Plantar warts are small growths that develop on the soles of your feet. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters the skin through tiny cuts or breaks in the skin. While often harmless, plantar warts can become painful, especially when located on weight-bearing areas like the heel or ball of the foot. Walking can feel like you’re stepping on a pebble, and over time, the pressure may cause the wart to grow inward beneath thick layers of skin. Mild treatments do not always work and can take months to show results. A podiatrist offers more effective options, including cryotherapy, or freezing, as well as topical acids, or minor surgical removal. Early treatment not only relieves discomfort but also helps prevent the wart from spreading to other areas or people. If you suspect you have a plantar wart and it is not improving, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
Hard or thick callused spots
Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
Freezing
Electric tool removal
Laser Treatment
Topical Creams (prescription only)
Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Leesburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in children and teens, especially those who are active in sports. It happens when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated from repeated stress or overuse. During growth spurts, the bones grow faster than the muscles and tendons, which can cause tightness and added pressure on the heel. Children with flat feet, high arches, or those who play sports like soccer or basketball are more likely to develop Sever's disease. Symptoms include heel pain, swelling, and limping, especially after activity. Rest, stretching exercises, and wearing supportive shoes can help relieve the pain. Custom orthotics may also provide extra support. Sever's disease usually goes away once the growth plates close, but if your child experiences continued heel pain, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate care.
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Leesburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Orthotics provide essential support and stability for individuals with flat feet, helping to improve alignment and reduce discomfort. They distribute pressure evenly across the foot, which can alleviate pain in the arches, ankles, knees, and lower back. By providing proper arch support, orthotics help reduce strain on muscles and tendons, making daily activities more comfortable. They also enhance shock absorption, which can be beneficial for those who spend long hours standing or walking. Custom orthotics are tailored to an individual’s foot structure, offering a more personalized fit and improved functionality. Wearing orthotics can also help prevent further complications, such as overpronation and plantar fasciitis. With consistent use, they promote better posture and overall foot health, allowing individuals to stay active and move with greater ease. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to monitor this condition, which may include wearing custom-made orthotics.
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Leesburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Heel pain in one foot can result from several conditions that affect the structures supporting the foot. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause, occurring when the band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed due to overuse or strain. Achilles tendinitis can also lead to pain, particularly at the back of the heel, as a result of repetitive stress on the tendon. A heel spur, which is a bony growth on the heel bone, may develop from prolonged tension and pressure. Nerve compression, such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, can cause sharp or tingling sensations in one heel. Wearing unsupportive footwear or standing for extended periods can also contribute to discomfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.
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 office located in Leesburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
