When adults experience heel pain, a podiatrist begins diagnosis by asking detailed questions about symptoms, daily activities, and any recent injuries. The exact location of the pain, whether under the heel, behind it, or on the sides, can help identify the cause. Common conditions include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, or heel spurs. During a physical exam, the podiatrist checks for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and how the foot functions during movement. Gait analysis may reveal abnormal foot mechanics. Imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasound are sometimes used to detect bone spurs, soft tissue damage, or stress fractures. In certain cases, lab tests may be ordered to rule out systemic conditions. Because heel pain can have many causes and may worsen without treatment, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Michele Kraft, DPM of Toes on the Go. 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 Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits or tear, often resulting from a sudden twist or roll of the foot. Common causes include uneven surfaces, improper footwear, lack of warm-up before activity, and previous ankle injuries that weaken stability. Athletes and individuals with poor balance or weak ankle muscles are especially at risk. To help prevent ankle sprains, it is important to maintain strength and flexibility in the lower legs and ankles. Wearing supportive shoes and practicing good technique during physical activity also play a key role. Avoiding sudden changes in movement and being mindful on unstable surfaces can reduce the chance of injury. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat foot problems and help you with additional running injury prevention methods.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Michele Kraft, DPM of Toes on the Go. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Athletes are more likely to develop onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the toenails. Constant sweating, wearing tight shoes, and exposure to communal areas like locker rooms create an ideal environment for fungus to thrive. Repetitive trauma to the toenails from running or sporting activity can also make nails more vulnerable to infection. Early signs include discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail. If left untreated, onychomycosis can cause pain, make wearing shoes difficult, and even lead to secondary bacterial infections. Treatment often involves topical antifungal medications, oral prescriptions, or laser therapy. Athletes can help prevent onychomycosis by keeping their feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, wearing breathable shoes, and using shower shoes in public areas. If you notice changes in your toenails, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Michele Kraft, DPM of Toes on the Go. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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