel bone.
  4. Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint. In the heel, bursitis can occur at the back of the heel or beneath the heel bone.
  5. Stress fractures: Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone that are caused by repetitive stress or overuse. They are more common in athletes or people who do high-impact activities.
  6. Sever’s disease: This is a condition that affects growing children and adolescents. It is caused by inflammation of the growth plate in the heel bone.

If you are experiencing heel pain, it is important to see a doctor or a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Schedule visiting foot doctor appointment by calling:  312-998-0974

laser foot pain

Laser for Chronic Foot Pain

MLS Laser Therapy for Foot Pain

Chronic heel pain is one of the most common forms of foot pain in adults. Most of heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis.  Low level laser therapy (LLLT) offers a quick, painless, non-invasive, side-effect free alternative to relieve the debilitating pain of plantar fasciitis.

Low level laser therapy accelerates the body’s natural healing process by energizing the biochemical responses within our cells.

Low-level laser therapy has been found to be effective in numerous medical conditions and associated symptoms. Regardless of the condition for which it is used, LLLT has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps with edema and promotes faster healing.

It has been demonstrated that this therapeutic solution could relieve short-term pain in multiple acute and chronic conditions such as rheumatic disorders, neck pain, chronic joint disorders,  tendinopathy.

Five common foot ailments:

Arthritis

MLS can reduce swelling and increase your range of motion and mobility for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis, the constant pain and stiffness in your feet can make it hard to walk.

Foot neuromas

MLS stops the pain of diabetic feet and foot neuromas, it can help heal the tissue that’s causing the pain.

Plantar fasciitis

MLS laser can help if you have a plantar fasciitis.

Tendonitis

MLS targets that inflammation and stops the discomfort so you can get moving again.

Sprains/strains

Some of the most common foot and ankle injuries are sprains and strains.  MLS helps to ease the pain and help the tissues regenerate and heal.

Call to schedule our house calls podiatrist visit:  312-998-0974

Cracked heels

Cracked Heels

Cracked Heels Treatments

Dry, cracked heels are not only unsightly, but they can also be a source of pain and embarrassment.  Do you suffer from dry, cracked heels when you wear open heeled sandals? These cracks, known as heel fissures, are caused when excess pressure is placed on dry skin and calluses on the bottom of the foot. They generally aren’t painful at first, but they can be unsightly. If the cracks become deep enough, they can begin to cause pain or even bleed and lead to infection.

The skin on the heels may become dry for a variety of reasons, and this can precede a condition that is known as cracked heels. Standing for extended periods of time throughout the day, and frequently wearing shoes that have an open back are some ways this ailment may develop. There are also medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or a thyroid disorder that can cause cracked heels.

If you are suffering from heel fissures, here are some helpful home remedies:

  • Moisturize your feet daily
  • Increase your water intake to keep your body hydrated
  • Wear clean socks and closed shoes as much as possible
  • Limit time in the shower as hot water dries out the skin
  • Avoid barefoot walking, especially on hard surfaces
  • Use a pumice stone in the shower to help remove dead skin & soften calluses

It is important to seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 312-998-0974 to schedule podiatrist visit to your home. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain. Plantar fasciitis affects as many as one in ten people in their lifetimes.  Although it affects all age groups, sexes, and ethnicities, there is a higher prevalence in women between 40 and 60 years of age. Because it is so common, many people think plantar fasciitis is both unavoidable and untreatable.

Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is often mistaken for heel spurs. It causes pain on the sole of your foot, and has been described by sufferers as a stabbing pain in the bottom of their feet.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can include:

  • Sharp pain in your foot
  • Significant pain when you first get up in the morning
  • Foot pain after exercise
  • Foot pain after standing or sitting for long periods

Some Tips to Reduce Risks of Plantar Fasciitis

 Plantar fasciitis strikes without warning, but there are things you can do to increase your chances of staying healthy. Here are some suggestions from our doctors:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight will protect feet and ankles from numerous afflictions. Eat a well-balanced diet rooted in lean protein, whole grains, colorful fruits, and vegetables.

  • Wear sensible comfortable shoes. High heel shoes also make you vulnerable to plantar fasciitis.

  • Alternate high-impact start-and-stop athletic activities like tennis or basketball with lower-impact options like swimming and bicycling.

  • Stretch before and after exercise and even when you’re just watching television at home. Stretching helps keep soft tissues supple and healthy.

Our podiatrists at Chicago Home Foot Care have a great experience in treating plantar fasciitis as it is the leading cause of heel pain. Call us today if if you’re experiencing pain in your heel or foot: 312-998-0974. Or schedule our podiatrists home visit  here:  https://chicagohomefootcare.com