Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Heel pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages and activity levels. It can result from plantar fasciitis, where the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Other causes include soft tissue sprains and strains due to overuse or injury, and joint pain from arthritis or structural issues. Prolonged standing, poor footwear, or increased physical activity can trigger or worsen symptoms. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the source of heel pain and offer tailored treatments, such as stretching programs, orthotic support, and footwear guidance. If heel pain is affecting your mobility or comfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and appropriate treatment solutions.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Richard DiMario of Maine. 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 our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Nerve damage in the feet, particularly involving the nerves between the toes, may lead to pain in the ball of the foot, also termed metatarsalgia. This type of nerve damage may result in a neuroma, which is a benign thickening of nerve tissue, commonly found between the third and fourth toes. Tight or poorly fitted shoes, reduced fat padding in the foot, and structural foot issues may place excessive pressure on these nerves. Symptoms of neuropathy include a mild ache or tingling in the toes, often becoming more intense with certain footwear. As the condition progresses, a patient may feel persistent burning pain or the sensation of having a pebble inside the shoe. A podiatrist may recommend footwear changes, orthotic devices, or injections. If conservative methods fail, surgery may be required to remove the affected nerve. If you have foot problems related to nerve damage in the feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing irritation and discomfort. This condition most commonly affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, toe injuries, or inherited nail shapes. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain along the nail edge, and sometimes infection with drainage or increased tenderness. If left untreated, an athlete's foot infection may worsen and lead to more serious complications. Diagnosis is usually made through a clinical examination of the affected toe. A podiatrist can provide relief by carefully removing the ingrown portion, treating any infection, and offering guidance on proper nail care. Ingrown toenails can cause severe pain and discomfort. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment remedies.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Dr. Richard DiMario of Maine. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Proper foot care is essential for elderly people to maintain mobility, comfort, and overall health. A daily examination helps detect cuts, sores, or infections early, especially for those with diabetes or circulation issues. Washing the feet with warm water and drying them thoroughly prevents fungal and bacterial infections. Keeping nails trimmed and smooth reduces the risk of ingrown toenails and discomfort. Wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes helps prevent falls and relieves pressure on sensitive areas. Promoting healthy blood flow through regular movement and foot elevation is also important. A podiatrist can assist with routine care, identify potential problems early, and provide treatments that support foot function. If you are elderly, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on additional foot care tips.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Richard DiMario from Maine. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in York, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Richard DiMario, DPM - Default