During the Spring of each year, Dr. Elizabeth Reilly D.P.M. and her staff at the Peninsula Foot and Ankle Center conduct a series of free foot screenings.
“This is one of our most popular and rewarding experiences as foot care professionals,” said Dr. Reilly. “It gives us a chance to meet new people so we can let them know what condition their feet are in.”
Dr. Reilly is a podiatrist, physician and surgeon of the foot and ankle. She provides comprehensive evaluations, diagnoses, and treatments of diseases and injuries of the foot and ankle.
“People who attend these Health Fairs sponsored by Super Fresh and the AARP are able to have their questions answered about any problems they are experiencing with their feet,” said Dr. Reilly. “Early detection of any foot problem is the key to continued good foot health.”
“Our free foot screenings held each Spring are a painless way to find out what condition your feet are in.”“If your feet hurt, have a trained professional look at them,” said Dr. Reilly. “Although many people have gotten used to foot pain, it is not normal to walk around with your feet aching. At the Peninsula Foot and Ankle Center, we simply believe that you should know what condition your feet are in. This is why we are participating in these health fairs.”
Dr. Reilly’s practice is located in the Medical Center North Building in Suite 3 at 105 Pine Bluff Road in Salisbury, in the Berlin Professional Center in Suite 403 at 314 Franklin Ave. in Berlin and in the Plaza Building at 6 North Pennsylvania Ave. in Bethany Beach. For appointments call 410-749-4900, 410-641-2892, 302-539-6427 or toll free at 877-749-4900.r.
One of the specialties of the Peninsula Foot and Ankle Center is the treatment and consultation of those who suffer from heel pain. Heel pain has many causes, according to the founder of the Peninsula Foot and Ankle Center.
“In our pursuit of healthy bodies, pain can be an enemy. In some instances, however, it is of biological benefit,” said Dr. Reilly. “Pain that occurs right after an injury or early in an illness may play a protective role, often warning us about the damage we have suffered.”
“When we sprain an ankle, for example, the pain warns us that the ligament and soft tissues may be frayed and bruised, and that further activity may cause additional injury.”
Pain, such as may occur in our heels, also alerts us to seek medical attention. This alert is of utmost importance because of the many afflictions that contribute to heel pain. “Heel pain is generally the result of faulty biomechanics (walking gait abnormalities) which place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it,” said Dr. Reilly. “The stress may also result from injury, or a bruise incurred while walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces; wearing poorly constructed footwear; or being overweight.”
Dr. Reilly pointed out that the heel bone is the largest of 26 bones in the human foot, which also has 33 joints and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Like all bones, it is subject to outside influences that can affect its integrity and its ability to keep us on our feet.
“Heel pain, sometimes disabling, can occur in the front, back, or bottom of the heel,” said Dr. Reilly.
Heel Spurs are a source of foot pain that should be attended to.
“A common cause of heel pain is the heel spur, a bony growth on the underside, forepart of the heel bone,” said Dr. Reilly. “The spur, visible by X-ray, appears as a protrusion that can extend forward as much as half an inch.”
“When there is no indication of bone enlargement, the condition is sometimes referred to as ‘heel spur syndrome.’"
Heel spurs result from strain on the muscles of the foot, by stretching of the long band of tissue that connects the heel and the ball of the foot, and by repeated tearing away of the lining or membrane that covers the heel bone. These conditions may result from biomechanical imbalance, running or jogging, improperly fitted or excessively worn shoes, or obesity, according to Dr. Reilly.
In some cases, a condition known as Plantar Fascitis can develop.
“Both heel pain and heel spurs are frequently associated with an inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue (fascia) running along the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot,” said Dr. Reilly. “The inflammation is called plantar fascitis. It is common among athletes who run and jump a lot, and can be quite painful.”
“The condition occurs when the plantar fascia flattens out and elongates over time beyond its normal extension, causing the soft tissue fibers of the fascia to tear or stretch at various points along its length, including at the heel bone A gap occurs, which between the fascia and the heel bone may be filled in with the growth of new bone.”
Dr. Reilly explained that the inflammation may be aggravated by shoes that lack appropriate support, especially in the arch area, and by the chronic irritation that sometimes accompanies an athletic lifestyle.
“Resting provides only temporary relief. When you resume walking, particularly after a night's sleep, you may experience a sudden elongation of the fascia band which stretches and pulls on the heel,” said Dr. Reilly. “As you walk, the heel pain may lessen or even disappear, but that may be just a false sense of relief. The pain often returns after prolonged rest.”
A variety of steps can be taken to avoid heel pain and accompanying afflictions.
“First, wear shoes that fit well in the front, back and sides; and have shock-absorbent soles, rigid shanks and supportive heel counters,” said the Podiatric Surgeon.
“Second, wear the proper shoes for each activity and do not wear shoes with excessive wear on heels or soles.”
“Third, prepare properly before exercising,” said Dr. Reilly. “Warm up before running or walking, and do some stretching exercises afterward.’
“Finally, pace yourself when you participate in athletic activities and do not underestimate your body's need for rest and good nutrition.”
