Heel pain is a common problem that can result from conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis often causes sharp pain at the bottom of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Achilles tendonitis typically produces pain at the back of the heel and along the tendon, often worsening with activity or when climbing stairs. These conditions can develop from repetitive stress, improper footwear, or sudden increases in physical activity, and may make walking, running, or standing uncomfortable. The heel may appear slightly swollen or red, while the affected area feels tender and stiff. A podiatrist can help by performing a thorough examination, using imaging if needed, and recommending targeted exercises, orthotics, or other treatments to reduce inflammation and improve mobility. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Kelly Whaley, DPM of Ohio. 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 feel free to contact our office located in Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Maintaining balance and stability is essential for overall mobility and foot health. Certain foot exercises can help improve strength and coordination, supporting better stability. One effective exercise is ankle circles, where you rotate each ankle in a circular motion to enhance flexibility and strengthen the muscles. Another beneficial exercise is toe pulls, which involves pulling the toes upward while keeping the foot flat on the ground. This helps to stretch the foot muscles and improve range of motion. Additionally, calf raises are great for strengthening the calf muscles, which play a vital role in maintaining stability. By regularly practicing these and other exercises, individuals can enhance their foot strength, improve posture, and reduce the risk of falls. If you have injured your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on additional foot and ankle strengthening exercises.

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 Kelly Whaley, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor 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 doctor 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 office located in Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Standing for long periods of time places constant pressure on the muscles, joints, and ligaments of the feet, often leading to soreness, fatigue, and inflammation. Common causes of foot pain include muscle overuse, poor circulation, inadequate arch support, and hard work surfaces. Relief can begin with simple stretching exercises such as the towel stretch, which gently lengthens the calf and plantar fascia using a towel for support. Additionally, the toe extension, which improves flexibility by pulling the toes upward to stretch the bottom of the foot. Wearing compression socks may help reduce swelling and improve circulation, while taking frequent breaks allows tissues to recover. A podiatrist can identify biomechanical problems, recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics, and create a personalized care plan. If you have foot pain from standing most of the day, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief, treatment, and prevention solutions.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Kelly Whaley, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Willoughby, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

High heels force the feet into a pointed position, which places undue pressure on the balls of the feet. This unnatural positioning can lead to discomfort and long-term foot problems, such as calluses, bunions, and metatarsalgia. While high heels may enhance posture and create an elegant appearance, their disadvantages outweigh the benefits for foot health. Prolonged wearing of high heels can cause muscle imbalances, leading to pain in the feet, ankles, and lower back. The pressure placed on the toes and the narrowing of the toe box can restrict blood flow, leading to numbness and even deformities over time. Additionally, wearing high heels can contribute to the development of conditions, such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. For those who wear high heels regularly, it is important to practice proper foot care and limit the amount of time spent in them to prevent injury. If you have developed foot pain from wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment solutions, and guide you on what type of high heels to wear.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Kelly Whaley, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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