Pickleball is increasingly popular across America, but it can lead to various foot, toe and ankle injuries that warrant attention. Common acute injuries include ankle sprains from sudden pivots, Achilles tendon strains, and occasional tendon ruptures that require surgery. These pickleball injuries often result in pain, swelling and difficulty walking or bearing weight. Plantar fasciitis and heel bruising may develop from repetitive impacts on hard pickleball courts, causing persistent heel and arch pain. Players may also develop blisters from footwear friction during long matches. A podiatrist can evaluate structural issues, provide diagnostic imaging, recommend custom orthotics and footwear adjustments, and determine whether surgery is necessary for severe tendon tears. Early attention helps prevent long‑term complications and supports a faster return to play. If you have foot pain related to pickleball activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Heel pain is a frequent complaint that can interfere with daily movement and quality of life. Common causes include plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation of the tissue along the sole, and Achilles tendonitis, which affects the tendon connecting the heel to the calf. Heel spurs, or bony growths, and stress fractures in the heel bone can also lead to persistent discomfort. Risk factors include excessive physical activity, improper footwear, obesity, and tight calf muscles. A podiatrist can identify the specific cause of heel pain through examination and imaging, then create a treatment plan involving stretching, footwear changes, orthotics, or other therapies. If you suffer from heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert diagnosis and relief strategies.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

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 offices located in Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce pain from plantar fasciitis, which involves irritation of the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. Tight calf muscles, including the gastrocnemius and soleus, may increase strain on the heel. Stretching these muscles by leaning into a wall with either a straight or slightly bent knee can help relieve tension. Strengthening the foot is also important. The short foot exercise, which involves lifting the arch without curling the toes, can build support in the foot. Heel raises, done by lifting the heels while standing and then lowering slowly, can improve calf strength. Other helpful exercises include picking up small objects with the toes to train the muscles that support the arch. A podiatrist may suggest these and other targeted movements as part of a broader treatment plan. If you have heel pain that may be related to plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Gelbmann Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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