Signs and Treatment of a Fractured Heel
A broken heel bone, or calcaneus fracture, is a serious foot injury that often results from high-impact trauma, such as falling from a height or being in a car accident. In some cases, athletes who engage in repetitive stress, like long-distance running, may develop a stress fracture in the heel. Signs of a broken heel bone include intense heel pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to walk. A podiatrist will perform a thorough exam, which may include imaging tests, to determine the severity of the fracture. If the bone fragments remain in proper position, casting and immobilization may be sufficient. However, when the bone is significantly displaced or if the fracture is open, surgery may be necessary. This typically involves repositioning the bone and securing it with plates and screws. In the most severe cases, a fusion between the heel and ankle bones may be required to stabilize the foot. If you have extreme heel pain and fear it may be broken, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM of Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist 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 North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel Pain
Have you ever gotten up from a chair or out of bed in the morning, and upon taking that first step, feel like your heel has stepped on a tack? Many people experience a feeling of sharp pain which radiates into their arch from their heel and which does not allow them to put their heel on the floor. Sometimes they need to sit back down, stand only on their toes and use the wall for balance. If you can take a few steps, it seems to go away and lessen, allowing you to then resume your activity. Later, throughout your day and after a period of rest, it can happen again. If this sounds familiar you may be suffering from your first attack of heel pain.
Heel pain is a debilitating condition that affects day to day activities. Running and walking both causes stress on the heel because the heel is the part of the foot that hits the ground first. This means that the heel is taking on your entire weight. Diagnosis and treatments for heel pain can be easily found through your podiatrist.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the main causes of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot, from the toe to the bottom of the heel. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of these tissues, resulting in heel pain. People who do not wear proper fitting shoes are often at risk of developing problems such as plantar fasciitis. Unnecessary stress from ill-fitting shoes, weight change, excessive running, and wearing non-supportive shoes on hard surfaces are all causes of plantar fasciitis.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Similar to plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause heel pain due to stress fractures and muscle tearing. A lack of flexibility of the ankle and heel is an indicator of Achilles tendonitis. If left untreated, this condition can lead to plantar fasciitis and cause even more pain on your heel.
Heel Spur
A third cause of heel pain is a heel spur. A heel spur occurs when the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, leading to a separation of the ligament from the heel bone entirely. This results in a pointed fragment of bone on the ball of the foot, known as a heel spur.
Treatment Options for Broken Toes
A broken toe can be painful and may limit movement in the foot or ankle, especially if left untreated. While some toe fractures may seem minor, many require medical attention to prevent complications. Common signs include swelling, bruising, pain when walking, and changes in toe alignment. A podiatrist can evaluate the broken toe through a physical exam and imaging tests to determine the type of fracture and what treatment is needed. Minor breaks may be stabilized with buddy taping, which involves taping the broken toe to a neighboring one. More severe fractures, such as displaced or complex breaks, might require a cast or walking boot to keep the toe straight during healing. In some cases, surgery is required to reposition the bones or insert pins that help maintain proper alignment. Healing can take up to two months, and returning to activity too soon can increase the risk of reinjury. A podiatrist can monitor the healing process and address complications, such as long-term pain or joint damage. If you have broken a toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM from Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
- Throbbing pain
- Swelling
- Bruising on the skin and toenail
- The inability to move the toe
- Toe appears crooked or disfigured
- Tingling or numbness in the toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
The forefoot is composed of five metatarsal bones and fourteen phalanges. Each toe has three phalanges except for the big toe which only has two. Our toes play an essential role to the walking process, which is why a broken toe could seriously disrupt one’s ability to move around. Toe fractures are common and can be very painful. Fortunately, these injuries rarely require surgery and usually heal with rest and a change in activity.
Broken toes typically result from a traumatic event such as falling, stubbing the toe, or dropping something on the toe. Traumatic toe fractures may be categorized as either minor or severe fractures. At times, one may hear a “pop” or “crack” sound when the bone breaks. Common symptoms of a traumatic toe fracture include pain, throbbing, bruising, swelling, and redness.
Another type of toe fractures is a stress fracture. These injuries usually appear in the form of small hairline breaks on the bone. Stress fractures develop after repetitive activity instead of a single injury. Stress fractures occur when the muscles in the bone become too weak to absorb impact. Consequently, the toe bone becomes vulnerable to any pressure and impact it endures. Symptoms for a stress fracture in the toe include swelling without bruising, tenderness to the touch, pain that goes away with rest, and pain after walking or running.
If you suspect that you have a broken toe, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist. He or she will likely diagnose you by performing a physical exam and an X-ray. Treatment for a broken toe may include the R.I.C.E. method, buddy taping, surgery, or antibiotics. The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is a common treatment method for many injuries because it decreases pain. Buddy tapping involves wrapping the injured toe next to an adjacent toe to keep it supported and protected. These two methods have proven to be effective in the healing process for toe fractures. The estimated healing time for a broken toe is approximately four to six weeks. If the injury becomes infected or requires surgery, the estimated healing time may take eight weeks or more.
Comparing Treadmill and Outdoor Running
Running outdoors and on a treadmill each place different demands on the feet, toes, and ankles. Treadmill running offers a flat, cushioned surface that may reduce impact and be easier on the joints, but it can also limit the engagement of stabilizing muscles in the ankles and feet. Because the treadmill belt assists forward movement, runners may experience shorter strides and reduced ankle flexing movement. In contrast, outdoor running requires the body to adapt to uneven terrain, which strengthens the smaller muscles in the feet and ankles, but may also increase the risk of sprains, stress fractures, and tendon strain. Foot positioning, stride length, and ankle alignment can vary significantly depending on the running surface, and these differences can affect the arches, toes, and heel strike. Plus, improper footwear or technique in either setting can lead to pain or injury over time. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, identify imbalances, and recommend running strategies or footwear to help prevent injuries for either running surface. If you have foot problems related to running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM of Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist will treat your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.
What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.
Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
How to Prevent Running Injuries
Overtraining and overusing the feet are the main causes of common running injuries. A number of these common injuries are caused by overrunning. Runner’s knee is a condition that is characterized by the back of the kneecap beginning to wear away and cause pain in the knee. This frequently occurs due to either a decrease in strength in the quadriceps muscles or ill-fitting shoes that are lacking in proper support for the inside of the forefoot. Strengthening exercises focusing on the quad muscle and sports orthotics are the usual treatments for those suffering from runner’s knee. Prevention of the condition lies in a focus on hip strengthening and quad-strengthening to keep the kneecap aligned. To help learn the best exercise to heal runner’s knee, one can also undergo physical therapy.
One common injury, called iliotibial band syndrome, is often caused by overtraining. This condition occurs when the iliotibial band gets irritated, creating pain and discomfort in the outside knee area. Plantar fasciitis, another common running injury, also occurs as a result of inflammation and irritation. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation and irritation of the bone in the foot. A large amount of pain is often experienced due to plantar fasciitis. The condition can be caused by a high arch, improper footwear, tight muscles, or flat feet. It can best be avoided by stretching and wearing appropriate footwear that supports the foot.
Another common injury for runners is stress fractures. These injuries occur due to running style, overtraining, or a lack of calcium. Stress fractures most often occur in several locations in runners, including the inner bone of the leg, the thighbone, the bone at the base of the spine and the bones of the toes. Stress fractures are best prevented by wearing proper footwear and by running on flat and hard surfaces; this will absorb some of the shock created during running.
Aside from overtraining, other causes of common running injuries include ill-fitting footwear, a lack of flexibility and strength, and irregular biomechanics. The best way to avoid running injuries is to prevent them from even occurring. Both iliotibial band syndrome and stress fractures are preventable. The first step that should be taken to prevent running injuries is to only wear footwear that fits properly and that is appropriate for whatever activity you are doing. Running shoes are the only protective gear available to runners that can safeguard them from sustaining injuries. Choosing the right pair of shoes is therefore extremely important. While running shoes are an important factor, it is also important to consider other facets of your running routine such as training schedules, flexibility, and strengthening. These elements should be considered and altered according to your running needs to best maximize your run and minimize the possibility of injury. Careful stretching before and after a run should also be considered to help prevent running injuries. Stretching muscles enables greater flexibility and a lesser chance of sustaining injury.
Why Did I Get a Foot Blister?
A foot blister is a small, fluid-filled sac that forms on the skin due to irritation or damage. It is often caused by friction, which occurs when shoes or socks repeatedly rub against the skin. Heat and moisture can also contribute to blister formation, especially in warm environments where excessive sweating softens the skin. Allergic reactions to certain materials in footwear or socks may trigger blisters as well. Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, eczema, or infections, can make individuals more prone to developing blisters. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and a sensation of warmth surrounding the affected area. Blisters can become infected and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have a blister anywhere on your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who offers safe and sterile treatment before it becomes infected.
Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM of Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Foot Blisters
Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.
What Are Foot Blisters?
A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.
Symptoms
(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)
- Bubble of skin filled with fluid
- Redness
- Moderate to severe pain
- Itching
Prevention & Treatment
In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Blisters on the Feet
Blisters are a common ailment of people who wear shoes that are either too tight or rub against the feet in an uncomfortable way. Knowing the basics of blisters is important for understanding how they are formed and what treatments should be used for them.
A blister on the foot, or any other part of the body, is a small pocket that is filled with fluid. It usually forms on the upper layer of the skin because these layers are loose enough to allow a blister to form. The most common fluid in a blister is just a clear, watery-like fluid that usually isn’t cause for concern. However, blisters can fill up with blood if they are deep enough and pus if they have become infected with bacteria.
Blisters almost always form on the feet due to shoes rubbing up against the foot, where the friction causes blisters. These can occur after you have walked for a long period of time or when your shoes do not fit you properly. Your feet are also more prone to blisters if they are moist, so keeping them dry and clean is one preventative step you can take.
Preventing infection should be the number one concern when treating blisters, as well as relieving the pain they can cause. Using a bandage to cover up the blister will help it heal and prevent bacteria from entering it. New skin will form under the blister and eventually cause it to pop. You can also take a sterilized pin and try to pop it yourself.
If the blister is filled with pus or blood, seeking treatment from a doctor is ideal. Antibiotics may need to be taken in order to completely eliminate the bacteria inside the blister. See a doctor to have an antibiotic prescribed.
The best way to treat blisters is to prevent them all together. Keeping your feet dry and making sure that your shoes fit properly are just two of the steps you can take to prevent blisters. Shoes that are too tight or shoes that are too loose and allow your feet to slide in them will cause blisters. Applying a bandage to an area where you think a blister is about to form is another way you can prevent them.
Keep Your Feet Healthy So You Can Stay Active
Have your feet inspected by a professional before starting a new sport or physical activity. Taking charge of your foot health will keep you in good physical condition and can help you avoid a potential injury, such as a fracture or sprained ankle.
Prevent injuries and see a foot specialist.
External Causes and Medical Factors Related to Cracked Heels
Cracked heels can result from a combination of external and medical causes. External factors such as walking barefoot on hard surfaces, prolonged standing, or wearing open-back shoes can increase pressure on the heels, leading to dry, thickened skin that cracks. Environmental conditions, like cold weather and low humidity, can also contribute to dryness and skin breakdown. Medical conditions like diabetes, eczema, and psoriasis often cause dryness and inflammation, making the skin more vulnerable to cracks. Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, can worsen the problem by causing peeling and irritation. Additionally, poor circulation, common in individuals with certain health conditions, can also slow the healing process. If you have cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer you effective relief and treatment solutions.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Edward Sharrer, DPM from Premier Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our podiatrist can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Little Rock, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
