July 2023

A hairline crack in a foot bone it's also known as a stress fracture. Frequently participating in running and jumping activities may cause stress fractures, which can happen from the repetitive force. A stress fracture can gradually occur, and many people choose to ignore the dull ache that accompanies this injury. When the pain becomes severe medical attention is often sought, and relief tactics are begun. Swelling may accompany a stress fracture, and walking can become difficult. A bone scan or an MRI can be performed to determine the extent of the fracture, as it may not be visible on an X-ray. Additionally, people who have osteoporosis or who consistently run on hard surfaces may be prone to getting a stress fracture. Treatment can begin by temporarily stopping the activity that caused the fracture, and elevating the affected foot may reduce the swelling. It may help to wear a protective boot that can provide the necessary stability as it heals. If you have a stress fracture of the foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this condition.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Greenville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot, which is the area between the toes and the arch, is termed metatarsalgia. Anything that adds pressure to the ball of the foot, such as dancing, running, yoga, or wearing high heels, can contribute to metatarsalgia. In addition, having high arches, existing foot conditions, excess weight, and aging can also affect the ball of the foot. In some cases, resting the feet and taking pain medication can reduce the effects. But if pain continues, then other factors may need to be considered. For instance, nerve damage, tendonitis, and arthritis may be contributing to this painful condition. Structural factors, such as bunions and hammertoes, may be throwing off the alignment and affecting the ball of the foot. Irritation of the nerves beneath the third and fourth toes may cause Morton’s neuroma, which is sometimes described as having a small pebble in the shoe. This development is more common among women who have been wearing high heels for a prolonged period. If you have increased pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and possible treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 office located in Greenville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels, which are a common foot condition, are usually non-threatening but can become potentially serious. It is best to try to prevent cracked heels from developing in the first place. It is a good idea to examine your heels and if they begin to feel dry, apply moisturizer regularly. Also, if you gain weight, the pressure on the heels increases and calluses may form. Extra weight, quite common among pregnant women, expands the heel skin while walking and standing and can cause cracks to widen. Wearing sling-back shoes, sandals, or flip flops also may cause the heels to dry out. Dried and cracked heels also can be a problem for those with diabetes, which can diminish the moisture supply to the feet. If the cracked skin on the heels does not improve with daily foot care precautions, they may deepen into fissures or begin to bleed. This opening of the skin can invite bacterial or fungal infections. An antiseptic lotion may help to keep the area clean. If cracked heels become an ongoing problem, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine the area, and determine the best course of treatment.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Greenville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading foot conditions among Americans causing heel pain. The condition is characterized by the aggravation of the plantar fascia. Depending on your particular case of plantar fasciitis, a medical professional might recommend that you perform any number of stretches to mitigate the pain. For example, a medical professional, such as a podiatrist, might recommend that to combat plantar fasciitis, you can perform toe extensions. This stretch can be performed by putting the affected foot behind the other in a standing position. Then, contract the calf muscles and lift the back heel to essentially extend the toes. If you are someone that is living with plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an exam and treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Greenville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.