Plantar fasciitis, a leading cause of heel pain, occurs when the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed. A large number of plantar fasciitis patients experience persistent heel pain. Treatment for this condition often goes beyond rest, and pain relief measures to include strength exercises specifically designed to alleviate stubborn heel pain. These exercises aim to strengthen the muscles surrounding the foot and ankle, improving support for the plantar fascia and reducing the strain on it. A podiatrist may recommend targeted exercises not only to help relieve the immediate discomfort in the heels but also to prevent future episodes of pain. Incorporating these strength exercises into a comprehensive treatment plan means patients are addressing the root causes of plantar fasciitis. If you experience persistent heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan, which may include performing specific stretches.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of East Ocean Podiatry . 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 Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton's Neuroma, a benign tumor that grows in the nerve cells between the third and fourth toe, can be a painful and debilitating condition. Fortunately, a number of effective treatment options are available to relieve discomfort from Morton's neuroma. Conservative measures include wearing shoes with adequate room across the ball of the foot or using foot pads and arch supports. Custom orthotics can provide relief by reducing pressure on the affected nerve. Steroid injections into the painful area also can help alleviate inflammation and pain. In more severe cases, surgical interventions may be considered. Nerve decompression therapy, which involves reducing pressure on the nerves by cutting tendons that press on the nerves, can be effective. In some cases, removal of the affected nerve may be necessary to stop the pain altogether. If you are enduring pain from Morton's neuroma, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to determine the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of your symptoms.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Surgical debridement is a critical  procedure in foot wound care, involving the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote healing. It is commonly used for severe wounds, ulcers, and burns where other methods may not be effective. During the procedure, a podiatrist uses surgical tools to carefully remove the affected tissue, ensuring that healthy tissue remains intact. This process helps to eliminate sources of infection and encourages the growth of new tissue. Surgical debridement can be performed in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized wound care centers. Depending on the extent of the wound, anesthesia may be necessary to minimize discomfort. After debridement, the wound is typically cleaned and dressed to prevent infection and support the healing process. Proper wound care and follow-up are essential for optimal outcomes following surgical debridement. If you have problematic foot wounds, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if you can benefit from surgical debridement.

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

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

Ingrown toenails, a condition where the nail grows into the skin surrounding it, can affect certain people due to a combination of genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices, and physical activities. People can inherit toenail shapes that are more susceptible to becoming ingrown, such as overly curved or thick nails. These people may also have a familial history of the condition. Additionally, athletes and those engaged in activities that place repeated pressure on the toes, such as soccer, ballet, or running, are at a heightened risk due to the constant stress and trauma to the toenails. Improper footwear that constricts the toes can further exacerbate the likelihood of developing this painful condition. Additionally, improper nail care practices, including cutting toenails too short or with rounded edges, can result in the nail growing into the surrounding skin. Recognizing these risk factors can help you prevent ingrown toenails in the future. If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested you visit a podiatrist. This type of doctor can effectively treat ingrown toenails and offer you suggestions for prevention based on any risk factors you may have. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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