Pain in the heel may develop as a result of plantar fasciitis, which involves a stretching of the plantar fascia ligament beyond its limit. Patients with plantar fasciitis often experience pain in the heel, arch or back of the leg, which is usually worse when getting up after sitting down for a while. Many patients with plantar fasciitis also develop bone spurs, calcium growths on the bottom of the heel where the plantar fascia pulls on the heel bone. Heel pain can also be caused by overuse, heel spurs, stress fractures or tarsal tunnel syndrome.
There are several treatment options available for chronic heel pain, including rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication and exercising. Most patients can achieve successful pain relief using these treatments within two months, although the condition may become chronic for some.
Supplementary treatments such as cortisone injections, arch support and orthotic inserts may be recommended in conjunction with conservative techniques. Many patients benefit from extracorporeal shockwave therapy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses low energy shock wave therapy to stimulate the healing process. Dr. Dixon will determine which type of treatment is most effective for each patient’s individual condition.
Nerve pain may be present in the foot as a result of damage or malfunction within the actual nerve or from pressure on the nerve as a result of another condition. Many different foot conditions, including hammertoes, bunions, corns, tumors and tarsal tunnel syndrome, may place pressure on nearby nerves and, as a result, lead to pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the affected area. Patients may experience difficulty walking and often find their daily lives are significantly affected by this pain.
In order to determine the cause of nerve pain, Dr. Dixon will likely perform a series of diagnostic exams to rule out certain conditions and pinpoint the origin of pain. While muscle pain tends to develop after a traumatic injury, nerve pain may begin without a triggering event.
Treatment for nerve pain often involves correction of the underlying condition, which may involve anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, electrical stimulation or surgery for severe conditions. Most patients benefit from a combination of treatments in order to achieve effective pain relief. Dr. Dixon will develop a customized treatment approach for each patient based on their individual needs.
People with diabetes are at high risk for developing problems with their feet. More than half of diabetics lose sensation in their feet due to nerve or blood vessel damage, and can hurt themselves without knowing it. To make things worse, diabetes slows healing and weakens the immune system, so what may seem like an inconsequential injury can quickly become a major problem. Even the smallest of foot and ankle injuries such as a blister or ingrown toenail can lead to infection and tissue death.
One of the most serious complications of the diabetic foot is Charcot foot, a deformity that develops when people fracture bones in their feet without realizing it and then continue to walk on the injury because they don't feel any pain.
It is important for patients with diabetes to have their feet examined at least once a year in order to detect any problems as soon as possible and to evaluate the overall health of the feet. Diabetic patients can reduce their risk of foot abnormalities by managing blood sugar levels, exercising regularly and wearing properly-fitting shoes.
If you or a loved one has diabetes, be sure to inspect your feet every day and visit your doctor regularly to ensure that you and your feet remain healthy.
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