The heel fat pad is a thick layer of soft tissue beneath the heel bone that cushions each step. Heel fat pad atrophy develops when this protective layer becomes thinner or loses some of its spring. The heel then has less protection from the force created while walking, running, or standing. Aging can contribute to these changes. Repeated impact and an uneven walking pattern can place added strain on the pad. Certain health conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, can also affect this tissue.

Heel fat pad atrophy causes a deep, bruise-like pain in the center of the heel. The discomfort can become stronger on hard floors or after long periods of standing. Some patients feel pain while resting or when firm pressure is placed on the heel. These symptoms can resemble plantar fasciitis, but the location of the pain is usually different. Plantar fasciitis tends to cause pain closer to the inner front edge of the heel. An accurate diagnosis is important because these two problems require different care. Without proper treatment, heel pain can affect a patient’s walking pattern and increase pressure elsewhere in the foot.

A podiatrist can examine the heel, review the patient’s symptoms, and study how the foot moves. X-rays can help rule out a bone injury or another source of pain. Ultrasound imaging can show the thickness and condition of the heel pad. Once the cause is identified, the podiatrist can recommend treatment based on foot structure and activity level. Treatment can include custom orthotics, cushioned heel cups, or taping to hold the heel pad in a better position. The podiatrist can recommend shoes with proper cushioning and support. Regular evaluations can track changes in the heel and allow the treatment plan to be adjusted. If you have pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat heel pad atrophy. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Alex Kim, DPM of AVID Foot & Ankle Center. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain under the base of the big toe may be caused by two small bones, called sesamoids. They sit beneath the end of the long bone that connects to the big toe. The tiny bones help the big toe move and absorb pressure as the foot pushes off the ground. In some cases, a sesamoid bone is fractured or shifts from its usual position. Dancers, certain athletes, and runners face a higher risk because their activities place repeated pressure on the front of the foot. High arches, bunions, and frequent wearing of high-heeled shoes can also increase strain in this area.

Pain from sesamoiditis is usually centered under the big-toe joint and can develop gradually. It may become sharper when walking, running, or bending the big toe upward. Walking barefoot can be painful because there is little protection beneath the sore area. Wearing thin-soled and high-heeled shoes can also make symptoms worse. The skin near the joint may appear red, warm, or swollen. These signs can resemble a fracture, arthritis, or gout. Continuing to place pressure on the area can limit movement and make a patient change how the foot meets the ground.

A podiatrist can examine the painful area, check big-toe movement, and evaluate the way pressure moves through the foot. X-rays can help identify a fracture, arthritis, or a change in the position of a sesamoid bone. An MRI scan or another imaging test can provide more detail when the source of pain remains unclear. A podiatrist can provide offloading pads, prescribe custom orthotics, or recommend shoes with thick soles and lower heels. A podiatrist also may suggest taping, a brace, or a walking boot to limit painful movement while healing. Surgery is rarely considered, but it can be an option for severe damage that does not improve with other care. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Alex Kim, DPM of AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated. This tissue connects the heel to the front of the foot and helps support the arch. The condition usually causes pain near the bottom of the heel. Discomfort can be especially noticeable with the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period of time. Pain can also increase after extended standing or demanding activity.

Several factors can place extra stress on the plantar fascia. Repeated running, prolonged standing, and activities that increase strain on the heel can contribute to irritation. Tight calf muscles can also affect how the foot moves and increase tension on the plantar fascia. Foot structure can play a role as well. Flat feet or high arches can change the way pressure moves through the foot.  Wearing shoes that lack proper support can add stress to the heel and arch, especially when a person spends many hours on hard surfaces.

A podiatrist can evaluate heel pain and determine whether plantar fasciitis is responsible for the symptoms. The examination can assess where the pain occurs, how the foot moves, and whether other conditions could be causing discomfort. Imaging can be considered when another source of heel pain is suspected. Treatment can include supportive shoe inserts, prescription orthotics, or a night splint. A podiatrist can also recommend stretching and activity changes based on the patient's condition. More persistent cases can require additional treatment to reduce pain and support healing. Surgery is generally reserved for severe symptoms that do not improve with other forms of care. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Alex Kim, DPM  from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

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.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Soccer places demands on the feet through sprinting, cutting, and kicking. Sudden stops and changes of direction can lead to ankle sprains, turf toe, and broken bones. Players can also develop stress fractures, which are small cracks caused by repeated pressure. Heel pain and Achilles tendon injuries can result from frequent running and jumping or inadequate footwear. Blisters or damaged toenails can form when cleats are too tight, too loose, or poorly fitted. Young players can develop pain where the heel bone is still growing. Uneven fields, hard turf, and contact with other players can raise the chance of a soccer injury.

Symptoms depend on the injured area and the severity of the damage. Warning signs include pain, swelling, and bruising. A player may also have trouble putting weight on the affected foot. Turf toe causes pain and stiffness at the base of the big toe. A fracture can produce sharp pain that becomes worse with pressure or activity. Players should not ignore pain that continues, returns during play, or affects normal movement. Continuing to compete with an untreated injury can worsen the damage and delay a safe return to activity.

A podiatrist can examine the foot and ankle, check joint movement, and locate areas of tenderness. X-rays can reveal many fractures, while an MRI scan can show stress injuries or damage to soft tissue. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and can include a brace, cast, or walking boot. Custom orthotics can improve support and reduce harmful pressure inside the shoe. A podiatrist can also evaluate cleat fit and recommend shoes suited to the player’s foot shape and playing surface. Serious fractures, major ligament tears, or severe turf toe can require surgery. Follow-up visits help the podiatrist monitor healing and decide when the player can safely return to practice. If you have sustained a foot injury while playing soccer, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 Alex Kim, DPM from AVID Foot & Ankle Center. 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 contact our office located in Little Elm, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.