Are you dealing with a nasty case of plantar fasciitis?

Heel pain is a frustrating little problem, especially if you are someone who values their morning run or daily exercise routine. Even if you aren’t what you’d call an avid exerciser, you may still find that your heel pain makes moving around and going about your day more complicated than you would like. A podiatrist is the best medical specialist to turn to when heel pain becomes an issue.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes inflammation within the thick band of tissue known as the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia runs the length of the foot along the soles from the toes to the heels and provides the arches of your feet with support and shock absorption. Unfortunately, microtears within the tissue can occur gradually over time (common in runners), leading to irritation and inflammation.

What Are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

Those with plantar fasciitis may notice that their heel pain is at its worst first thing in the morning or after long periods of sitting or standing. The tricky thing is that the pain often subsides throughout the day, making you think you can get in your run or regular workout routine after all. The only problem with that is that the heel pain often comes back with a vengeance after exercising. Along with heel pain, you may also notice painful or aching arches.

When Should I See a Podiatrist About My Heel Pain?

We know that no one wants to make an unnecessary trip to see their podiatrist unless the situation warrants it. Of course, if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or nerve damage in your feet and you are experiencing heel pain or any symptoms, it is important that you always seek immediate medical care to prevent the issue from getting worse.

While most healthy individuals will be able to handle their heel pain on their own, it’s also important to know when you need proper and more comprehensive care from a podiatrist. It’s important to turn to a podiatrist right away if you have severe pain, pain that makes it impossible to walk or put weight on the foot, numbness or tingling in the heel or foot, or heel pain caused by an injury.

If at-home care isn’t easing your heel pain after five days, then you should also give us a call so that we can create a more effective treatment plan for you.

Don’t let heel pain drag you down. If you are having trouble managing your symptoms and they are impacting your everyday activities and quality of life, it’s time to schedule an evaluation with a podiatrist.

Have you been diagnosed with a bunion? A bunion is a common foot deformity that if left untreated can cause significant pain, swelling, structural changes and even trouble walking. Of course, it’s important to prevent a bunion from getting to this point, and the best way to do that is to turn to a podiatrist for a tailored-to-you treatment plan. The good news is that there are also some simple lifestyle changes you can make right now to slow the progress of your bunion.

• Icing the bunion for 15-20 minutes at a time to ease pain and swelling. This can be done 3-4 times a day, every day, as needed.
• Taking an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen that can reduce inflammation and pain (while medication only provides temporary relief, when you are in pain, this medication can certainly help)
• Stretching out the foot with special mobility exercises for the feet and ankles (ask your podiatrist or simply search online for some of the best foot stretches to ease bunion stiffness)
• Wearing proper footwear that provides the ideal cushioning, fit, and support
• Avoiding high heels, shoes that put pressure on the bunion, and shoes with a pointed toe
• Getting custom orthotics from a podiatrist (these custom-made shoe inserts can provide additional support for the deformed joint)

Do your fingers and toes sometimes turn numb, change color, or feel cold? While this is a common response to winter weather, if you have Raynaud’s disease, something more could be going on to impact the health and function of your blood vessels. If you find your fingers or toes turning white and going numb, you should talk with your podiatrists about Raynaud’s disease.

• Being a woman
• Being under 30 years old (symptoms offer appear during the teen years)
• A family history of Raynaud’s disease

• Thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and other chronic diseases
• Certain medications
• Exposure to certain chemicals, cold weather, or vibrating machines

Fallen arches, better known as flat feet, are more common than you might realize. While many people have flat feet and don’t even know it, others are dealing with regular aches and pains in their feet due to fallen arches. If you think this could be you, a podiatrist can quickly diagnose this problem and provide you with effective strategies to keep fallen arches from also causing you pain.

• Foot, heel, and arch pain, particularly when standing or walking
• Muscle pain
• Leg cramps
• Shooting leg pains that start at the soles of the feet
• Swelling of the feet or tenderness in the soles

• Plantar fasciitis
• Shin splints
• Bone spurs
• Arthritis
• Bunions
• Lower back pain, hip pain, or knee pain

• Diabetes
• Cerebral palsy
• Achilles tendonitis
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Orthotics and arch support
• Stretching exercises
• Bracing
• Custom shoes