Plantar heel pain in athletes is often caused by repetitive stress on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot. Other factors include overuse, sudden increases include training intensity, or improper footwear. The biomechanical demands of sports such as running, basketball, and soccer place continuous strain on the foot, especially during jumping or rapid direction changes. Age can also play a role, with younger athletes facing growth-related conditions and older athletes experiencing wear and reduced elasticity. A podiatrist can assess movement patterns, recommend custom orthotics, and provide targeted therapies. If heel pain affects your performance, it is suggested that you seek podiatric care to restore function and support your athletic goals.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle N Foot. our doctors 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 offices located in Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot pain can affect daily comfort and mobility, often stemming from various conditions that require professional care. Common causes include tinea pedis, a fungal infection that causes itching and redness, bunions, which are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, plantar warts, caused by a virus that leads to painful growths, and flat feet, which may result in strain and imbalance during walking. A podiatrist is trained to diagnose and treat these issues with tailored solutions, including medications, orthotics, or minor procedures. If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist today to identify the source and begin effective treatment that supports lasting relief and healthy movement.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ankle N Foot. our doctors 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 offices located in Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A hammertoe is a deformity where the toe bends abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition often develops from muscle imbalance, tight footwear, or structural issues in the foot. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, corns, or difficulty wearing shoes. Risk factors include age, arthritis, flat feet, high arches, or a family history of foot problems. Without treatment, the toe can become rigid and more difficult to manage. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity, recommend supportive footwear, provide custom orthotics, or suggest therapy. Early care can prevent progression and relieve discomfort. If you notice changes in toe shape or pain while walking, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for professional guidance and lasting relief.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle N Foot. our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendon injuries involve damage to the strong band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. These injuries can range from inflammation to partial or complete tears. Common causes include overuse, sudden increases in activity, tight calf muscles, or improper footwear. Symptoms include heel pain, stiffness, swelling, or a snapping sensation during movement. Risk factors include intense physical activity, poor conditioning, and certain medical conditions. A podiatrist can diagnose the injury through examination and imaging, then recommend treatments such as rest, stretching, or orthotics. If you are experiencing pain in the back of the heel, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle N Foot. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Chicago, Elmhurst, Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.