The most common form of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This is an inflammatory condition of the tissue (the plantar fascia) that connects the heel bone with the toes. This tissue can become inflamed, torn, and painful from overuse and other factors, such as the type of shoes you wear and your foot structure. Your podiatrist can use a variety of treatment modalities to repair the plantar fascia and reduce pain and inflammation, including anti-inflammatory drugs, night splints, heel pads and cups, custom orthotics, physical therapy, steroid injections, casts, and even shockwave therapy—which can boost the body’s natural healing process. If you have heel pain, visit a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat your condition properly. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

Ankle braces can help to support a weak ankle joint, as well as increase your mobility and protect the ankle from further injury. Anyone who has problems with plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or previous ankle joint injuries may find it helpful to wear a brace. Experts believe it is best to wear an ankle brace after an injury, rather than beforehand, as a preventive measure. Constant use of an ankle brace can actually cause more harm than good, as it may prevent the surrounding muscles from gaining strength. Using a brace on occasion, say for a hike on uneven terrain or when playing a sport with a lot of lateral movement, is recommended. After an injury, a good ankle brace should provide support and stability during the healing process. In some cases, depending on the severity of the injury, a nylon boot may be recommended. As there are numerous types of ankle braces available, it’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can advise you on which one best suits your needs. 

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

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 tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• 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 office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis is an inflammation of two tiny bones under the big toe and the tendons they are wrapped in. Sesamoids help support your weight as it transfers to the ball of the foot when you run, dance and walk in high heels. These bones are embedded in tendons, and when they become irritated from overuse they cause inflammation, or tendonitis. Symptoms of sesamoiditis include pain under the big toe, difficulty bending the big toe, swelling, redness and sometimes bruising. Just walking can be painful. People with high arches or flat feet, who roll their foot inward when they walk, or who have gout are at risk for sesamoiditis. A podiatrist can examine your feet and test for mobility, as well as to rule out other causes of your condition, such as bone fracture or turf toe. Treatment may include steroid injections or, in chronic cases, surgery. Please consult a podiatrist for further information. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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 and ankle needs.

Blisters on feet and toes are a common and painful foot condition. A foot blister is a small, fluid filled bubble-like pocket that develops on the upper layers of the skin from damage or friction. Foot blisters are the body’s way of preventing further damage as the collection of fluid under the skin provides cushioning and allows the area to heal. Such blisters can vary in size and depth depending on how they come about. The different types of foot blisters that can develop include clear blisters, blood blisters, or infected blisters. Clear blisters are filled with clear plasma fluid, blood blisters contain blood and show that some of the small blood vessels and skin are damaged, and infected blisters may contain white or yellow tinged pus. Usually, blisters are caused by friction from the foot rubbing against a shoe that is too tight or loose or from walking or running long distances. However, blisters can also arise from infections, burns, extreme weather exposure, existing medical conditions, and chemical exposure. Many foot blisters will heal naturally – the skin will harden and fall off. It is important that one not attempt to burst a blister to avoid infection. If you have a foot blister that is not healing in a timely way, seems to be getting worse, is causing a lot of pain, or appears infected, see a podiatrist who is trained in providing treatment for these types of foot conditions.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, 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.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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.

If you notice a flat hardened callus on the bottom of your foot with tiny black spots showing beneath the skin, you may have a plantar wart. The area might be tender, but try not to touch it. This growth may be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is highly contagious and can enter your body through cuts or sores. The most common places to come into contact with HPV are swimming pools, locker rooms, and bathroom floors, all areas in which you are more likely to walk barefooted. Generally speaking, plantar warts are not dangerous, but they do spread rapidly. The most effective preventative method is to wear foot coverings in places where the virus thrives. If plantar warts become a common occurrence, refuse to go away on their own, or inhibit your ability to walk, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist for guidance and a range of treatment options.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate 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 and ankle needs.