Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.
Bursitis of the heel occurs when a small fluid filled sac near the Achilles tendon becomes irritated, often from pressure, repetitive rubbing, or increased activity. This irritation can cause a deep ache at the back of the heel, along with swelling, warmth, or tenderness when wearing shoes with a stiff heel counter. Some people feel sharper pain when rising onto the toes or after long periods of standing. Rest and changes in footwear may ease the discomfort, but persistent symptoms often need more directed care. A podiatrist can examine the area to confirm the source of the pain, recommend supportive shoes or padding, and offer treatments that reduce inflammation. In some cases, imaging or targeted therapies may be used to calm the irritated tissue. If your heel pain continues to interfere with daily comfort, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Bangor Podiatry. 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?
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 feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail pierces the skin at the fold of the nail. Some common causes of ingrown toenails may include trauma, improper toenail cutting, shoes that are too tight, sweaty feet, and medications. Ingrown toenails can also be recognized by the swelling and inflammation around the toenail that is painful when pressure is applied. While there are many home remedies that can help reduce the pain of an ingrown toenail, it is important to visit a podiatrist in order to prevent an infection or further damage from occurring. Your podiatrist can provide a variety of home remedies, as well as provide surgical options if necessary.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Resistance bands are elastic tools that can be used to strengthen the muscles of the feet and ankles. These bands come in varying levels of resistance, allowing for gradual strengthening of the smaller stabilizing muscles that support balance, arch structure, and gait control. Exercises using resistance bands, such as foot flexes, toe curls, and ankle rotations, help improve flexibility, coordination, and joint stability. They are also useful for those recovering from foot injuries or seeking to prevent strain from repetitive movements. By maintaining proper form during each exercise, the muscles of the feet can become stronger, which supports better movement and reduces the risk of overuse injuries. A podiatrist can assess foot mechanics, identify muscle weakness, and recommend the most effective exercises for specific needs. For guidance on resistance band exercises for the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Skin ulcers on the feet are open sores that form when the skin and underlying tissue break down due to poor circulation, nerve damage, or constant pressure. Pressure ulcers develop on the heels or ankles when prolonged pressure reduces blood flow to the skin. Venous ulcers form above the ankle when veins fail to circulate blood properly, causing fluid buildup and skin damage. Arterial ulcers appear on the toes, ankles, or between toes when blood flow is reduced by narrowed arteries, leaving the skin deprived of oxygen. Neuropathic ulcers, often seen in people with diabetes, occur on weight-bearing areas like the ball of the foot. Nerve damage prevents pain sensation, allowing minor injuries to worsen unnoticed. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause, promote healing, and help prevent limb loss. If you notice sores on the feet that do not heal properly, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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