Wearing the wrong shoes can cause heel pain due to poor arch support, insufficient cushioning, or an improper fit. High heels or shoes with a rigid sole can strain the plantar fascia, the ligament connecting the heel to the toes, leading to discomfort. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can also cause friction and pressure points, resulting in heel pain. To prevent this, choose shoes with proper arch support and ample cushioning to absorb impact. Ensuring a correct fit is vital, as shoes should have enough room for your toes and provide a secure fit at the heel. Opt for shoes with a slightly raised heel and a flexible sole to support natural foot movement. These measures can alleviate heel pain and promote overall foot health. If you have heel pain that could be a result of wearing shoes that do not fit right, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you treatment solutions, and guide you toward wearing the right shoes.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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 contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Whether you're a novice runner or a seasoned marathoner, injury prevention is a top priority. An important aspect of running injury prevention is having a structured plan and progressing slowly. Avoiding increasing your total mileage by more than 10 percent each week helps prevent overexertion and gives your muscles and ligaments adequate time to adapt. It's also essential to strike a balance between increasing distance and improving speed. Focusing on one aspect at a time can reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Proper hydration, replenishing your body with a combination of protein and carbohydrates within 30 minutes post-run, and practicing deep breathing exercises to stimulate a relaxation response can all aid in muscle repair and reduce soreness. Incorporating cross-training activities such as swimming or cycling into your routine provides a welcome break from the impact of running. Dynamic stretches before your run help prime your muscles for activity, while static stretches afterward improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. If you are experiencing pain from running it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot doctor can also perform gait analysis and assess biomechanical problems that may cause injuries. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Arthritis can significantly impact the feet, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty in walking. Several types of arthritis can affect the feet, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. Osteoarthritis, often referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. This can lead to pain and stiffness in the feet, particularly in the joints of the toes and ankles. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and deformity. Treatment options for arthritis in the feet vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. They may include medication to reduce pain and inflammation, exercise to improve joint function and mobility, and orthotic devices to support the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints. If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort due to arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide specialized care and a tailored treatment plan to alleviate the symptoms, and improve your quality of life.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

In the world of childhood mishaps, toe injuries rank among the most prevalent, encompassing a spectrum of ailments from jammed toes to fractures. Jammed toes often occur during vigorous play or sports, where sudden stops or collisions can cause the toe to forcefully bend, leading to pain and swelling. Toenail injuries are another common occurrence, typically the result of stubbing or dropping heavy objects on the toe, causing pain, bleeding, or even toenail loss. Additionally, subungual hematoma, characterized by blood pooling under the toenail, often arises from trauma or repetitive pressure on the toe, causing discomfort and discoloration. Fractures, though less frequent, can happen due to severe impact or twisting motions, resulting in pain, swelling, and potential deformity. If your child has endured a toe injury, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition where the cuboid bone, located on the outer side of the midfoot, becomes partially dislocated or misaligned. This often occurs due to injury or repetitive strain. Athletes are more likely to get cuboid syndrome than other groups because their activities, such as running or jumping, put significant stress on the foot's complex structures. This is especially true for those in sports requiring sudden changes of direction or explosive movements. Symptoms of cuboid syndrome may include intense lateral foot pain, redness, and swelling. A podiatrist, or foot doctor, can treat cuboid syndrome through manual manipulation to realign the bone, along with rest, compression, and elevation to reduce inflammation. Additionally, the use of taping techniques and custom orthotics may help stabilize the cuboid bone and prevent recurrence, allowing athletes to return to their activities with reduced risk of further injury. If you suspect cuboid syndrome, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Myers, Shellpoint, and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.