Heel Pain

Having a spur does not make a difference in diagnosing or treating heel pain. It is simply a good indicator of the longevity of the problem and confirms the severity of the underlying biomechanical problem causing it.

Heel pain, plantar fascitis or heel spur syndrome is caused by an abnormal and excessive pull of the planter fasciar at its insertion.  Morning pain and pain after periods of rest is characteristic and can progress to pain all the time.  Treatment is aimed at shrinking the bursal sac via strapping, NSAID's, injection and orthotics.  If this fails, treatment can be rendered via endoscopic planter fasciotomy, in which a pencil thin camera is placed into the heel soft tissue to release the fasciar.  

For additional information on planter fascitis of the foot visit:
http://www.acfas.org/brnailds.html

Fungal Nails / Athlete's Foot
Onychomycosis / Tinea Pedis

These are caused by fungus that resides in the skin (tinea pedis) or nails (onychomycosis).  This infection, if left untreated can blister and cause a break in skin leaving you susceptible to a bacterial infection.  In its early stages, the redness and itching can be treated with topical creams and liquids.

In more severe cases, oral medication is required.  In the most severe cases nail removal, followed by oral and topical medication more often then not will cure this problem.

Pediatric Foot Problems
Intoe, Outtoe & Overlapping Toes

The most common foot problem seen in children is intoe.  Often times this is the result of lack of external rotation at the hip (femur).  The result is intoe gait and a flattening of the arch.

Although many of the deformities seen in the infant are a result of retained intrauterine position and the child will grow out of these if the intcauterine position retained is significant or a structural deformity is present these problems will not be resolved.  The earlier treatment is started, the more successful resolution can be.

Ankle Sprains

Inversion sprains occur when the foot turns in and one of the three ligaments on the outside aspect of the ankle strain or rupture.  The severity of the strain dictates the treatment.

A mild strain or sprain is treated by immobilization, non weight-bearing anti-inflamatories and followed by re-training and strengthening.  Proper treatment is essential to prevent re-occurrence and chronic sprains..