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June 2019

Friday, 28 June 2019 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 25 June 2019 00:00

Who is at Risk for Heel Spurs?

A heel spur is caused by a calcium deposit that forms on the bottom of the heel. While many people experience no symptoms, heel spurs can be painful. Pain levels for heel spurs often vary throughout the day. Some people are more prone to getting heel spurs than others. If you have walking abnormalities that put excess pressure on the heel area, you may be at risk for this condition. Runners and joggers are known to get heel spurs, as well. Another group of people who may experience heel spurs are those who are overweight. Many times, heel spurs arise in conjunction with plantar fasciitis. If you have plantar fasciitis, you may experience heel spurs if you have diabetes, do short bursts of exercise, or spend much of the day on your feet. If you think you may have a heel spur, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Read more about Heel Spurs
Tuesday, 18 June 2019 00:00

Where Is the Plantar Fascia Located?

The tissue that is located on the bottom of the foot is referred to as the plantar fascia. It connects the toes to the heel bone, and establishes the arch in the foot. If this band of tissue becomes inflamed, the medical condition known as plantar fasciitis may develop. This can be a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or it may happen if the foot is overused, or not stretched properly. Additionally, if patients run frequently on uneven surfaces, or if there is a sudden weight gain, the chances of developing this condition may increase. The symptoms that are associated with plantar fasciitis often include foot pain when taking the first steps after waking up, and discomfort while participating in running and jumping activities. If you feel you have developed this condition, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM  from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 11 June 2019 00:00

Causes and Symptoms of Bunions

A large bump at the base of the big toe may be referred to as a bunion. It may cause the big toe to turn toward the second toe. The symptoms that are most often associated with bunions include pain, tenderness, or swelling surrounding the affected area. Bunions can develop for a variety of reasons. These include shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in, genetic factors, or an injury that has occurred. If you are afflicted with this ailment, mild relief may be found by wearing shoes that fit properly or putting a protective covering over the bunion. If you have a bunion that is affecting your daily activities, it is advised to counsel with a podiatrist who can offer a treatment solution.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM of Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Bunions
Monday, 03 June 2019 00:00

Understanding Your Child’s Heel Pain

Your child may experience heel pain during a growth spurt. This condition is commonly known as Sever’s disease. Since the heel grows faster than the rest of the leg, the tendons experience extra strain. Symptoms of Sever’s disease include pain in one or both of the heels, tenderness that increases during exercise, and trouble walking. Oftentimes, the best treatment is rest. The condition does not cause long-term issues and should subside after a few months. However, sometimes doctors will recommend that a child takes NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, performs stretching routines, and wears supportive shoes. Be especially cognizant for Sever’s disease if your child plays a sport that includes running or jumping on hard surfaces. If your child is experiencing heel pain, be sure to contact a podiatrist.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
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