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What Causes Pain in the Arch?

If you are experiencing pain along the inside of the arch on your foot, it may be caused by a strain of the abductor hallucis muscle. Strains can range from a mild stretch to a complete tear or rupture. Symptoms include pain and tenderness when you press the sole of the foot especially on the inside, as well as swelling and loss of function depending on the severity. The abductor hallucis muscle runs from the heel to the big toe. Its main job is to support the arch and keep it from rolling inward, also known as overpronation, with each step. A mild strain may go away after a few days with rest from the activity that caused it. Icing the affected foot may also help relieve the pain. If the symptoms continue or worsen, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for an examination. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, ultrasound therapy, or custom orthotics.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Relief for Sore Feet

We all have sore feet from time to time. After all, our feet do a lot of work for us and put in long hours. There are a variety of ways to soothe sore feet at home. Generally, using a combination of treatments work best to revitalize sore feet. Warm foot baths using Epsom salts can relieve swollen, painful feet. Stretching the toes and heels can aid with foot pain by increasing flexibility and preventing cramping. Foot pain can be avoided by strengthening and resistance exercises to help keep feet strong and limber. Orthotics or arch supports can help stabilize the feet and eliminate discomfort. Simple icing of aching feet can reduce inflammation that may be caused by soreness. Wearing night splints can help with keeping feet stretched properly to avoid or control foot pain. If you have painful, achy feet or tingling or numbness in your feet, a podiatrist should be consulted and treatment prescribed.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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

Read more about Foot Therapy for Sports Injuries

Children, Physical Activity, and Sever’s Disease

The heel condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease generally affects children and young teenagers who are involved in sporting activities. The heel can often feel sore when Sever’s disease is present, and it may be difficult to walk. It is defined as a condition that affects the growth plate in the heel, and can be confirmed by having a physical examination performed. Relief is often found when the activity that caused the condition is stopped, and the heel is frequently rested. It is important to practice specific stretches once the heel feels better, and this may help to accelerate the recovery process. Many patients choose to wear a heel cushion in their shoe which may be able to provide additional padding. If your child is affected by Sever’s disease, it is advised that a podiatrist be consulted for proper prevention and healing tips.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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

Read more about Sever's Disease

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Dealing With a Heel Spur

Exercising is good for the body and mind but can be painful when one has a heel spur. A heel spur is a bony growth that attaches to the heel bone and can grow into the arch of the foot. These can develop from a common condition known as plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation and possible tearing of the plantar fascia tissue running across the length of the foot. The body can try to deal with this injury by trying to repair the tissue with bone formation. The most common symptom of heel spurs is pain, especially after being off the foot for some time. Wearing properly fitting footwear, stretching the foot, and performing other strengthening exercises can help, but if you have a painful heel spur, it is best to see a podiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

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

Read more about Heel Spurs
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