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Heel pain can be caused by bursitis, which is a painful swelling of the small fluid-filled sacs called bursae. These bursae act as cushions, reducing friction between tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and bones. When they become inflamed, the result is heel pain and limited mobility, particularly in areas like the back or bottom of the heel. Bursitis typically develops due to repetitive movements or prolonged pressure on a joint. Aging also can lead to the breakdown of the bursa over time. Symptoms often include dull pain, tenderness, and stiffness near the affected area. Swelling and redness may also be present, indicating inflammation. Diagnosing bursitis involves a thorough examination by a podiatrist. After a physical examination of the affected area, further tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound may be necessary. If you are experiencing unexplained heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine if you may be suffering from bursitis.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Vincent, Vess of Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor 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 Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain affects up to 30 percent of older adults. This discomfort not only diminishes their overall health but also contributes to impaired balance and reduced physical function. The result is an increased risk of falls. Studies show that the link between foot pain and falls becomes increasingly significant with age. More than a third of those aged 65 and above experience a fall at least once a year, a percentage that rises to over 40 percent for those 75 and older. Recurrent falls are particularly common among individuals suffering from severe foot pain, and certain foot postures, such as flat feet, are linked to a higher risk of falls. By addressing foot pain and taking measures to improve foot function and posture, older adults can lower the risk of falls. For help with foot pain and its related risk of falling, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and guidance.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and redness. This common condition typically affects the big toe and can result from various factors. Improper nail trimming, such as cutting nails too short or rounding the edges, increases the risk of ingrown toenails by encouraging the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes can also exert pressure on the toes, causing the nail to grow abnormally and become ingrown. Additionally, injury or trauma to the toe, such as stubbing or repetitive pressure, can disrupt nail growth patterns and contribute to ingrown toenails. Individuals with curved or unusually shaped nails may be more susceptible to this condition. Poor foot hygiene and fungal infections further exacerbate the risk of ingrown toenails. If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose this condition, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Vincent, Vess of Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running requires minimal gear, with a good-fitting pair of shoes as the essential requirement. Additional running accessories like well-constructed and breathable socks, gear, and watches are optional. However, your choice of running shoe can vary depending on your running conditions and preferences. To determine how many running shoes you need, start with at least one pair that suits you. Having two pairs and rotating them is beneficial for those running on the same terrain frequently, especially if it is several times a week. If you diversify your running terrain, you may consider purchasing additional pairs, as specific shoes cater to trails, tracks, speed workouts, and everyday runs. Trail shoes are suitable for rugged or slippery trails, providing waterproofing and extra traction. Track shoes, lightweight with minimal cushioning, benefit those preparing for track races or track workouts. Treadmill shoes should be cushioned, while speed work and race day shoes are designed to boost confidence and speed. Depending on your running goals and variety of terrain, you may need multiple shoes to optimize your training and performance. If you run or plan to run on different terrains, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss how many pairs of running shoes may be suitable for your running goals.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.