Plantar fasciitis leads to heel pain due to damage done to the thick tissue known as the plantar fascia, that connects your heel bone to your toes. This condition can arise from overstretching or overusing your foot, often in activities like running, dancing, or aerobics. It can also be related to having flat feet, high arches, and being overweight. Pregnant women who stand for long periods may be at risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Symptoms typically include sharp or dull pain under the heel, which worsens with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged activity. Swelling and a burning sensation may also occur. Diagnosis involves an examination of your symptoms, physical activity, and lifestyle, potentially supported by X-rays or other imaging tests. Relief options include wearing supportive shoes or custom orthotic inserts. Additionally, performing specific exercises to stretch the plantar fascia is also beneficial. If you have heel pain related to plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an exam.
Plantar fasciitis can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain and believe you may be afflicted with plantar fasciitis, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, can injure the plantar fascia over time. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by flat feet, high arches, pregnancy, and activities that put excessive pressure on your feet, like standing all day for work. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it causes pain and discomfort.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
Stabbing pain near the heel
Pain that is worst in the morning or after a period of rest
Pain that increases after exercising
Swelling
Tightness in the Achilles tendon
Diagnosis
Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed via medical history and physical examination.
Treatment
Treatments for plantar fasciitis include resting and icing the affected foot, stretching the foot, taking medications to reduce inflammation, and wearing orthotics. In severe cases where pain does not improve with conservative treatments, injections or surgery may be recommended.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Swelling in the feet, ankles, and lower legs, also known as edema, occurs when fluid builds up in the surrounding tissues. This fluid retention can be caused by several factors. Prolonged standing or sitting, particularly in hot weather, can lead to fluid pooling in the lower extremities. High salt intake and being overweight are also common contributors. Pregnant women often experience swelling due to hormonal changes. Certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure, corticosteroids, and NSAIDs, can result in fluid retention. Injuries like ankle sprains may cause localized swelling. Chronic conditions, such as heart, kidney, or liver disease, can also lead to edema. Women may notice swelling prior to menstruation due to hormonal shifts, and those taking oral contraceptives with estrogen may be more prone to fluid retention. Poor circulation in the legs can result in chronic venous insufficiency, causing blood to pool and lead to swelling. If you have swollen ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including:
Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly
Washing the feet daily with soap and water
Drying the feet thoroughly
Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet
Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly
Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises
A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This condition can be congenital or develop over time due to factors like aging, injury, obesity, or prolonged standing. Flat feet are common in children, but many outgrow the condition as their arches develop. In adults, flat feet are less likely to improve without intervention. For those experiencing discomfort, flat feet can cause pain in the arch and heel, swelling along the inside of the ankle, and difficulty standing on tiptoes. This discomfort arises from the strain on the muscles and ligaments, improper alignment, and uneven weight distribution. Treatment for flat feet includes wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes, using orthotic inserts to provide arch support, and performing exercises to strengthen the foot muscles. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. If you are experiencing persistent pain or mobility issues due to flat feet, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not.
Causes
Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet.
Symptoms associated with flat feet include:
Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
Overpronation of the foot
Shin splints
Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs
Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back
Treatment
In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
