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May 2023

Tuesday, 30 May 2023 00:00

Why Does My Heel Hurt?

Heel pain is a common foot condition. It can happen for a variety of reasons and generally causes severe pain and discomfort. Plantar fasciitis is a foot ailment that affects the plantar fascia. This is defined as the band of tissue that connects the toes to the heels and is found on the bottom of the foot. An injury can cause the plantar fascia to become torn or irritated, and many patients will seek medical attention for relief. People who have endured an Achilles tendon injury may have heel pain at the point where the Achilles tendon connects to the calf muscles. Children and young teenagers who participate in sporting activities may develop Sever’s disease. This is a foot condition that affects the growth plate in the heel, and temporarily stopping the activity that caused the condition may bring mild relief. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment methods that are correct for you.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dale Delaney, DPM of InStride Kinston Podiatry 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 Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 23 May 2023 00:00

Simple Habits for Everyday Foot Care

Many people take their feet for granted, even though they are the foundation of the body. The feet will feel better when everyday foot care methods are routinely applied, which can begin with washing and drying the feet thoroughly. This can be followed by using a good moisturizer and trimming the toenails once per week. It is beneficial to cut the toenails straight across instead of in a curved fashion, and this may be helpful in preventing an ingrown toenail from developing. When the skin on the feet is regularly exfoliated, the removal of dead skin can make them feel softer. Exfoliating can be accomplished using a pumice stone, and it can help to soak the feet in warm water before beginning this procedure. It is beneficial to wear shoes that fit correctly, which can help to prevent several uncomfortable foot conditions from developing. If you would like more information about successful everyday foot care tips, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the knowledge you are seeking.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Tuesday, 16 May 2023 00:00

Foot Pain and Hip Pain

If a person is living with foot pain, there may be any number of potential causes. For example, a person might have a condition such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs that is causing the pain. Additionally, foot pain has interesting connections and relationships to other parts of the body that may be affected. Specifically, foot pain can sometimes be linked with hip pain. The reason for this is that the interaction between the foot and the hip, as well as the knee, form a kinetic chain, responsible for facilitating motion. Also, since the feet are the very foundation of the body, a problem with the feet could also lead to a problem with hip pain. Importantly, the hips and the feet are interconnected and one ought to care for both of these important body parts. If you are someone currently living with hip or foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain

A number of exercises are known to reduce the discomfort of arthritis in the big toe by increasing both ranges of motion and strength. Toe exercises can also help to reduce stiffness. Experts suggest taking it slowly at first, and increasing the number, intensity, and length of exercise periods as the range of motion also increases. It is suggested to do motion exercises for two sets of 10 repetitions. Stretching exercises should be held for 20 to 30 seconds and performed four to five times weekly. Strength exercises call for eight to 10 repetitions, up to five times a week. For older adults, repetitions can increase to 15 with reduced resistance. Toe curls and big toe extensions are common stretching exercises. Towel curls, toe splay, and marble pickup are for strengthening. Resisted toe flexion is helpful for increasing mobility. For directions on how to best use these and other toe exercises, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dale Delaney, DPM of InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toe Pain

If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.

Exercise is important for everyone, as it positively impacts health, boosts mood, and increases self-esteem. If a person is overweight, exercise can be particularly important given that excess weight can increase health risks. These can include high blood pressure, diabetes, and an array of foot problems. Beginning an exercise program can be daunting in the best of cases, but when one is overweight, it can feel especially difficult. Wearing proper workout gear and shoes for the activity to be achieved comfortably is a critical first step. Walking is a good form of exercise for those who are confronting the number on the scale because no special equipment is needed and it can be done anywhere. It also can be done at varying levels based on intensity, fitness level, and it can be easy on the feet. Starting for five to 10 minutes of walking and gradually building up to a 30 minute walk per day is an optimum goal. Speed and pace need not be a concern at the beginning, just consistency. If you have foot pain or have sustained a foot injury and want to exercise to lose weight, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for help.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Read more about Obesity and the Feet
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