Foot pain is far more common than most people realize. About 81 percent of American adults report experiencing it at some point, and nearly half describe it as debilitating. Foot pain not only limits physical health but also reduces how easily people move through their day and enjoy normal routines. Countless individuals cut back on walking, exercising, or even simple household chores because of persistent discomfort. There has been a growing focus on foot health trends aimed at combating these challenges. Run clubs are surging in popularity, encouraging community activity but also increasing risks of overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis. At the same time, custom orthotics and wearable tech designed with embedded sensors are making strides in monitoring gait, pressure, and early warning signs, especially valuable for athletes and those managing chronic conditions. If your feet are holding you back on a regular basis, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find personalized solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, especially those who are active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repeated stress and tension from the Achilles tendon. Causes include rapid growth, tight calf muscles, and repetitive impact from running or jumping. Risk factors include high activity levels, improper footwear, and participation in sports that involve hard surfaces. Symptoms include heel pain, limping, and tenderness after activity. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition and recommend activity modifications, supportive footwear, and targeted exercise. If your child complains of heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly seek care from a podiatrist to ensure proper treatment and a safe return to activity.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

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 Newark, DE . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, affects blood flow to the lower extremities and often causes symptoms in the feet and ankles. Reduced circulation from narrowed arteries can result in cold feet, muscle weakness, and pain during walking. As PAD worsens, the lack of blood supply may lead to slow-healing sores, discoloration, or numbness in the toes and soles. In severe cases, ongoing poor circulation may lead to severe complications like ulcers or tissue death. People with peripheral artery disease may experience burning pain in the feet, especially at night, which can interfere with sleep. Because symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, PAD can go undiagnosed until complications arise. A podiatrist can evaluate foot symptoms, check for signs of poor circulation, and provide appropriate treatment options to manage the condition and reduce the risk of further problems. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease that are affecting your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

Runners should include regular stretching in their routine to help prevent injuries and support muscle recovery. The best time to stretch is after a light warmup or following a run, when muscles are more receptive. Stretching improves blood flow, increases flexibility, reduces muscle pain, enhances overall performance, and helps lower physical stress. Key areas to focus on include the feet, ankles, and the Achilles tendon. A podiatrist can assess running form, address any biomechanical concerns, and recommend personalized stretching techniques or orthotics for improved support. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you on reaching your goals by staying pain-free.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Advantage Foot and Ankle Center . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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