Heel pain can arise from several conditions that affect daily comfort and mobility. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the band of tissue that supports the arch. It often causes sharp pain on the bottom of the feet after rest. Sever’s disease is a growth-related condition in active children that leads to irritation at the heel. Heel pad atrophy refers to thinning of the natural cushioning under the heel, leading to deep aching pain. Risk factors include overuse, wearing improper footwear, age, and foot structure. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, recommend supportive treatments, and help prevent further discomfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition involving inflammation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. It often causes sharp pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. This discomfort typically lessens as walking continues, but it may return after long periods of exertion. Pain is usually felt along the bottom of the heel and arch. Risk factors include prolonged standing, tight calf muscles, and flat feet. Having high arches and wearing shoes that lack support are other factors. Early attention can prevent worsening symptoms. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend stretching, orthotics, and other treatments to reduce strain. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can begin effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Cuboid syndrome is a condition involving the cuboid bone in the foot, where it becomes misaligned or irritated, leading to discomfort and impaired movement. There is often pain on the outer side of the foot, especially during walking or standing, and it may be weak or difficult to bear weight. Causes can include falls, sudden missteps, or repetitive strain, while flat feet may increase stress on the area. Risk factors include athletic activity, wearing improper footwear, and previous foot injuries. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, provide manual treatment, recommend supportive devices, and guide rehabilitation. If you have pain in this area of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

Pickleball is a great way for older adults to stay active, but it can place repeated stress on the feet and ankles, especially with quick pivots, side-to-side movements, and sudden stops. These motions can increase the risk of sprains, which occur when ligaments are overstretched during an awkward step or loss of balance. Strains may also develop in muscles and tendons due to overuse or reduced flexibility. For seniors, factors like decreased balance, muscle strength, and joint stability can make these injuries more likely. Wearing shoes that lack proper support or have poor traction can further increase the risk of slipping or instability on the court. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot structure, addressing pain, and recommending supportive footwear or custom orthotics to improve stability and reduce strain.  If you have foot or ankle pain while playing pickleball, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist, who can relieve discomfort, improve safety, and help you continue enjoying this popular and social activity.

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 Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.