Stress fracture of the heel

If you experience heel pain it may not always be the typical case of Plantar fasciitis. Stress fractures are common and can occur in healthy individuals without a history of any trauma to the foot. We most commonly see stress fractures in runners from over training. We also see stress fractures in middle age women who may have osteoporotic bone.
Pain presents in the inside and outside of the heel with swelling and pain. On examination there is pain upon compression of both sides of the heel bone.
Diagnosis of stress fractures starts with clinical examination and x-ray evaluation. In our offices we have digital x-ray technology that can quickly rule out a stress fracture of the heel bone.
Treatment involves immobilization in a cam walker boot for a period of 6-8 weeks.

Please keep in mind that if you do suffer from heel pain make sure you have your foot evaluated as soon as possible in order that you can be properly diagnosed and treated.

For more information please refer to our website at carolinafootspecialists.net

Professional basketball player suffers from Plantar fasciitis

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/09/dwyane-wade-utters-two-scary-words-plantar-fasciitis/related/

Dwayne Wade professional basketball player for the Miami Heat has been suffering from an acute case of plantar fasciitis over the past several weeks. In the shortened season he does not have much time to rest his foot because of back to back games being more frequent.
He more likely will be treated with immobilization with a walking boot, physical therapy, orthotics, ice, and rest. Lesser invasive surgical techniques for a quicker recovery time may be Shockwave treatment, Topaz, and PRP treatment. We have touched upon PRP treatment in our last posting. Kobe Bryant recently had PRP for a wrist injury and is still recovering but his treatment has enabled him to continue playing at a high level.
Look out for future post on the progression of Dwayne Wade's injury and the treatments that he has had.
Our practice offers various conservative options for heel pain in the recreational and serious competitive athlete. We are also board certified in Foot Surgery if surgery is an option.

Innovative treatment for chronic heel pain

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

A new state of the art treatment for chronic heel pain is PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections. A small amount of blood from the patient, similar to giving blood for a routine test. The vial of blood is subjected to very high speeds in a machine called a centrifuge. A yellow material is obtained containing cells called platelets, that are very abundant with factors that aid in healing. These growth factors are believed to decrease the inflammation causing plantar fasciitis. The platelets from the patient's own blood is injected into the area of pain in the heel. Patients are then fitted for a removable walking boot, and will use crutches to prevent putting any weight on the heel for one week or less. After that, they advance to sneakers, and although the range of time for pain relief is variable, it can be appreciated as early as 10-14 days.

For more information please contact our office at carolinafootspecialists.net

Plantar fascia night splints for heel pain

A majority of patients that suffer from plantar fasciitis can have a dramatic improvement with the use of plantar fascial night splints. This type of device is used to stretch the plantar fascia and achilles tendon as you sleep to give you more flexibility and help to resolve acute heel pain. Plantar fascial night splints are easy to use and the time frame of use is typically 4-6 weeks. Plantar fascial night splints have settings of 5 and 10 degrees. We usually start our patients at 5 degree stretch and move it to 10 degrees after one week. This device is especially helpful if you suffer from heel pain first step out of bed in the morning.
A majority of insurances cover plantar fascial night splints and we are able to dispense this product at both our West Ashley and Mt. Pleasant locations.

Foot injury forces Professional tennis player Kim Clijsters to withdraw from Wimbledon

 Professional tennis player and former number one ranked tennis player in the world Kim Clijsters had to withdraw from Wimbledon this week because of a recent foot injury. Reports have indicated an injury to a ligament or tendon injury on the bottom of her foot. This injury is more than likely involving the abductor hallucis muscle/tendon (major tendon on the inside of the foot)or inside band of the plantar fascia ligament. This injury can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks to heal. The course of treatment typically involves immobilization with a cam walker boot and aggressive physical therapy. Below are two links on information on this injury and treatment options.


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/16/sports/tennis/wimbledon-foot-injury-sidelines-kim-clijsters.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XGGq78c0Vk

Achilles tendon pain/Tiger Woods

Achilles tendon injuries are common heel complaints in both the recreational and professional athlete. Golf professional Tiger Woods has had a history of achilles tendonitis as well as a partial tear of his achilles in the past few years. It can be a frustrating injury and can take many months to heal. Golf places an incredible amount of stress on the achilles tendon from walking on uneven terrain to stress from the golf swing position.
Treatment typically involves rest, ice, oral anti-inflammatory medication, immobilization with a walking boot, physical therapy, custom foot orthotics,and as a last resort surgery.
Newer surgical options such as Extracorporeal Shockwave treatment can be utilized to speed up recovery time. This procedure is a noninvasive surgical technique that utilizes high energy soundwaves to break up inflammation and speed up recovery time.


http://www.tanglewoodfootspecialists.com/blog/achilles-tendon-injury-is-keeping-tiger-woods-out-of-the-game.cfm

Heel pain in Children

Heel pain in children (Calcaneal apophysitis) is a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. It is a common condition that we see in our practice. It can affect children between the ages of 8 and 14 years old, because the heel bone is not fully developed until at least age 14. Repetitive stress on the growth plate of the heel can develop into inflammation and pain.
It is the most common cause of heel pain in children, and can occur in one or both feet. Typically the pain resolves fairly quickly with conservative treatment.

Causes:

Overuse and stress on the heel bone through participation in sports is a major cause of calcaneal apophysitis. The growth plate of the heel is sensitive to repeated running and pounding on hard surfaces, resulting in muscle strain and inflamed tissue. Children involved in soccer, tennis, or basketball are especially vulnerable.
Other potential causes of calcaneal apophysitis include a tight Achilles tendon, and biomechanical problems such as flatfoot or a high-arched foot.

Symptoms:

• Pain in the back or bottom of the heel
• Limping
• Walking on toes
• Difficulty running, jumping, or participating in sports
• Pain when the sides of the heel are squeezed

Diagnosis:

To diagnose the cause of the child’s heel pain and rule out other more serious conditions, we will take a thorough medical history and perform a detailed clinical exam. X-rays are often used to evaluate the condition and visualize the growth plate of the heel.

Treatment:

• Reduce activity. Reducing or stopping any activity that causes pain will help to decrease inflammation.
• Support the heel. Temporary shoe inserts, heel lifts, or custom orthotic devices may provide support for the heel.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy. Stretching or physical therapy modalities are sometimes used to promote healing of the inflamed issue.
• Immobilization. In some severe cases immobilization with a cam walker boot may be needed for 4-6 weeks.

Typically calcaneal apophsitis resolves with conservative treatment. If your child has a repeat bout of heel pain, be sure to make an appointment with our doctors at Carolina Foot Specialists.