April 2021

The calcaneus, or heel bone, and its supporting fat pad, tendons and ligaments bear the brunt of the body’s weight and impact, while absorbing the stress of walking and running. For this reason, it is not uncommon for people of all ages and lifestyles to develop heel pain. Children and adolescents can develop Sever’s Disease when the growth plate of the calcaneus is repeatedly stressed due to growth spurts or physical activity. Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot from heel-to-toe) and Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone) can occur at any age, but is most common among adults. Whatever your lifestyle or age, contact a podiatrist if you or someone you love is experiencing any type of heel pain.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. 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 St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle problems. You should see a podiatrist if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your feet and ankles, such as joint pain or heel pain. A podiatrist can treat foot and ankle injuries, including sprains, strains, and broken bones. Treating skin conditions that affect the feet, such as athlete’s foot, corns and calluses, and deformities such as bunions and hammertoes, is also within a podiatrist’s scope of practice. But, it is not only acute conditions that warrant a visit to your doctor. A podiatrist can also help you manage and prevent foot problems from diabetes and other systemic conditions. For all of your foot and ankle care needs, please contact a podiatrist. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments which connect the bones in the ankle become overstretched or even torn. This is often a result of the ankle being twisted. Ankle sprains can range from mild, where the ankle is tender and swollen, to severe, where the ankle is unstable and unable to bear weight. Ankle sprains should be treated by a podiatrist because recurring or severe sprains can result in long term weakness and joint pain in the ankle. Depending on the severity of the sprain, a podiatrist may take X-rays of the ankle to make sure there are no broken bones. A podiatrist will also be able to guide the recovery and rehabilitation of the ankle sprain.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. Augustine, and Palatka, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing the right shoe size can help protect your feet from a variety of foot related issues and injuries. Shoes should cushion and support the foot, feel comfortable, and fit properly. There are some important tips to remember to achieve the perfect fit. If you are participating in physical activities, it is important to purchase shoes that are made and designed for your type of activity, such as walking shoes, running shoes, or even hiking boots. Because our feet are at their largest towards the end of the day, it is suggested to have them measured in the afternoon or evening. Ask a sales person for help to ensure you use the brannock device correctly. Make sure the toes can be wiggled while wearing the shoes and it is also suggested to wear the socks you intend to wear with the shoes. Additionally, make sure the shoes are comfortable when walking around the store, and avoid shoes that are made with plastic or have a narrow toe box. If you have questions or need help making sure your shoes fit properly, please seek the advice of a podiatrist.

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, LLC. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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