Items filtered by date: June 2022

Tuesday, 28 June 2022 00:00

Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis

While a common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, treatment options for relief may vary. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue on the sole of the foot that runs from the bottom of the toes to the heel. It is an overuse injury and is especially common among runners. With every step the plantar fascia contracts and then stretches, which can cause tiny tears in the tissue nearest the heel bone. The area then becomes inflamed and painful. Corticosteroid injections are a common treatment option for plantar fasciitis because they help to reduce the inflammation. However, steroids may also weaken the fatty pads under the heel, which in some cases results in chronic pain. A number of non-invasive treatments are thought to help reduce the effects of plantar fasciitis in those who do not respond to exercises and stretching. Among them are shock wave therapy and ultrasound therapy. If you have questions about treatment options, please consult a podiatrist 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 Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 offices located in Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Arthritis can have painful effects on the feet, toes, and ankles. Some of the more common types of arthritis are described here. Osteoarthritis (OA) mainly affects the first metatarsal joint connecting the big toe to the foot, as well as the midfoot and ankle. It is a wear and tear arthritis because it causes cartilage in the joints to wear down, leading the bones to rub together. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, including the ankle, heels, midfoot, and forefoot. Over time, the damage can lead to joint deformity and/or disability. Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis caused by uric acid build up and crystallization in joints, often in the big toe of the foot. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is also an inflammatory arthritis that can happen to those with psoriasis. It can affect the joints in the ankle as well as ligaments and tendons in the foot. Anyone with any type of arthritis can experience foot involvement, which can make it hard to walk and perform activities of daily life. While arthritis has no cure, treatment options exist to slow the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms. If you experience the pain of arthritis in your feet and ankles, seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can help you manage pain, stay active, and lead a fulfilling life.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 14 June 2022 00:00

Toeing the Line on Toe Pain

The toes are instrumental in everyday movements like walking and running—not to mention athletic activities. Toes are therefore more susceptible to injury which can result in pain. Toe pain can also be caused by a variety of factors including dysfunction in tissues, bones, nerves, skin, and other parts of the toes. It may also be the result of conditions such as hammertoe, arthritis (including gout), ingrown toenails, bunions, blisters, corns, calluses, tumors, infection, and inflammation (dactylitis). Pain in the toes can be accompanied by feelings of warmth, numbness, as well as other symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in your toes, contact a podiatrist who will be able to discover the underlying cause of your toe pain and treat it accordingly.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

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Tuesday, 07 June 2022 00:00

An Often Overlooked Ankle Injury

A type of injury that affects the lower inside of the leg, ankle, and arch is known as posterior tibialis tendonitis. Because injury to this tendon can easily be overlooked, it may cause ongoing problems with stability and arch support. Further, it can cause flat feet. Symptoms include painful inflammation to the inside of the ankle, difficulty bearing weight, tightness when flexing the foot, and tenderness in the arch. The most common causes of posterior tibialis tendonitis are a change in gait to compensate for pain from another injury or swelling in the ankle joint. One way to detect posterior tibialis tendonitis is to stand on tiptoe on the affected leg. Pain in this position may indicate injury. If so, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for a thorough exam and treatment options. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

 

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