Page 114 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2023

HEALTHY LIVING
FOOT HEALTH:
HEEL PAIN
story and photo courtesy of
Foot Specialists of South Mississippi
Spring has sprung and with the new season and longer days we tend to be more active and outdoors, which could lead to foot pain.
April is foot health awareness month and you may think, “Why should I be aware of my foot health?” Our feet are our foundation and can tell your doctor a lot about your overall health. For example poor circulation in your feet could mean additional testing for heart disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), or diabetes.
Almost all of our day-to-day activities from the time we get up until we go to bed require the use of our foot and muscles and tendons that make up this unique structure. Foot pain left untreated may lead to serious issues or over correction causing pain or injury to other parts of the foot.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If pain or other symptoms of inflammation, redness, swelling, and heat persist, limit normal daily activities and contact a podiatrist. A podiatrist will examine the area and may perform diagnostic X-rays to rule out bone problems. Early treatment is important to avoid additional injury to the foot and to begin conservative treatment as soon as possible to improve heel conditions. Often this can be done without the need for surgery, but the body needs time to recover.
Early treatment might involve oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medication, exercise and shoe recommendations, taping or strapping, or use of shoe inserts or orthotic devices. Taping or strapping supports the foot, placing stressed muscles and tendons
in a physiologically restful state. A functional orthotic device may be prescribed for correcting biomechanical imbalance, controlling excessive pronation, and supporting the ligaments and tendons attaching to the heel bone.
After conservative treatments, surgery may be an option. Today, there is new minimally invasive procedure with quicker recovery
being performed called the Tenjet procedure. Dr. Charles Caplis with Foot Specialists of South Mississippi is having success with this procedure. Alternative treatments such as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) help chronic plantar fasciitis and allow the patient to stay active during treatments. These treatment options are both being used with success at Foot Specialists of South Mississippi with Dr. Caplis.
999 N. Halstead Rd., Ocean Springs, MS 228.818.2801 www.MSFootSpecialists.com
Charles Caplis, DPM, FACFAOM, AACFAS
What Causes Heel Pain?
• Added pressure on the heel
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Excessive pronation (flattening of the foot) • Improper or inadequate foot support
Prevention Tips
• Wear shoes that fit well.
• Wear the proper shoes for each activity.
• Do not wear shoes that have excessive wear on heels or soles. • Prepare properly before exercising. Stretch before and after
walking or running; it’s okay to walk or jog a few minutes
before deep stretches.
• Pace yourself when you participate in athletic activities. • Don’t underestimate your body’s need for rest and good
nutrition.
114 | April 2023
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