McKinney Podiatrist Discussed Heel and Arch Pain

Painful Sharp Stabbing Heel and Arch Pain Can Be Treated

Heel spurs, a common cause of heel pain are bony growths on the underside of the heel bone. If there is no evidence of bone enlargement on an X-ray the condition is sometimes referred to as “heel spur syndrome.” Heel spurs are caused by the strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot and the resulting tearing away of the lining or membrane that covers your heel bone. Another name for this is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a long ligamentous structure that runs from the bottom of the heel and attaches to the soft tissues along the ball of the foot and into the base of your toes. Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include heel pain during the first few steps in the morning hours and also after rest during the day. Pain typically is worse the day after prolonged activity. Faulty foot mechanics is the main cause of plantar fasciitis and custom molded foot orthotics are a very effective treatment option. Other causes of plantar fasciitis include improper fitting shoes, excessively worn shoes or failure to stretch and warm-up before jogging or running.Custom-made foot supports known as orthotic devices that are worn under your heel and the arch of your foot are referred to as orthotics. These devices are molded to be anatomically matched to your foot and they do more than just provide support. Orthotics are designed to realign your foot to a neutral or natural position to alleviate pain in your feet, legs and back, as well as to restore balance, improve sports performance, and relieve foot fatigue.Research shows that the majority of foot problems can be directly connected to skeletal imbalance. More people tend to have some amount of either hyperpronation (flat feet) or hypersupination (high arches). The presence of these conditions can cause the foot to be unstable during normal everyday activity. This constant stress on the feet can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, legs, knees, hips, and back. Orthotics can improve function in the foot by compensating for existing imbalances and in most cases can relieve or prevent the associated pains.How do you know if the use of orthotics is right for you? If you have an obvious imbalance that causes such symptoms as flat feet or high arches, or if you have external misalignments such as “knock knees”, “bow knees”, in-toeing, or out-toeing you are probably a good candidate for orthotics. If you participate in an activity that places stress on your feet or if your work requires you to be on your feet for extended periods orthotics could be beneficial. The use of orthotics is just one of the conservative foot treatments used in our offices. They can be used to treat foot, heel, and arch pain, some calluses, diabetic ulcers and pressure sores, arthritis, abnormal foot function, and to prevent sports injuries or improve sports function. Orthotics can be used to treat children as well as adults. The best way to find out if orthotics can help you is to make an appointment with us for an evaluation and exam.McKinney Foot and Ankle Center is proud to offer Topaz Radiofrequency for the treatment of heel pain.Topaz is used for those heel pain patients that do not respond to conservative treatment. The procedure differs from conventional plantar fascial surgery by salvaging the integrity of the ligament. Instead of cutting it, the ligament is treated by fenestration using the Topaz device. By creating holes (fenestrating) in the plantar fascia, it is revascularized as the body recovers from the procedure. Patients are able to weight bear on the foot with a boot one week post procedure. Call us if you have questions about Topaz. Dr. Silvers is a board certified physician practicing in McKinney, Texas.

Eric M. Silvers, DPM, PA
Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist
Advanced Foot and Ankle Center
McKinney, Texas
Prosper, Texas
http://www.advancedfoottexas.com
972-542-2155