Heel pain is a common complaint, often attributed to factors like wearing improper footwear or overuse. However, it may surprise you to learn that heel pain can also be a subtle signal of arthritis, specifically, ankylosing spondylitis, or AS. This chronic autoimmune condition primarily affects the spine, but it can also extend its reach to peripheral areas, including the heels. AS triggers heightened inflammation throughout the body’s joints and soft tissues, including peripheral joints like the heels, hips, shoulders, fingers, and toes. Heel pain emerges when the inflammatory response targets the heel or its supporting ligaments and tendons. Chronic back pain and spinal rigidity are classic AS symptoms, and may also cause discomfort in the heels. If left untreated, the pain can escalate, leading to severe stiffness and reduced mobility. The precise cause of AS remains unknown, but those with a family history of ankylosing spondylitis or with conditions like Crohn's disease, psoriasis, or ulcerative colitis, seem to be more susceptible. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain in addition to other symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore potential underlying causes, and create an effective treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Overpronation, a common foot condition involving excessive inward rolling, requires careful attention to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. The primary approach to overpronation involves adopting supportive footwear, which may include specialized shoes to minimize excessive movement and provide stability in the heel and midfoot. For those with moderate to severe overpronation, custom orthotics, tailored to the individual's foot shape, provide personalized assistance in reducing overpronation. Targeted exercises are believed to help in correcting overpronation. The short-foot exercise, involving lifting the arch of the foot off the ground, is particularly beneficial in addressing overpronation. In rare cases of severe overpronation, surgical intervention may be necessary. Reconstruction surgery aims to realign bones, providing better arch support, and may involve the use of stabilizing metal implants. If overpronation affects your well-being, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a gait analysis, examination, and a treatment plan targeted to your particular condition.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis, unveils its presence through distinctive symptoms that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. The hallmark of gout is intense joint pain, often reaching its peak during the nighttime. This excruciating pain typically targets the big toe but can affect other joints as well. Swelling and redness accompany the pain, creating a visibly discomforting experience. The affected joint may become tender to the touch, and even the lightest pressure can induce agony. Gout flares are unpredictable, with symptoms emerging suddenly and subsiding gradually. Beyond the acute episodes, persistent discomfort and stiffness may linger, affecting joint mobility. Recognizing these symptoms is essential for early intervention and management. While gout's pain levels can be overwhelming, understanding the nuances of its symptoms empowers individuals to seek timely medical attention, explore effective treatments, and regain control over their joint health. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe is a condition where one or more toes exhibit an abnormal bending at the middle joint. In most cases of hammertoe, the second toe is affected. This prevalent foot deformity can lead to discomfort and biomechanical complications. The causes of hammertoe are diverse. Included are an unusually long metatarsal or toe bone, poor alignment of foot joint surfaces, and prolonged wear of ill-fitting shoes. The constriction imposed by tight or narrow shoes often aggravates the condition and potentially causes calluses, corns, ulcers, and metatarsal pain. Treatment for hammertoe by a podiatrist aims at alleviating pain and preventing complications, with a focus on wearing appropriate footwear that features a wide toe box to reduce pressure. Additionally, toe pads and orthotics may be recommended to shield the toes from any shoe related discomfort. Prompt treatment of skin irritations and ulcers is essential. Surgical intervention becomes an option when other measures fail to relieve pain and disability. Its aim is to straighten the rigidly fixed toe deformity and correct its alignment. If you suspect a hammertoe or experience foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and treatment options.

Hammertoe

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

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When too much pressure is applied to a nerve in the foot, it can lead to a pinched nerve. This disrupts the nerve's normal function and causes a range of symptoms, including weakness, numbness, tingling sensations, and pain. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that can result in a pinched nerve in the foot. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow passage in the ankle through which the tibial nerve runs, providing sensation to the bottom of the foot. When this nerve becomes compressed, it leads to tarsal tunnel syndrome and may cause a pinched nerve in the foot. Morton's neuroma is another condition that can lead to a pinched nerve in the foot. This condition involves the growth of a benign tumor on a nerve, often occurring between the third and fourth toes, just before the arch. Morton's neuroma results from the thickening of nerve tissue leading to the toes. It results in pain radiating from the ball of the foot to the ankle or toes and can cause numbness, cramping, or tingling sensations. People with Morton’s neuroma may feel a sensation of standing on a fold in a sock or having a pebble in the shoe. If you experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, or discomfort in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and a diagnosis.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.