Many people unfamiliar with the field of podiatry might already be familiar with the condition known as plantar fasciitis, because it is one of the most common afflictions of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is typically defined as the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. This inflammation can occur for a variety of reasons. However, it is important to be able to recognize signs of plantar fasciitis yourself, in case you develop the condition. Generally speaking, people with plantar fasciitis will experience pains in the feet when first beginning to walk in the morning. Additionally, the pain is typically located in the heels toward the back. Plantar fasciitis also may make certain physical activities uncomfortable or painful, such as walking, running, or engaging in other weight-bearing activities. If you believe that you might have plantar fasciitis, contact a podiatrist today for more information.

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 Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. 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 office located in Anderson, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wounds on the feet can happen for various reasons. Toe injuries, wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or having diabetes may all contribute to having foot wounds. Diabetic patients can develop neuropathy, and they especially need to be careful of wounds that develop on the feet. This is the inability to feel cuts and scrapes on the feet, and an infection can easily occur. This can lead to getting a foot ulcer, and it is important that immediate medical treatment is sought. A podiatrist will remove dead skin that has formed, which is known as debridement. This is followed by dressing the wound, and antibiotics are often prescribed. Many times, the patient will wear special footwear which may include a boot or custom made orthotics. Diabetes occurs as a result of elevated blood sugar levels, and may be controlled by the foods that are eaten. This may help to reduce the recurrence of wounds on the feet, and regular visits with a podiatrist are strongly suggested. If you have a wound on your foot, please consult with this type of doctor who can treat existing foot wounds, and help you to manage diabetes. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

Heel pain and running are not compatible. It can be a runner’s worst nightmare, and it is beneficial to learn how to prevent heel pain from developing. It is believed that heel pain can happen from the heels enduring more pressure than they are prepared for, and this can be easily avoided when proper warm-ups and cool-downs are performed. Additionally, specific heel and calf stretches can make the entire leg stronger, and this can begin with the feet.  An effective heel stretch is done by standing on a step and lowering one heel at a time until a gentle pull is felt. Some patients find it helpful to perform toe yoga, which is done by keeping the heel stationary while lifting the toes off of the floor. Research has shown that heel pain may be linked to weakened foot muscles, and there are various stretches and exercises that can strengthen the feet. If you have heel pain, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the cause, and offer you helpful treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. 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 office located in Anderson, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.