arch pain

The arches are the primary structures of the body that absorb and return force to and from the body to the outside world when we are on our feet. When something happens to these structures, pain and injury may result.

There can be many causes of arch pain. Direct force trauma, ligament sprains, muscle strains, poor biomechanical alignment, stress fractures, overuse or the tightness or lack of tightness of the joints in the foot may all cause pain in the arch.

Injury to the plantar fascia is a common cause of arch pain. The plantar facia is a tough fibrous sheath that extends the length of the bottom of the foot and lends support to the arch. When the plantar fascia is damaged, the resulting inflammatory response may become a source of arch pain.

Injury to the bones of the foot can be caused by a single blow or twist to the arch or also by repetitive trauma, which can result in a stress fracture. A sprain of the arch occurs when the ligaments which hold the bones together are overstretched and the fibers tear. The muscles of the foot may be strained by overstretching, overuse, overloading, bruising or being cut by stepping on a sharp object.

If you have arch pain, give the office of Dr. T. Vail a call to schedule an appointment at 419-423-1888. Arch pain is not something to think lightly of.

Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?  Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain.  The pain is caused by the swelling of the plantar fascia, the flat band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes.


Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the plantar fascia.  Repeated strains can cause the ligament to develop tears, which cause the pain and swelling.  People are more prone to Plantar Fasciitis if they....

• Experience excessive pronation
• Have high arches or flat feet.
• Walk, Stand, or Run for long periods of time - particularly on hard surfaces
• Are overweight
• Wear Shoes that fit improperly or worn out
• Have tight calf and Achilles tendon
• Pregnant and wear shoes with inadequate support

Plantar Fasciitis is also more common in those between the ages of 40 and 60, women, and those who have jobs that require them to be on their feet, such as teachers, factory workers, and waitresses.

In most cases of Plantar Fasciitis develops gradually and affects just one foot, although it can occur in both feet simultaneously. The pain is generally worst with the first few steps after awakening, although it also can be triggered by long periods of standing or getting up from a seated position. The pain may feel like a sharp pain in the heel of your foot. If you are experiencing heel pain and think you may have plantar fasciitis, contact your podiatrist and schedule an appointment.  There are several exercises, stretches, and treatments to help with plantar fasciitis and your podiatrist can direct you.  Visit Vailfoot.com today to request an appointment.  Also, below are several products proven to help ease the pain of plantar fasciitis available through our product store.
          
  OrthoGel                                   Dr. Jill's Moleskin                    Powerstep ProTech

     

Plantar Warts

Warts are defined as a local growth of the outer layer of the skin caused by a virus.  A wart on the bottom of the foot is called a plantar wart because it is located on the plantar surface.  Plantar warts may cause discomfort and be itchy or painful, so most people who suffer from them seek treatment.  If there are several plantar warts they can cause difficulty walking and running.  Plantar warts are less likely to transfer from person to person but all warts can spread from one part of your body to another. 

According to Mayoclinic.com, Plantar warts are noncancerous skin growths on the soles of your feet caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which enters your body through tiny cuts and breaks in your skin. Plantar warts often develop beneath pressure points in your feet, such as the heels or balls of your feet.

Complications that can arise with warts include, the spread of warts, the return of warts that have been removed, scar formation after the removal of the wart, and the formation of keloids after removal. 

Call Your Doctor If...

• There are signs of infection (pus, discharge, fever, or red streaking) or bleeding.
• If bleeding is difficult to stop with light pressure.
• The wart does not respond to self care and you want it removed.
• The wart causes you pain.
• You have diabetes or a weak immune system.

• The wart changes in color or appearance.

A great product for the treatment of plantars warts and common warts is Tripod Labs Plantarstat Wart Removal available at the product store on vailfoot.com. 

posterior heel pain

Posterior heel pain can come fom one of several causes. When a doctor is talking about posterior heel pain, he is referring to pain behind the heel, not below it. Pain underneath the heel, on the bottom of the foot can be caused by Tarsal Tunnel syndrome, or plantar fascitis or heel spurs.

Pain over the posterior part of the heel is commonly due to Achille tendonitis, retrocalcaneal bursitis or calcaneal spur. Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon in the back of the ankle. Most commonly pain is experienced directly over the tendon, but it may also be at the point where the tendon attached to the heel bone. Degenerative changes such as small tears within the tendon and calcium depositis within the tendon can contribute to this problem.

Retrocalcaneal bursitis: there are several bursa behind the heelbone that protects this area of contact. Often these bursa can become irritated leading to bursitis , inflammation and posterior heel pain.

Calcaneal spur: A bone spur can form over a long period of time at the insertion of the achilles tendon in the back of the heel. This bony prominence can grow over time, and is referred to as a "pump bump." This extra bone can irritate the surrounding tissues and lead to bursitis of the surrounding bursa.

The doctor may recommend orthotics to support your foot and heel. Visit our website for Powerstep insoles. http://www.vailfoot.com/

The Truth About Bunions

Bunions

The word may not sound or look so pleasant, but don't panic if you have them on your feet. I know here at Dr. Vail's several patients we see have bunions, a deformity of the joint that connects the big toe to the foot.

So what cause Bunions to form?

An imbalance of the muscles and tendons controlling and stabilizing the joint causes the big toe to be pulled toward the second toe. As a result, the corresponding foot bone (the first metatarsal) drifts in the opposite direction, creating a bump on the inside of the foot.

While bunions are not always painful, wearing shoes can worsen the pain. Treatment options for this usually include both non-surgical (wearing shoes that don't irritate the bunion or using pads to ease the discomfort) and surgical procedures to correct bone placement if nothing else works. But don't be scared, bunion removal is a rather common practice.

To find more information on bunions visit our website. Also, if your need of a product to help your cause visit our Product Store.  

flatfeet

A person with flat feet has a greater load placed on the posterior tibial tendon which is the main tendon supporting the arch of the foot. Throughout life aging leads to decreased strength of muscles, tendons and ligaments.
A doctor in order to get the most accurate diagnosis is by observation of the foot and ankle. Observing the foot in walking is most reliable. The affected foot appears more pronated and deformed compared to the unaffected foot.
In raising up on tip toes of the affected foot the patient would be unable to lift the heel off the floor if the posterior tibial tendon has been ruptured. In less severe cases, the patient will be able to rise on the toes, but the heel will not be noted to invert as it normally does.
The adult flatfoot is best treated early. There is no recommended home treatment other then avoiding wearing non-supportive footwear until the patient can be seen in the office of a podiatrist. You can visit our website at www.vailfoot.com and there are supports that can be worn if you cannot be seen by a doctor very soon.
The inflammation and tendon injury will respond to rest, protected ambulation in a cast, as well as anti-inflammatory therapy. Custom-molded orthotics and properly designed athletic footwear are critical to maintain stability of the foot and ankle after initial symptoms have been calmed.
In cases where a soft cast immobilization, orthoses and shoe therapy have failed, surgery is the next alternative. The goal of surgery and non-surgical treatment is to eliminate pain, stop progression of the deformity and improve mobility of the patient.

Corns and Calluses

According to MayoClinic.com,  Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure. Corns and calluses can be unsightly.

Seek treatment for your corn or callus if it causes you discomfort. If you suffer from diabetes or a condition that causes poor circulation to your feet, seek attention for you corns and calluses as they present a risk for complications.  Call your doctor and schedule an appointment to create a treatment plan for you corns and or calluses if the corn becomes inflamed, painful, or if you have diabetes.

A corn is smaller than a callus. It has a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns tend to develop on parts of your feet that don't bear weight, such as the tops and sides of your toes, though they can also be found in weight-bearing areas. Corns can even develop between your toes. Corns can be painful when pushed.

Calluses usually develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. Calluses are rarely painful and vary in size and shape, though they're often larger than corns.
Definitions from mayoclinic.com

To relieve callus pain try the Ball of Foot Cushion. For a corn try the felt corn pads.  Visit VAILFOOT.COM and our PRODUCT STORE for more great products and information.