Heel pain is a common problem among soccer players due to the constant stress placed on the feet during running, kicking, and sudden changes in direction. The repetitive impact of striking the ball, jumping, and landing can strain the heel structures. This often leads to plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the fat pad, or irritation surrounding the heel bone. Stress fractures of the heel bone and the development of heel spurs are also linked to overuse during play. In some cases, nerve compression in the foot or irritation of the small muscles near the heel can contribute to persistent pain. Worn-out cleats, hard playing surfaces, and limited recovery time can worsen the condition. A podiatrist can perform a full exam to identify the exact cause of heel pain. Treatment may include custom orthotics, medical management, or surgery, if needed. If you experience heel pain after playing sports, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Strong and flexible feet play a vital role in balance, mobility, and reducing the risk of injury. Exercises designed for the feet, toes, and ankles can improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, which may help reduce stiffness and discomfort. When the muscles in the feet are strong, they provide better support for the arches and joints. This lowers the chance of experiencing strain during daily activities or exercise. Stretching movements can also keep tendons and ligaments flexible, easing pressure on the heels and arches. Without proper conditioning, your feet may be more vulnerable to heel pain, toe cramps, and reduced mobility. A podiatrist can assess foot function, recommend targeted exercises, and guide patients in strengthening weak areas to support overall foot health. Exercises are especially valuable for anyone who spends long hours standing, wears shoes such as flip-flops, or participates in high-impact activities. If you have frequent foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment, which may include specific 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 one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 doctors 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 offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions and bunionettes are deformities of the toes. A bunion occurs as a bony lump on the outside of the big toe. It causes the tip of the toe to excessively angle towards the other toes. A bunionette occurs on the pinky toe. Symptoms of a bunion or bunionette are a bulging bump on the side of the affected toe, swelling or redness around the toe, restricted movement, physical discomfort or pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. Both bunions and bunionettes can be caused or made worse by wearing poorly-fitted, tight, or uncomfortable shoes. Orthotics can help ease the pain associated with bunions and bunionettes by distributing the weight of the body evenly along the surface of the foot and relieving pressure on the affected toes. To find out if orthotics may help you with your bunion pain, please consult with a podiatrist. 

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A fracture of the lateral malleolus involves the bony prominence on the outside of the ankle. Symptoms often begin with sudden pain following an injury, such as twisting the ankle or a direct impact. Swelling and bruising usually develop quickly, and bearing weight may be extremely difficult. Some people notice instability or tenderness along the outer ankle, while others may even see a visible change in alignment. Because these signs can resemble a severe sprain, imaging is often required to confirm the injury. Treatment depends on the extent of the fracture and the stability of the joint. Simple breaks may be treated with immobilization and gradual return to activity, while more serious cases can require surgery to restore proper alignment. Targeted exercising is often part of recovery. If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Lehigh Ave and Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, Collegeville Darby, and Langhorne, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.