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When children experience heel pain, it can interfere with their ability to play, walk comfortably, or participate in daily activities. One of the most common causes is Sever disease, an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel that often develops during growth spurts. Other possible issues include overuse injuries, poorly fitting shoes, flat feet, or biomechanical imbalances that place added strain on the heel. Although heel discomfort in children is often temporary, it should never be ignored, especially if the pain persists, worsens with activity, or changes the way a child walks. Early evaluation allows a podiatrist to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate care, which may include activity modifications, stretching, wearing supportive footwear, or custom orthotics. It is suggested you see a podiatrist if your child has ongoing heel pain or difficulty walking without discomfort.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. 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 office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Selecting the right running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Key considerations include a minimal heel-to-toe drop, which promotes natural foot movement, and adequate cushioning to absorb impact and reduce stress on joints. Proper fit and support help prevent common issues like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and blisters. It is important to consider individual foot structure, gait, and running style when making a selection. A podiatrist can evaluate your feet, analyze your running mechanics, and recommend shoes or custom orthotics that provide optimal support and alignment. If you have injured your foot or ankle while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot and ankle conditions.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. 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

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Garner, NC . 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, creating pain and irritation. This condition can be caused by wide nail plates, misshapen nails, or nails that are cut too short or unevenly. Ingrown toenails progress through stages that include mild symptoms with slight redness and tenderness, moderate symptoms with swelling and drainage, and severe symptoms marked by significant pain and infection. A podiatrist can accurately assess the stage, provide safe and effective treatment, and prevent the issue from worsening. Care may include gentle nail correction or minor procedures to remove the problematic edge. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward appropriate treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. 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

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 office located in Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity where one or more toes become bent at the middle joint, creating a curled or elevated position that can cause pain, pressure, and difficulty walking. This condition often worsens over time due to muscle imbalance, tight footwear, or structural issues in the foot. Hammertoe surgery may be needed when conservative care no longer relieves discomfort or when the toe becomes rigid and difficult to straighten. Hammertoe surgery aims to realign the joint, release tight tissues, or remove a small portion of bone to restore proper toe function. A podiatrist can assess the severity of the deformity and guide you toward the most effective treatment plan. If you struggle with a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule a podiatry visit to explore your options, which may include surgery for relief.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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