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Home Tag: "heel pain relief" (Page 5)

Tag: heel pain relief

5Jun
Person sitting on gym floor with water bottle and dumbbell nearby.
Exercising at the gym

Unfortunately, physical activity may bring on acute injuries as well as chronic pain. This is especially true because I’ve seen exercise have a negative impact on my body over the years. I’ve dealt with heel pain and a variety of other issues that bring people into my clinic on a regular basis. And it seems that we are not the only ones who are affected by this.

Read More “Surprisingly, Exercise Is a Risk Factor for Chronic Pain!”
30May
High-heeled shoes
High-heeled shoes

In preparation for Houston’s long, hot summer, many of us have put away our sweaters, long trousers, and coats. While adjusting your clothes for the season, why not give your feet a rest as well? Your feet may thank you for ditching your high-heels over the next few months.

Read More “Reasons to Avoid High Heels This Summer”
14Feb

Heel pain is a common foot problem described as pain or discomfort experienced anywhere in the rear of the foot. It is estimated that every year around two million Americans suffer from heel pain, with athletes and seniors being the usual victims. While heel pain may be prevalent in the general population, it is not in any way normal. Neglect to any heel pain symptom can lead to bigger problems such as reduced mobility and capacity to enjoy life.

Read More “What Causes Heel Pain?”
16Jan

heel painIf you spend all day standing or walking a lot, you are at a higher risk for heel pain. Factory workers, teachers, and other occupations that are always on their feet are especially vulnerable. They would come to the clinic and complain about a stabbing pain that is usually worse in the morning. The pain normally subsides as they get up and move, but it might return after extended periods of standing or when they stand up after sitting.

Read More “What Causes Heel Pain When Standing Or Walking”
17Jul

Woman removing high heels to prevent foot damage from stilettos. Statistics show that one of the major factors leading to foot problems is wearing high heels. A third of the women suffer from permanent problems due to prolonged wear of high heels. High heels are fashionable, make you feel sexier and taller, but impaired stability increases the risk of forefoot injury, toe injury, heel pain, foot arch strain, sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis, posture, and gait problems. In addition, there is excess stress placed on the lower extremities and back and affects the balance, posture, and gait.

Read More “Preventing Damage from High Heels”
Highlighted Achilles tendons showing injury or strain in the lower legs.
24Jan

achillesTendonIt is normal for the Achilles ligament to get injured. The tendon stretches from the heel to the calf muscles, and it is the largest tendon in the body. It is springy and is felt at the back of the ankle. It mainly helps raise your toes and point the toes towards the floor. It is common to feel stiffness or burning pain at the back of your leg, which is an indication that the Achilles tendon is partly or entirely torn. Achilles tendon pain affects your ability to walk.

Causes of Achilles tendon

Every time you walk, you use the Achilles tendon to move the foot, although, it is prone to injury due to poor circulation.

  • An injury can happen due to increased stress on the tendon through intense sports, especially those involving jumping, falling, or stepping into a hole.
  • Achilles tendinitis injury can affect some parts of the tendon. There are two main types under this category the non-insertional Achilles tendinitis, which is an injury to the middle of the tendon when it breaks or swells, and the insertional Achilles tendinitis that affects the lower part of the heel and can cause bone spurs.
  • Achilles tendon rupture is common among weekend warriors, who are mainly middle-aged people participating in sports part-time.
  • Illness or medications such as certain antibiotics or steroids weaken the tendon leaving it prone to injuries.

Achilles tendon issues can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing pain with your achilles tendon, contact the podiatrist at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Some factors that increase the risk of Achilles tendon rupture include:

  1. Age between 30 to 40 is more likely to experience Achilles injury.
  2. Tendon injury is more likely to occur in men than women.
  3. Recreational sports that have sudden stop and start, involving jumping or running, such as tennis, soccer, and basketball.
  4. Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin increase the risk of tendon injury.
  5. Being overweight puts more strain on the tendon.
  6. Steroid injections into the ankle joint can weaken the nearby tendons and can be associated with a tendon injury.

Prevention of Achilles tendon injury

The chances of developing Achilles tendon injury can be reduced by:

Stretching the calf until there is a noticeable pull. The stretching exercise keeps the tendon strong and increases its ability to absorb force thus preventing injury.

Alternate high impact sports with low-impact sports. Alternate running with swimming, and when injured avoid activities that place excess stress on the Achilles tendons.

Avoid running or training on slippery and hard surfaces.

Dress in well-fitting athletics shoes with properly cushioned heels and in cold weather dress warmly.

Increase training intensity slowly, that is the increase in distance, duration, or frequency, should be done at a rate of 10 percent.

The obvious symptom of Achilles tendon injury is pain above your heel when you are on your feet. The injury pain is usually instant but the area might be stiff, tender, and swollen. Immediately you notice symptoms of tendon injury, start by resting and applying ice, compression, and keeping the leg elevated until you can visit an Achilles tendon specialist for further treatment.