HEEL PAIN
Heel pain is one of the most common problems any Podiatrist
or Sports Physician treats. It can occur in children and
adults alike.
It children, up
to the age of approximately 14-16 it’s called Sever’s
disease and in adults it’s referred to as plantar fasciitis.
Of course, before any diagnosis can made, the patient must
be carefully examined, a full history must be obtained and
x-rays and or MRI must be taken to rule out any osseous
(bone) injury such as stress fracture, true fracture,
Achilles tendon or plantar fascia pathology.
Sever’s disease
usually occurs in athletic children who participate in
sports such as soccer, basketball or gymnastics. This,
however, is not always the case. Weight can be a
contributing factor, but many children get Sever’s disease
who are not overweight. It’s more a product of repetitive
stress on the heel and the pull of the Achilles tendon on
the back of the heel. The pain can present on the bottom or
back of the heel either upon awakening in the morning or
after the sport. Rest will calm the condition, but it will
recur when the activity is repeated.
Plantar
fasciitis is a very similar condition with matching
symptoms, however, in most cases, weight plays a more
dominant role and the pain is strictly located on the bottom
of the foot in the heel and ort arch. It most commonly
occurs in the morning upon awakening, and then subside
briefly before recurring again towards the end of the day.
In addition to being overweight, runner’s are at a higher
risk for plantar fasciitis due to the repetitive stress on
the heel bone. Foot types also play a major role in the
etiology of the disease. People who tend to have a higher
instep and those who have a flat arch are more prone to
experience plantar fasciitis.
If you suffer
from any type of heel pain, especially upon awakening in the
morning, this is not normal and should be treated by a
professional. In addition to the most common remedy, of
rest, ice and over the counter anti-inflammatories, a good
pair of custom, supportive orthotics are usually necessary
to control the symptoms.
Never ignore
pain, listen to your body and get to appropriate medical
care if you have lingering heel pain.
Hammer Toes In general, the term "hammer toe" describes a buckling of any of the toe joints.
Joints at the end or middle of the toe, as well as the joint near the ball of
the foot, may be affected. Toe joints usually curl because of a muscle imbalance
or tight tendons. Hammer toes vary in severity and in the number of joints and
toes involved.
