Foot and Ankle Associates Patient Guides

What causes Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)?

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There are many causes of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is not necessarily caused by one injury but by persistent pounding and heel stress. Some major causes of plantar fasciitis include:

Inflammation of the plantar fascia: Plantar fascia is a ligament that connects the heel bone to the tip of the foot. It is quite strong and looks like a bowstring. The plantar fascia becomes inflamed when it is stretched beyond its limits. Inflammation usually happens at the point of attachment to the heel bone. However, in some cases, it may affect the middle part of the foot. Pain often occurs under the foot, especially after resting for a prolonged period. Cramps of the calf muscle may occur if the Achilles tendon becomes tightened.

Heel bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a fibrous sac filled with fluid at the back of the heel. Heel bursitis happens when landing awkwardly on the foot. Pain is felt at the back of the heel or, in some cases, inside the heel. The Achilles tendon may swell. Pain caused by heel bursitis is chronic.

Heel bumps, also referred to as pump bumps, occur mostly in teenagers. The heel bones of teenagers are not fully mature. If rubbed frequently, it can result in excess formation of bone. In persons with flat feet, heel bumps also occur when teens wear high-heeled shoes before the bone fully matures.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when nerve fibers in the back of the foot become entrapped or pinched.

Inflamed heel pad

Inflamed heel pad: Inflammation of the heel pad happens when the pad is excessively thin. Heavy footsteps may inflame the heel pad.

Stress fractures are caused by strenuous exercise, injury, or heavy laborious work. Athletes are most prone to stress fractures. May also be caused by osteoporosis.

Severs disease is very common in children and teenage athletes. Caused by excessive use or trauma in the growth plates of the heel bone. Children between the ages of 7 and 15 are most commonly affected.

Achilles tendinosis known clinically as degenerative tendinopathy. It is caused by the gradual degeneration of the Achilles tendon.

Heel pain may also be caused by:

Rupture of the Achilles tendon.
A tear to the plantar fascia.
Baxter's nerve entrapment.
Calcaneal cysts.
A tear of the short flexor tendon.
Systemic arthritis.
Bruise to the bone.
Poor blood circulation.
Poor posture while walking or running.
Gout.
Osteomyelitis.

The content provided in our Foot & Ankle Patients guides is meant for informational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis. We kindly ask you to contact any of our clinics to arrange an appointment with one of our skilled doctors.

What is the cause of Tendon Tears or Ruptured Tendons in older adults?

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Tendon rupture is more prevalent in middle-aged or older individuals. In a young person, the muscle will tear before the attached tendon does. However, in the elderly and people with underlying diseases, tendon ruptures occur more frequently.

Major causes of tendon rupture include:

Trauma
Old age: As a person gets older, the blood supply reduces. This implies that blood going to the tendon is reduced, resulting in a gradual weakening of the tendon.
Eccentric loading. This involves the contraction of the muscle when it is stretched in the opposite direction. Eccentric loading increases the stress that is placed on the tendon.
Injection of steroids into the tendon. This method is sometimes used to treat severe tendonitis.
Some antibiotics, like fluoroquinolones, may cause tendon rupture or increase the risk of it. The Achilles tendon is the most susceptible.

Rupture of the quadriceps tendon may be due to:

Trauma to the knee, just above the knee cap.
Old age. This causes a reduction in blood supply to the tendon.

If you experience the following signs and symptoms after an injury, then you may have a ruptured tendon:

An audible pop or snap
Pain – very severe
Immediate or rapid bruising
Weakness
Inability to make use of the affected leg or arm
Deformity of the affected region
Inability to bear the weight
Deformity of the area

How do I know that my Foot or Ankle is Fractured?

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How do I know that my Foot or Ankle is Fractured?

Indications of foot and ankle fractures are fairly obvious. The major symptom is pain. In most cases, pain is “referred,” meaning it does not come from the exact point of fracture. There may also be associated fractures, especially in the knee or on the side of the small toe. When severe, pain from a foot and ankle fracture may deter a patient from walking.

Another symptom of a fracture is swelling around the ankle. Swelling may mean two things – damage to the soft tissue with possible blood around the joint or the presence of fluid within the joint (in many cases, blood). Blood in the joints is known as hemarthrosis.

There may also be bruising around the joint that may not occur immediately. Bruising may course towards the toes or the sole of the foot. In extreme cases, the bones around the ankle may also be deformed. The skin may stretch over the underlying fractured bone, or the bone itself may be visible. If the bone is visible, please contact your foot and ankle doctor at Foot & Ankle Associates at any of our Wyandotte, MI, Southfield, MI, or Greenfield, MI clinics.

Pain may become more severe if injury occurs to the blood vessels and nerves of the foot. If numbness sets in, you may be unable to move your toes or feet.

When is it the right time to consult a Podiatrist near you?

Here are some things to look for if you have sustained a fracture or injury to your ankle. This list will help you decide if it's time to visit a podiatrist in Wyandotte, MI.

You find it difficult to bear weight on your ankle.
You experience intolerable pain, even after using pain relievers.
Pain persists despite numerous home care treatments.

The Signs and symptoms outlined below require immediate medical attention:

Ankle bones are grossly deformed.
Bones are exposed to the outside of the skin.
Unbearable pain despite using pain relief medications.
Unable to move toes.
Unable to move ankles.
A numbing sensation in the ankles.
Cold or blue feet.