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Research has indicated the condition known as plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The majority of patients notice the pain and discomfort is worse in the morning, and can be felt when the first steps are taken. Plantar fasciitis can occur when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This is the portion of tissue that is located on the sole of the foot, and its function is to connect the heel to the toes. When this condition develops, the pain may be managed when appropriate foot and calf stretches are performed. It can be caused by a…

The tissue that connects the heel to the calf muscles is referred to as the Achilles tendon. This tendon is responsible for the ability to walk, run, and jump, and these activities may be difficult to perform if it becomes injured or torn. This type of injury can occur as a result of exercising on an uneven surface or from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Additionally, if the calf muscles are tight, the Achilles tendon may endure stress, and this can possibly lead to a rupture. Common symptoms many patients experience can include severe pain in the calf …

A common cause of ingrown toenails is wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. This condition can develop as a result of wearing certain types of shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. An ingrown toenail is defined as a nail that grows into the outer edges of the skin, and can generally cause pain and discomfort. Additional symptoms can include redness, swelling, and pus that may drain from an infected toenail. Moderate relief can be found when the impacted foot is soaked in warm water, which typically helps to soften the skin.…

Orthotics are insoles that are worn inside of shoes. They can be helpful in realigning the body when certain foot conditions are present. They are designed specifically for each patient. The process begins by having an assessment performed that can determine what type of orthotics are needed. This is followed by taking a mold of each foot to ensure a proper fit. Wearing orthotics daily may be beneficial in correcting foot conditions that can include plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoes. If you are considering having orthotics made, please consult with a podiatrist who can help determine if this is the…

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

The field of medicine which is referred to as podiatry involves diagnosing and treating foot conditions. These can include plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, corns, and ankle injuries. Mandatory education consists of obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by enrolling in a school of podiatric medicine. This program typically takes four years to complete, and then the student becomes a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) after three years of working in a residency environment. Residencies often include working at hospitals, where surgical and medical experience can be achieved. Many podiatrists can prescribe medication, perform foot and ankle surgery, and treat diabetic patients.…

Severe pain and discomfort in the joints of the big toe often accompany a medical condition known as gout. It is considered to be a form of arthritis, and can be caused by a variety of reasons. These can include genetic factors, eating foods that have high purine levels, or from medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. It occurs from excess uric acid levels in the blood, and forms crystals that lodge in the joints of the body. Many patients have prevented uncomfortable gout attacks by incorporating healthy foods into their daily meal plan. Additionally, it is beneficial…

Approximately one quarter of the bones in the body are located in the feet. The feet bear the weight of the body, and may fracture easier than other bones. An important goal in managing symptoms is to keep the affected foot elevated, as this may help to alleviate some of the existing swelling and pressure. It is beneficial to keep as much of the weight off of the foot as possible, which can be accomplished by using crutches. Some patients may find it helpful to wear a boot, which may help to protect and stabilize the foot as the healing process…

Patients who have developed the foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis, are often aware of the severe pain and discomfort this can cause. It affects the bottom of the foot, and walking or standing for extended periods of time may become difficult. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot, and it connects the heel to the calf muscles. It can become torn and inflamed as a result of an injury, or from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. Some patients have found mild relief…

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Blisters may form on your feet as your body’s defense against an injury that has occurred, such as excessive friction on the skin. Blisters normally appear as small, fluid-filled sacs on the surface of the skin. They can cause a great deal of discomfort when frequently touched or rubbed against by shoes that are worn. Blisters can develop due to ill-fitting footwear that are usually too tight. To help relieve the pain a blister can bring and reduce swelling, it’s suggested that the affected area is iced, rested, and elevated. Blisters typically drain on their own as the healing process…

There are common symptoms that many patients experience with peripheral artery disease (PAD). These can include cramping in the legs and feet while walking or exercising, foot wounds that have difficulty healing, and coldness in the feet. This condition can develop as a result of blocked arteries, and cramps are the body’s natural warning method of having inadequate blood flow. A proper diagnosis may include having a test performed that can check the blood pressure in the feet, which can be compared to the blood pressure in the arm. If there is an abnormal difference between the two, additional testing…

Many people perform stretches that can benefit the toes, however, they may neglect to stretch the soles of the feet. It is common for the feet to slightly change shape as walking and running are performed. It is important for the muscles and tendons on the bottom of the feet to remain strong. This can be accomplished through a variety of stretches. Many people find it beneficial to perform a seated stretch, and this is done by reaching forward and grasping the toes while sitting down. A standing stretch consists of standing on a step and balancing on your toes.…

There are known differences between walking and running shoes. The type of shoes that runners typically prefer consist of having additional flexibility, which is needed as a result of strong impact on the ground. People who enjoy walking may benefit from footwear with less padding in the heel and arch areas of the feet. Additionally, walking shoes can offer more support than running shoes. They have firmer soles which may help to make walking more comfortable. If you are interested in learning about additional details of the differences between walking and running shoes, please consult with a podiatrist. For more…

A small growth, generally made of calcium, which forms between the arch of the foot and the heel may be referred to as a heel spur. Common symptoms that affect many patients with this condition can consist of pain in the heel, which may be more intense after arising in the morning, followed by a dull ache that can last most of the day. Additionally, there is often swelling in the heel and surrounding areas, and it may be painful when touched. A heel spur may occur as a result of gradual strain that affects the soft tissues in the…

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Research has indicated that majority of Americans will have foot pain at some point in their lives. The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and foot pain may hinder the ability to accomplish daily activities. A bunion is a common cause of foot pain. It is described as a bony protrusion that develops on the side of the big toe, and may come from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. A form of arthritis, known as gout, can cause severe pain and discomfort. This ailment is caused…

The medical condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma typically affects the area between the third and fourth toe. It can occur as a result of a compressed nerve, and may cause severe pain and discomfort. Some of the symptoms that are generally associated with this condition can include a numbing or tingling sensation, and it may hurt to have full range of motion while walking. This ailment can be caused by wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, participating in sporting activities that involve the ball of the foot, or it may develop from previous scar tissue. Moderate relief…

The ankle and foot are joined together to provide maximum stability and flexibility. Many patients who participate in running and jumping activities may have an increased risk of having a foot or ankle injury occur. When an ankle sprain happens as a result of an injury, or from suddenly stepping off of a curb, the ligaments and tendons are stretched beyond the normal range of motion. This can cause severe pain and discomfort. Common symptoms of an ankle sprain can consist of swelling, bruising, and it often becomes difficult to walk. Stress fractures are considered to be a hairline fracture,…