Suffering from plantar fasciitis is no joke. This inflammatory condition affects the tissue in the sole of the foot, causing arch and heel pain that can be excruciating. Those most at risk of plantar fasciitis are runners and people who stand for long periods throughout the day. Factory workers, teachers, construction and warehouse workers, and people who work in restaurants or hospitals are at higher risk. Ways to prevent plantar fasciitis include investing in proper footwear, performing a series of strengthening and stretching exercises, and wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes. The most common cause of plantar fasciitis, by far, is running. The constant pounding on hard surfaces causes tiny tears in the plantar fascia, which then becomes inflamed. Well-cushioned footwear is essential, as the activity that produces plantar fasciitis can also affect the foot, ankles, legs, and knees. For more information about treating plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.
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 New England Foot and Ankle. 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
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 one of our offices located in Chelmsfordand Newburyport, MA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A hard lump on the side of the toe may be a bunion. It is considered to be a deformity, and large bunions may cause difficulty while wearing shoes. Women can be prone to developing bunions as a result of the high heels that are worn. They generally provide little room for the toes to move freely in, and this may cause the side of the big toe to rub on the shoe. Some patients notice their toes shifting toward each other, as the bunion may cause this misalignment. Corns and calluses may develop on top of the bunion, and putting a protective pad over it may bring relief. Pain may be caused by a bunion, and the toe may become numb or have a burning sensation. If you have developed a bunion, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist, who can offer you relief solutions, which may include minor surgery for removal.
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
Orthotics or foot inserts
Surgery
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chelmsfordand Newburyport, MA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you are someone whose employment causes you to stand on your feet for long periods of the workday, you might be putting yourself at an increased risk of developing a foot condition. For example, it is suggested that an individual stands for approximately two to four hours each day. When an individual must stand for too long every single day, they could be putting too much strain on their feet. Employees like hairdressers, cashiers, and factory line workers could all be spending too much of the day standing on their feet. To address this issue, an employee might consider breaking up the workday by taking sitting breaks to ensure that they are not standing for the entire day. If you are a worker that spends a lot of the work day standing, it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from New England Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chelmsfordand Newburyport, MA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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