Discomfort in the heel or back of the foot often becomes more noticeable with age. Over time, the tissues that support the foot can weaken or lose flexibility, making the area more prone to irritation. A frequent cause is strain where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel, which can lead to stiffness and soreness during walking or standing. Reduced padding under the heel and changes in foot shape may also contribute to pain. Joint conditions such as arthritis, years of wear on the feet, or the effects of long-term use of unsupportive shoes can add to the problem. Even simple activities like getting out of bed or walking short distances may become uncomfortable, if the issue is not addressed. If you are noticing continued soreness or stiffness in the heel or back of the foot, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate care plan.

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel pain, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include: 

• Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs

• Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness 

• Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time 

• Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf 

Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs. 

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. It involves the thickening of tissue around a nerve leading to the toes, which can cause sharp, burning pain or the sensation of standing on a small pebble. Some people also feel tingling or numbness in the toes. Wearing tight shoes, high heels, and repetitive pressure from activities like running can contribute to this condition. It tends to affect women more than men. Treatment often begins with footwear changes, orthotics to reduce pressure, and activity modifications. In some cases, steroid injections or other medical procedures may be recommended. Early care can prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the need for more invasive treatments. If you have persistent forefoot pain or suspect a neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Morton's neuroma can be highly uncomfortable. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is a Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a condition in which a nerve located in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes thickens due to compression or irritation. Common causes of Morton’s neuroma include wearing shoes with high heels or narrow toe boxes, participating in running or court sports, an injury or trauma to the area, or pressure being placed on the nerve from foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes. Left untreated, Morton's neuroma may result in permanent nerve damage.  

Symptoms

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma often start gradually and worsen over time. Typical symptoms  include: 

• Foot pain

• Tingling, burning, or numbness in the affected foot

• The unique sensation that something is inside the ball of the foot or that there is something stuck in your shoe while walking

Treatment

Non-surgical treatments for this condition may include padding or icing the affected foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying activities or shoes to reduce pressure on the foot, and taking medications or getting injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery may be needed if non-surgical treatments are ineffective. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running regularly places repeated stress on the feet and ankles, which can lead to a range of injuries if warning signs are ignored. Common causes of foot pain in runners include plantar fasciitis, which causes stabbing pain under the heel, and Achilles tendinopathy, marked by soreness above the back of the heel, especially after activity. Runners are also at risk for ankle sprains, stress fractures in bones such as the metatarsals, and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which may flatten the foot over time. Pain in the ball of the foot, known as metatarsalgia, often results from overloading the front of the foot during runs. Morton’s neuroma, a nerve issue between the toes, can cause tingling or a burning sensation. Heel bursitis leads to swelling behind the heel, and repetitive toe pressure may cause bruised toenails or runner’s toe. If you experience foot pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for expert advice.

Although running is a wonderful exercise to keep you in shape, it can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles if you don’t take preventive measures. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury from running, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Some common running injuries include:

• Achilles tendonitis

• Shin splints

• Ankle sprains

• Stress fractures

• Plantar fasciitis

• Bursitis 

What causes injuries? 

These injuries are usually caused by overtraining, wearing the wrong shoes, running on hard surfaces, having tight and inflexible muscles, or having biomechanical issues in the feet or ankles. 

What can I do to prevent injuries? 

• Train slowly and gradually

• Give yourself plenty of time to recover following a run

• Wear shoes that fit properly and support your foot

• Avoid running on hard surfaces, like concrete

• Stretch and strengthen the muscles of your lower legs

• Warm-up prior to a run

• Have your gait analyzed and your feet examined by a chiropodist to determine if there are any biomechanical problems that need to be treated 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.