January 2024

Monitoring heel pain is essential for effectively addressing its underlying causes and ensuring proper management. Heel pain can stem from various sources, including conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, or stress fractures. To gauge heel pain, individuals should focus on several key aspects. First, pinpoint the exact location of the pain, as it can provide valuable insights into its origin. Additionally, identifying activities or movements that trigger or worsen the pain is important. When assessing the severity and duration of the pain, it is also important to assess persistent or escalating discomfort. Signs of swelling, redness, or warmth surrounding the heel area can indicate inflammation. Changes in mobility and any adverse effects on daily activities should be noted. Evaluating footwear choices for proper support and fit can also contribute to managing heel pain. In cases of persistent or severe heel pain, it is suggested that you seek professional evaluation from a podiatrist. Regular monitoring of heel pain allows for early intervention, leading to faster recovery and improved overall foot health.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot stress fractures are hairline breaks in bones that are caused by repeated stress rather than a specific injury. Though tiny and difficult to detect, stress fractures can be a painful and debilitating condition. They typically occur in the lower leg, particularly in the metatarsal bones of the midfoot. They result from repetitive weight-bearing activities that exceed the capacity of muscles and tendons to absorb stress. Symptoms include pain during these types of activities, gradually becoming worse. Metatarsal stress fractures, also known as march fractures, are common among runners who rapidly change workout intensity. They also affect poorly conditioned individuals carrying heavy loads, such as newly recruited soldiers. Diagnosing foot stress fractures involves X-rays or a bone scan, as standard X-rays may not reveal the fracture until several weeks after the injury. It may be necessary to stop weight-bearing activities for up to three months. This period allows the bone to heal and regain its strength. Risk factors include high foot arches, inadequate shock-absorbing shoes, and thinning bones. For help with metatarsal foot pain that can be caused by stress fractures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Navigating a child's heel pain, particularly in the context of Sever's disease, demands careful attention. This condition primarily targets children during their adolescent growth spurts, typically affecting girls aged 8 to 13 and boys aged 10 to 15. As children grow, their bones elongate from growth plates, soft areas of cartilage near the ends of bones, which eventually solidify. Sever’s disease arises when the calf muscle and Achilles tendon excessively pull on the immature heel bone, which continues to develop until approximately age 15. Athletes engaged in high-impact sports face a higher risk for Sever's disease, but less active children can also be affected. Symptoms include pain on the sides or margins of the heel, which may increase with activities like standing on tiptoes or running. Diagnosis relies on symptoms, as X-rays cannot confirm Sever's disease but may rule out other causes. While symptoms may persist for several months, prompt recognition and appropriate intervention can help children effectively manage and alleviate the heel pain associated with Sever’s disease. For help in managing your child’s heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Cuboid syndrome, a lesser-known but impactful foot ailment, develops in the lateral midfoot region. Situated on the outer side of the foot, the cuboid bone plays a pivotal role in maintaining the stability and functionality of the foot's arch. When this small, cube-shaped bone becomes dislocated or irritated, it gives rise to cuboid syndrome. The affected area often encompasses the lateral aspect of the foot, extending from the midfoot toward the outer edge. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion, affecting the smooth coordination of the foot during movement. Precise anatomical alignment is vital for the cuboid and its neighboring bones, and any disruption can lead to discomfort. If you have endured an injury and there is existing pain in the outer area of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

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 one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis, a prevalent foot ailment, reveals itself as a condition marked by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. Characterized by stabbing pain, particularly during the initial steps after awakening or prolonged periods of inactivity, plantar fasciitis often affects the heel and sole. The condition typically results from overuse, where repetitive stress on the plantar fascia leads to microtears and inflammation. While commonly associated with athletes, plantar fasciitis can affect individuals from various walks of life, particularly those with jobs that require prolonged standing. Having tight calf muscles or flat feet and wearing inadequate footwear may contribute to increased vulnerability. Recognizing plantar fasciitis's early signs, such as localized pain and stiffness, enables timely intervention. If you have heel pain, it may be indicative of plantar fasciitis. If this applies to you, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this condition.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.