Friday, March 30, 2012

Dustin McGowan Has Plantar Fasciitis

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dustin McGowan has plantar fasciitis in his right foot. McGowan was just recently given a 2 year $3 million extension to stay with the Jays. His condition is listed as day to day and the team hopes he will recover in time for the season opener.
The right hander was forced to leave a Minor League game during the second inning with pain in his foot. McGowan was the clear favorite to win the final spot in the Jay's starting rotation, but he may initially lose that to Aaron Laffey or Kyle Drabek.
As recently blogged, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.
The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to faulty structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches, either overly flat or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.
Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can also lead to plantar fasciitis. This is particularly evident when one's job requires long hours on the feet. Obesity may also contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Craig M. Kaufman, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Sports Podiatrist in CT
Podiatrists in Rocky Hill, Newington, Middletown, and Kensington, CT
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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics, also known as orthoses, refer to any device inserted into a shoe, ranging from felt pads to custom made shoe inserts that correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern or pain, like heel pain. Sometimes called arch supports, orthotics allow people to stand, walk, and run more efficiently and comfortably. While over the counter orthotics are available and may help people with mild symptoms, they normally cannot correct the wide range of symptoms that prescription foot orthoses can since they are not custom made to fit an individual's unique foot structure.
Orthotic devices come in many shapes, sizes, and materials and fall into three main categories: those designed to change foot function, those that are primarily protective in nature, and those that combine functional control and protection.
Rigid Orthotics
Rigid orthotic devices are designed to control function and are used to primarily for walking or dress shoes. They are often composed of a firm material, such as plaster or carbon fiber. Rigid orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot. Rigid orthotics control motion in the two major foot joints that lie directly below the ankle joint and may eliminate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back.
Soft Orthotics
Soft orthotics are generally used to absorb shock, increase balance, and take pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots. They are usually effective for diabetic, arthritic, and deformed feet. Soft orthotics are typically made of soft, cushioned materials so that they can be worn against the sole of the foot, extending from the heel past the ball of the foot, including the toes. Like rigid orthotics, soft orthotics are made from a mold after a podiatrist takes a plaster cast or other kind of image of the foot.
Semi-Rigid Orthotics
Semi-rigid orthotics provide foot balance for walking or participating in sports. The typical semi-rigid orthotic is made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials. Semi-rigid orthotics are often prescribed for children to treat flatfoot and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders. These orthotics are also used to help athletes mitigate pain while they train and compete.
Orthotics are most often prescribed for patients with heel pain to alleviate the strain on the plantar fascia. It is one of the many ways we treat heel pain in our office.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Can Bone Spurs Cause Heel Pain?

Many people who believe they have heel pain think that bone spurs are the cause. While that may be the
source for some, for most cases bone spurs are not what causes your heel pain.
Bone spurs are a very common foot problem. In the feet, they develop most frequently in the heel, near the toes, and on top of the big toe joint. The spurs are small outgrowths of bone. In and of themselves, they are generally harmless. However, their location may cause friction or irritation from shoes or other foot structures, which can lead to other foot problems.
Heel spurs refer specifically to bone spurs in the heel. Heel spurs are an growth of the bone on the underside, forepart of the heel bone, and occur when the plantar fibrous band pulls at its attachment to the heel bone. This area of the heel later calcifies to form a spur. With proper warm-up and the use of appropriate athletic shoes, strain to the ligament can be reduced.
Anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, corrective shoes, and/or orthotics (special shoe inserts) are some of the common treatments for bone spurs. Note: Please consult with your podiatric physician before taking any medications. Surgery may be prescribed if spurring around the joint becomes severe or lead to recurrent pain from persistent corns.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in Rocky Hill, CT
Foot Doctor in Rocky Hill and Middletown CT
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Saturday, March 10, 2012

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

What Is Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.
Causes
The most common cause of plantar fasciitis relates to faulty structure of the foot. For example, people who have problems with their arches, either overly flat or high-arched feet, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.
Wearing non-supportive footwear on hard, flat surfaces puts abnormal strain on the plantar fascia and can also lead to plantar fasciitis. This is particularly evident when one's job requires long hours on the feet. Obesity may also contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in Rocky Hill, CT
Podiatrist in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter
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