A common cause of foot pain is a stress fracture, which is a hairline crack in the bone. It is generally thought of as an overuse injury, and it is particularly common among runners and other athletes involved in high-impact sports. Another cause is doing too much, too soon when your body is not in shape. Poor or incorrect training habits may also lead to the development of stress fractures. In addition, footwear that lacks proper cushioning and arch support may be a factor. Gradual pain during weight-bearing activity is a sign of a stress fracture. This discomfort usually subsides after resting the foot or ceasing the activity. For that reason, a stress fracture may easily go unnoticed. Other symptoms include swelling on the top of the foot, tenderness to touch, and in some cases, bruising. Further, a stress fracture may cause sharp pain when taking a step. It can take up to two months for a stress fracture to heal. During that time it is thought wise to switch to non-weight-bearing activities, such as swimming, for exercise. For help with stress fractures of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Scott Shrem from Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Runners
People affected with Osteoporosis
Tennis or basketball players
Gymnasts
High impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Hazlet, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel pain and stiffness that is worse after rising from prolonged sitting or sleep may be an indicator of plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or an injury, such as a stress fracture. Plantar fasciitis is a common ailment where the plantar fascia, the thick band of connective tissue on the sole of the foot running from the heels to the toes, becomes inflamed or sustains micro tears. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the band of tissues that connect the calf muscle to the heel bone. A heel stress fracture usually comes from overuse, improper form, or intense exercise. Since other conditions may cause heel pain as well, if you are experiencing this type of pain and it does not improve with rest, wearing comfortable and supportive shoes, and gentle stretching, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. 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 Hazlet, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Parents fall in love with every aspect of their newborn child, including their tiny, precious feet. They try hard to care for their babies in all ways and do what they can to ensure their child grows up healthfully. Paying attention to a baby’s feet is required as part of this care. Babies are born with the ability to walk, even if they usually cannot do so until about 15 months of age. They are usually born with flat feet, and when they first stand, their leg and foot muscles are not developed enough to support the arches. It takes approximately seven years for the arches to form. Baby’s feet need to be cared for to notice problems brewing and prepare them for walking. Good foot care for baby includes regularly examining their feet for abnormalities or developing problems. It is also recommended that parents keep their child’s feet clean, dry, and moisturized, cut their toenails straight across versus in a curved shape, and make sure their feet are not hampered from movement in their clothes or bed. Foot exercises will help to strengthen their feet. Babies should also wear socks rather than shoes before walking outdoors for strengthening purposes. To help you best care for your baby’s feet, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for more information on proper care.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Scott Shrem of Garden State Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Make sure their shoes fit properly
Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hazlet, NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
