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By Dr. Meredith Sappington, DPM If your first step out of bed feels like you stepped directly onto a LEGO, you are not alone! One of the first questions I ask someone with heel pain is: “Does it start feeling better after you’ve walked around for a few minutes?” Then I ask: “When you’ve been sitting for a while, does that first step hurt all over again?” If you answered yes to both questions, plantar fasciitis is high on my list—but it is not the only possibility. Why is

When children experience heel pain, it can interfere with their ability to play, walk comfortably, or participate in daily activities. One of the most common causes is Sever disease, an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel that often develops during growth spurts. Other possible issues include overuse injuries, poorly fitting shoes, flat feet, or biomechanical imbalances that place added strain on the heel.

Ingrown toenails are a frequent foot issue where the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, most often affecting the big toe. The area may look red or shiny, and in more advanced cases there may be drainage, infection, or overgrown skin along the nail border. It often feels sore at first, then progresses to sharp pain, throbbing, and discomfort when walking or wearing shoes. Causes include improper nail trimming, tight or narrow footwear, and genetic factors.

Falls in seniors often start with problems in the feet, toes, or ankles that make walking less steady. Painful joints, reduced range of motion, or stiffness in the ankles can change gait and slow reaction time when stepping on uneven ground.