Our FAQ Has Fast Facts on Common Foot and Ankle Injuries in Las Vegas
Our patients are full of questions, and we provide the answers. On our FAQ page, our Las Vegas foot doctors explore the most common questions about heel pain, bunions, nail fungus, ingrown toenails, neuropathy, surgery, and more. Browse or search through our FAQ to get the answers you need.
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How can EPAT help my heel pain?
EPAT, short for extracorporeal pulse activation treatment, is a state-of-the-art technology that has proven effective in the treatment of multiple painful conditions, including heel pain.
EPAT relieves heel pain safely and non-invasively by delivering pulses of energy into the damaged soft connective tissues of the heel. These pulses invigorate the body’s natural healing processes, directing cells to increase metabolism, boost circulation, and redouble its cellular regeneration efforts. For long-term, chronic heel pain which has led to significant thickening and inflammation of tissues in the heel, EPAT can be especially effective and an excellent alternative to surgery.
To find out if EPAT can help with your heel pain, make an appointment with the Absolute Foot Care Specialists in Las Vegas. Give us a call at (702) 839-2010, or request a time online.
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How can I treat heel pain at home?
When heel pain first emerges, you can often treat it effectively right from the comfort of your own home. If it’s a simple flare up of discomfort caused by stress or repetitive activity—for example, a long day of standing or working on your feet, or from starting up a new sport or running route—often a few days of rest is more than enough to get your feet back in top shape. Stretching your feet and calves, using ice or non-prescription painkillers, and making sure your shoes fit well and offer sufficient cushioning and arch support are also recommended.
When pain continues to persist for several days or longer, you should take the next step and give Absolute Foot Care Specialists in Las Vegas a call. We specialize in determining the root cause of your pain and developing a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs quickly and effectively. To schedule with us, please dial (702) 839-2010.
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What treatments are there for my heel pain?
Just as there are many possible causes of heel pain, there are many potential treatment strategies. A full examination and discussion between you and your podiatrist will determine which combination of procedures may be best for your situation. Options include, but are not limited to:
RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation)
- Switching to a more appropriate pair of shoes for your desired activity
- Custom orthotics or insoles
- Stretching, exercise, and physical therapy
- Extracorporeal pulse activation treatment (EPAT)
- Surgery (only selected when absolutely necessary, usually after several months of alternative treatment options)
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What is causing my heel pain?
Heel pain is a common issue for many people, but it’s not actually a single problem. Many different conditions can cause heel pain. The most common culprit is plantar fasciitis, which involves excessive strain and pressure on the plantar fascia ligament. The ligament develops tiny tears, thickens, and tightens, so it pulls on the heel bone, causing pain. Conditions like Achilles Tendinitis are common as well. Pressure and stress on the Achilles causes swelling and irritation on the back of your foot.
Other potential reasons your heels hurt includes Haglund’s deformity, heel bursitis, arthritis, stress fractures, and nerve issues. The key to discovering why your heels are hurting is getting your lower limbs examined. Because so many of these conditions can hurt in the same places and feel similar from the outside, they can be difficult to tell apart without accurate diagnostics. Our team at Absolute Foot Care Specialists are happy to help you get to the root of your heel pain so it can be treated properly. Contact our Las Vegas offices at (702) 839-2010 or by using our online forms to request a consultation today.
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How are tendonitis and tendinosis different?
Tendonitis and tendinosis are similar, but they aren’t quite the same. Tendonitis is a problem with inflammation in the affected tendon. This is generally the result of microscopic tears in the connective tissue that develop when the tendon is overloaded. Tendinosis, however, has no inflammation. It’s an overuse injury to the connector that degenerates the tissue, weakening it. Often this does cause thickening and swelling, but the inflammation that marks tendonitis simply isn’t there. It’s important to know the difference because they require slightly different treatments. To treat tendonitis, you need to eliminate inflammation and let the tissue heal. To treat tendinosis, however, you have to stop the degeneration and allow new connective tissue to grow back and strengthen it. This often takes much longer and requires more time away from whatever caused the problem. If you’re struggling with tendon pain at all, let Absolute Foot Care Specialists in Las Vegas help you. Call our offices at (702) 839-2010 to make an appointment with us. You can also use our website to reach us.
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Is tarsal coalition hereditary?
Tarsal coalition is a painful condition that develops in the womb and ultimately creates rigid flatfeet in pre-teens and teenagers. The condition is usually considered hereditary, though the specific gene issue has not been identified yet. If you have tarsal coalition, chances are high that your child will as well. The problem occurs when the individual bones in the feet are supposed to separate and develop. Two bones end up with excess tissue as a “bridge” between them instead of separating properly. As your child gets older and his or her feet stop growing and start to “set” into their adult shape, the tissue bridge hardens along with the normal bones. This prevents motion between the bones and causes pain. The earlier this condition is caught, the easier it can be treated successfully. Admittedly, not all children or teens with this condition develop painful symptoms. In many people, the tissue bridge doesn’t impede the feet in any way, so it might go entirely unnoticed. If your teen does have pain, however, let our staff at Absolute Foot Care Specialists in Las Vegas help you. Make an appointment online, or call us directly at (702) 839- 2010.