Items filtered by date: September 2024

Unfortunately heel pain happens to many people. It is often caused by inflammation or injury to the tissues in the heel. The most frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes irritated. Early symptoms include sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting. Risks include obesity, excessive physical activity, and wearing unsupportive shoes. Complications from untreated heel pain include chronic discomfort and altered gait, which may strain other joints and muscles. Those most at risk are athletes, individuals with flat feet or high arches, and people who stand for long periods of time. Diagnosis is typically made through a physical exam and, if necessary, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to assess the extent of damage. For persistent heel pain, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide an effective treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM of Pioneer 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 contact our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs can cause significant discomfort and disrupt your daily routine. A common symptom is a sharp, knife-like pain in the heel when you first stand up in the morning, which can make getting out of bed challenging. Throughout the day, this pain often transforms into a dull ache, while inflammation and swelling at the front of the heel become noticeable. You might also feel heat radiating from the affected area and observe a small, visible bone-like protrusion under the heel. The heel's bottom may be tender to touch, making walking barefoot particularly uncomfortable. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help. A podiatrist can provide a precise diagnosis and effective treatment options tailored to your needs. Do not let heel spurs keep you from your daily activities. It is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to get back on your feet comfortably.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Haglund's deformity, often called “Haglund's bump,” is a bony protrusion that forms on the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation, especially when wearing shoes that rub against the bump. It typically results from repetitive stress or pressure on the heel, often made worse by tight or rigid footwear. Treatment options for Haglund's deformity vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. Initial conservative measures include wearing cushioned, well-fitting shoes or using orthotic inserts. In more severe cases, specific exercises may be recommended to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve flexibility. If conservative treatments fail, surgery might be considered to remove the bony protrusion or repair any associated tendon damage. For personalized advice and effective management of Haglund’s deformity, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Landon Bowerbank, DPM of Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lehi, UT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Engaging in windsurfing or kitesurfing can be exhilarating, but it also exposes participants to potential foot injuries and cuts caused by beach pollution. Debris like sharp shells, broken glass, or discarded objects can pose hazards, leading to cuts or puncture wounds on the feet. Immediate first aid is critical, involving cleaning the wound with fresh water and applying an antiseptic to prevent infection. Removing any embedded debris from the affected foot carefully is essential before covering the laceration with a sterile bandage. Prevention strategies include wearing water shoes or protective footwear to minimize direct contact with hazardous materials. Surfers should also familiarize themselves with the beach conditions and inspect the area for potential dangers that can happen to the feet before launching into the water. If you enjoy either form of surfing and you endured a foot injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat any foot injury you may have.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Landon Bowerbank, DPM from Pioneer Foot and Ankle. our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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