Items filtered by date: January 2025

Heel pain is a common issue that can be caused by several underlying conditions. One of the most frequent causes is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition often results from overuse, improper footwear, or excessive pressure on the feet. Another cause of heel pain is Achilles tendinitis, which occurs when the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes inflamed. Heel spurs, which are calcium deposits on the heel bone, can also lead to pain. Many people experience increased discomfort in the morning because the tissues in the foot tighten overnight. When stepping out of bed, the sudden pressure can strain these stiff tissues, causing sharp pain. As the day progresses and the foot warms up, the pain may decrease, but it can return after long periods of standing or walking. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate relief and treatment remedies.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Theresa Brown, DPM of Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. 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 Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns, calluses, and plantar warts are common foot conditions, but they have distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments. Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop on pressure points, often on the toes or soles, due to friction from wearing ill-fitting shoes or repetitive pressure. They can be painful, especially when walking. Plantar warts are caused by a viral infection, the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and typically appear as rough, raised growths on the bottom of the feet. Plantar warts are contagious and may cause discomfort when pressure is applied. Treatment for a plantar wart may involve freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, laser treatments, or minor surgery to remove it. To treat a corn, start by addressing the cause of friction and pressure, such as wearing properly fitting shoes and using inserts or pads for cushioning. If a painful corn persists it can be safely removed by a podiatrist. If you have either of these ailments, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Theresa Brown, DPM of Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

A bunion, or hallux valgus, is a deformity at the base of the big toe, affecting the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint. It occurs when the first metatarsal bone angles outward, while the top of the big toe tilts inward. This results in a protrusion that can become inflamed and painful. Shoes with a narrow toe box or high heels often worsen the discomfort by putting pressure on the misaligned joint. Bunions can develop due to inherited foot structures, such as flat feet or low arches. They are more common among women, especially those in occupations requiring prolonged standing or who frequently wear high heels. Left untreated, a bunion may lead to additional foot issues, including calluses, hammertoes, or pain in the ball of the foot. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of your bunion and suggest custom orthotics to improve alignment, padding to reduce friction, or, in severe cases, surgery to restore function. If you experience toe pain caused by a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Theresa Brown, DPM of Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, particularly affecting those between the ages of eight and 14. It occurs due to inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, known as the calcaneal apophysis. This condition is often triggered by repetitive physical activities such as running, jumping, or sports that put stress on the feet. The primary risk factors include being involved in high-impact sports, having tight Achilles tendons, and being overweight. Children who have flat feet or high arches may also be at higher risk. Symptoms typically include pain and tenderness at the heel, especially during or after physical activity. The pain may improve with rest but can worsen with continued activity. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and relief methods.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Theresa Brown, DPM from Essie M.B. Smith Foot Clinic. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.