Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligament, running from the heel to the toes and supporting the arch of the foot, sustains strain or tears. This condition can cause severe pain in the heel of the foot making walking and standing uncomfortable. One way to manage plantar fasciitis is taping. Plantar fasciitis tape is sometimes called low-Dye tape and using the tape for this affliction involves taping the foot and ankle to help stabilize the plantar fascia and provide arch support. This can help reduce the amount of stretching and movement of the ligament when one is on their feet and gives the plantar fascia a chance to heal. It provides short-term relief for those with plantar fasciitis and is something that can be discussed and done by a qualified podiatrist. Such a medical professional can also provide further treatment and suggestions for plantar fasciitis.
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 Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor 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
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 Union, NJ and the Upper East Side, Manhattan. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The older the foot, the less spring in your step. Because the feet are involved in most of the activities you do throughout your life, they begin to wear out as you age. Natural changes that result from aging are thinning of the skin, joint wear and tear, and decreased muscle strength. Further, the blood or nerve supply to the feet may diminish, and the bones may become more brittle due to osteoporosis, especially in seniors with peripheral artery disease, diabetes, arthritis, or neuropathy. Fat pads in the heels become thinner, which results in heel pain, and joints become less able to withstand impact. Arthritis and wear and tear of the foot are more likely if you have experienced severe foot trauma, overuse from sports or other physical activities, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Arches may drop, causing flattening of the feet, which adds to the likelihood of arch pain. One way that helps to overcome many of these changes is finding footwear that provides ample arch support and cushioning for tired feet. For more information on dealing with increased causes of foot pain as you age, please consult a podiatrist.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
Shoes that don’t fit properly
Pressure sores
Loss of circulation in legs & feet
Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Union, NJ and the Upper East Side, Manhattan. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
The condition that is known as Charcot foot is considered to be a rare foot condition. It happens as a result of bones, joints, and soft tissues that gradually weaken in the foot and ankle. It can occur from nerve damage from diabetes and can cause the inability to feel pain. In severe cases, the bones may fracture from being weak, and the joints may become dislocated in the ankle or foot. If medical attention is not received, the foot can become deformed, and eventually may lead to the patient developing a bone infection or a foot ulcer. An additional reason why Charcot foot may happen can be from a fracture or sprain. The patient may continue to walk on the broken foot because they are unable to feel painful sensations, and the foot structure may change from trauma that is done to the bone. It is beneficial to begin treatment as early as possible, which generally starts with protecting the affected foot with a removable boot. Additionally, it is crucial to refrain from placing any weight on the foot until it begins to heal. If you have this rare foot condition, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Charcot foot.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Rare Foot Conditions
The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.
There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:
Freiberg’s disease
Kohler’s disease
Maffucci syndrome
Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.
Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.
A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Union, NJ and the Upper East Side, Manhattan. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
