April 2021

Heel pain can be a symptom of many different foot problems. The location of the pain in your heel can help guide diagnosis. While pain along the bottom of the heel is often indicative of plantar fasciitis, it can also be a sign of other conditions, including a stress fracture, nerve entrapment, or plantar warts. Pain in the back of the heel can be a sign of Achilles tendon issues, Haglund’s deformity, or Sever’s disease. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. A podiatrist will take your medical history and conduct a physical examination to determine what is causing your heel pain. In some cases, imaging studies such as X-rays are necessary to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact John McGhan, DPM of Gold Canyon 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 contact our office located in Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

For many people, foot pain from certain conditions causes sleepless nights for themselves and their partners. These conditions include: peripheral neuropathy—a nerve disorder causing numbness and pain in both the feet and hands, Morton's neuroma—where pinched bones aggravate and inflame a nerve, a pinched nerve—which occurs in the lower back and travels down the sciatic nerve into the foot, and restless leg syndrome—where a chemical imbalance interrupts normal brain-to-nerve-cell signals and triggers involuntary leg movements. If you or your loved one are experiencing any nocturnal foot pain, contact a podiatrist who can help diagnose and treat your condition so you can get some relief and a good night’s sleep.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with John McGhan, DPM from Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. 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 Gold Canyon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the inside of the ankle that protects the veins, tendons, arteries and nerves within it, such as the tibial nerve. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve becomes compressed. Symptoms range from a shooting pain, numbness, or a burning/tingling sensation anywhere along the tibial nerve from the ankle down through the heel, arch, and even toes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome (which occurs in the wrist) in that both conditions involve a nerve being compressed within a confined space. Common causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include flat feet, ankle sprains, diabetes and arthritis, and other conditions that contribute to compressing, or squeezing the tibial nerve. It’s important to seek prompt treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome because if left untreated the condition may permanently damage the tibial nerve. If you believe you are suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact a podiatrist who can properly diagnose your condition and provide a variety of treatments and therapies.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact John McGhan, DPM of Gold Canyon Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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