Heel pain can stop an athlete from training, competing, or moving comfortably. The location of the pain can provide a clue about its cause. Pain under the heel is frequently linked to plantar fasciitis, which is irritation of the tissue that supports the arch. Pain at the back of the heel also can involve the Achilles tendon or a fluid-filled sac called a bursa. Repeated impact can cause a heel-bone stress fracture. Sudden increases in training, hard playing surfaces, and wearing shoes that lack proper support can raise the risk of these problems.

Symptoms differ based on the injured area. Plantar fasciitis usually causes sharp pain with the first steps after rest, while an Achilles problem can hurt during running or jumping. A stress fracture can cause pain that becomes stronger with activity and may continue at rest. Because several conditions produce similar symptoms, athletes should avoid returning to full activity before the cause is identified. Continuing to train through pain can worsen tissue damage, change the way the athlete moves, and place added strain on other parts of the foot or ankle.

A podiatrist can examine the heel, review the athlete’s training pattern, and assess foot movement. X-rays can reveal some bone problems, while other imaging tests can identify a stress fracture or soft-tissue injury that is difficult to see. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity. A podiatrist can recommend temporary activity changes, supportive shoes, or custom orthotics to improve pressure distribution. Treatment can also include immobilization to protect an injured area. Surgery is reserved for severe injuries or problems that do not improve with other care. The podiatrist can guide a gradual return to sport and address training or shoe factors that could contribute to another injury. If you have heel pain after exercise or sports activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe is a fracture in one of the bones of the toe. A common cause is a stubbed toe that strikes furniture or another hard surface. A dropped heavy object can also injure the toe and cause a fracture. Symptoms may include bruising, swelling, and difficulty walking. Some people notice that the toe looks crooked or cannot be bent. Because these symptoms can resemble a severe bruise, a podiatric evaluation can determine the extent of the injury and help prevent additional complications.

Certain factors can increase the risk of a broken toe. Sporting activities can increase the chance of an impact injury. Walking barefoot around furniture may also make a stubbed toe more likely. Weakened bones can increase fracture risk. Additionally, wearing poorly fitting shoes can increase pressure on the toes. Persistent swelling, significant bruising, or an inability to move the toe should not be ignored.

A podiatrist will examine the injured toe and check its movement, alignment, and tenderness. X-rays may be recommended to confirm a fracture, and treatment depends on the type and severity of the break. A stable fracture may be supported with buddy taping. A stiff-soled shoe can limit painful movement during healing. More serious fractures may require realignment or additional stabilization. Your podiatrist will explain how to protect the toe during recovery and monitor healing when needed.

During recovery, follow your podiatrist's instructions and avoid activities that increase pain or pressure. Elevating the foot can help reduce swelling, while protecting the toe from impact may support healing. Do not attempt to straighten a crooked toe yourself, as this may worsen the injury. Seek prompt podiatric care if pain is severe or the toe appears deformed. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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

Foot biomechanics refers to the way the bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles work together during movement. The feet form an important part of the lower body’s movement system because they interact directly with the ground. When walking, they must manage forces created by body weight while helping the body remain balanced. Normal foot biomechanics allow these forces to be distributed throughout the foot and lower leg. The arches also play an important role in supporting weight. Bones and ligaments provide stability, while the tissue along the bottom of the foot helps absorb stress as the toes extend during push-off.

Walking requires the foot and ankle to change position with each step. Pronation happens after the heel touches the ground. The foot rolls slightly inward and becomes more flexible, helping it absorb shock and adjust to the walking surface. Later, supination occurs as the foot rolls slightly outward. This makes the foot firmer and more stable so it can push off the ground. Together, pronation and supination help maintain balance, spread pressure across the foot, and support smooth movement.

A podiatrist can evaluate foot biomechanics when pain or changes in walking suggest that the feet are not functioning efficiently. Abnormal pronation or supination can influence other areas because movement of the feet is connected with the lower legs and knees. The effects may extend higher through the body as well. A biomechanical evaluation can examine foot position, joint movement, and walking patterns to better understand how forces travel through the lower body. Identifying unusual movement patterns can help guide appropriate podiatric treatment for related foot and ankle concerns. If foot pain or changes in your walking pattern are affecting comfortable movement, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a professional evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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

Foot stretches can help runners prepare their feet and ankles for activity. They may improve flexibility, mobility, and awareness when performed regularly. Options include toe stretches, ankle mobility exercises, and toe scrunches. These movements can be useful before or after running, depending on comfort and training needs. They may help reduce stiffness and support efficient movement, but they cannot prevent every running injury.

A toe stretch gently lengthens the tissues around the toes. Sit and use your hand to move the toes backward until you feel a mild stretch. Hold briefly without forcing the movement. This exercise may improve toe flexibility and help runners maintain comfortable foot motion. An ankle mobility exercise can involve slowly moving the ankle through controlled circles. Move in both directions with careful control while keeping the lower leg relaxed. This can support ankle mobility and reduce stiffness.

Toe scrunches strengthen the small muscles that help support the foot. Sit with your foot flat and use your toes to gently gather a towel toward you. Relax and repeat several times. This exercise may improve foot strength and control, which can help runners manage impact. Risk factors for running injuries include sudden mileage increases, and training on challenging surfaces. Poor flexibility or limited ankle mobility may also affect movement.

A podiatrist can evaluate your feet and ankles when pain, swelling, or injuries develop. The examination may include checking strength, flexibility, and tender areas. Imaging tests may be recommended when a stress fracture or other injury is suspected. Treatment also can include activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, or custom orthotics. Stretching should never cause sharp pain. If you have developed foot and ankle injuries from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include additional foot and ankle stretches. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Falls are sudden events that cause a person to lose balance and land on the floor or another surface. Foot and ankle problems can make falling more likely, especially when pain changes how someone walks. Osteoarthritis of the feet and ankles is one possible contributor. This condition develops when cartilage within a joint breaks down. Symptoms may include joint pain, stiffness, and tenderness. Joint stiffness may also make steps feel less secure.

Several risk factors can increase the chance of falling. Previous falls, poor balance, and vision problems can affect stability. Osteoarthritis may add another concern because joint damage can make the feet and ankles less flexible. Pain may cause shorter steps or uneven weight distribution. Stiff joints can also make it harder to adjust quickly on uneven surfaces. Weak footwear support, cluttered walkways, and poor lighting can further increase fall risk. Other risks include unsuitable shoes and hazards.

Preventing falls starts with addressing problems that affect safe movement. A podiatrist can examine the feet and ankles, review walking patterns, and order imaging tests when joint damage needs evaluation. Treatment may include wearing supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or recommendations for activity changes. A podiatrist may also review current medications and suggest discussing possible side effects with the prescribing provider. At home, removing loose rugs, improving lighting, and clearing clutter may help to prevent falling.

If a fall causes foot or ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty bearing weight, prompt evaluation is important. A podiatrist can determine whether the injury involves a sprain, fracture, or another condition. Treatment may include protection, immobilization, or medication guidance. Preventive care can reduce future risks. If you have foot or ankle pain from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and additional guidance on fall prevention tips.

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 one of our podiatrists from Granite State Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 Manchester and Bedford, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.