Plantar fasciitis is a highly widespread form of heel pain that occurs when the band of tissues under the arch of the foot (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. After contacting a podiatrist and receiving treatment for plantar fasciitis, there are several ways to gauge how you are recovering. First, it might be a sign that you are healing if the pain is starting to become localized instead of distributed throughout your foot and ankle. Additionally, pain from plantar fasciitis can be most pronounced when taking the first steps of the day. Therefore, if you notice reduced or diminished morning pain, this might be a sign that you are recovering. Lastly, you may be recovering from plantar fasciitis if you find that your normal range of motion in the feet and ankles is returning. Recovery times can vary from person to person. However, it commonly takes patients about six months to fully recover. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

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.

A heel spur is a bony protrusion on the underside of the calcaneus or heel bone. A heel spur can extend as much as half an inch from the bone. Some heel spurs are painless, but others can induce chronic pain that is sometimes associated with plantar fasciitis. These spurs are more common among athletes who do a lot of jumping and running. Risks for the development of heel spurs include running or jogging on hard surfaces, gait abnormalities that place excessive stress on the calcaneus, and being overweight. In addition, poorly fitted shoes that lack sufficient arch support can increase the risk of heel spurs. Just the process of aging can be a risk factor as the result of thinning fat pads in the heels. Other risks are engaging in short bursts of activity, spending an excessive amount of time on your feet, and having flat feet or high arches. Prevention tips include wearing well-fitting shoes with ample heel support and shock-absorbing soles. In some cases, custom orthotics may be the answer. For details on dealing with heel spurs and information on orthotics, please consult a podiatrist.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Anderson, SC . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive auto-immune disease that causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in the joints of the foot, ankle, and toes. Symptoms include stiffness in the joints, especially when first waking up or after sitting for long periods. People with rheumatoid arthritis typically experience flare ups of pain, when their symptoms worsen. These may be caused by stress, overactivity, or changes in medication. With rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, which is a membrane that lines the joints. As a result, the synovial cells grow and the membrane thickens, in turn causing the pain and inflammation. Untreated RA can cause damage to the cartilage, tissue that keeps the bones from touching each other. People at high risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis include those who are over 60, female, obese, and who smoke. Genetics also can be a risk factor. Blood tests and imaging tests can help determine whether you have rheumatoid arthritis. For testing, diagnosis, and treatment options, please consult a podiatrist.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.