Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot, supporting the arch. The main symptoms of plantar fasciitis is sharp pain in the heel or arch that is often more severe in the morning or after prolonged standing. Heel pain may improve slightly after walking but often returns with continued activity. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include flat feet, high arches, obesity, and repetitive activities like running. Tight calf muscles can also increase the likelihood of developing this condition. A podiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatment options. Included are stretching exercises, footwear adjustments, and custom orthotics. Surgery may be suggested in more severe cases. If you have heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM  from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. 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

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• 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 office located in Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are bony protrusions that form on the heel bone, or calcaneus. The two primary types are plantar and dorsal heel spurs. Plantar heel spurs develop on the bottom of the heel, where the plantar fascia attaches to the bone, often causing pain in the arch or heel. Dorsal heel spurs form on the back of the heel and can lead to discomfort in the Achilles tendon area. Common symptoms include sharp or aching pain, particularly with movement or pressure. The primary causes of heel spurs are repetitive strain, improper footwear, or conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Overuse or excessive stress can trigger inflammation and heel spur formation. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Plano, TX . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Morning heel pain is a common condition characterized by sharp or aching discomfort in the heel upon waking or taking the first steps out of bed. This pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue running from the heel to the toes. The pain arises from the heel’s stress during overnight rest, where the plantar fascia tightens and then experiences strain as the foot first touches the ground. Other causes may include heel spurs, which are bony growths on the heel bone, or Achilles tendinitis, where the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed. Early morning heel pain can cause difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have this type of foot pain, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer a comprehensive treatment plan.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion, or hallux valgus, occurs when the base joint of the big toe shifts outward, causing the tip of the toe to lean toward the smaller toes. While the exact cause is not fully understood, factors like wearing poorly fitting footwear, a family history of bunions, and joint conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to their development. Symptoms of bunions include pain, stiffness, and swelling at the big toe joint, which can make walking and finding comfortable shoes difficult. Bunions usually worsen over time, making early treatment important. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the bunion and recommend appropriate footwear, prescribe custom orthotics or discuss surgical solutions. These treatments can help alleviate pain, improve foot function, and prevent the condition from worsening. If you have a bunion that is interfering with your daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

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 our office located in Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As people age, the risk of developing ankle disorders increases due to factors like decreased muscle strength, reduced balance, and the natural wear and tear on joints. Some of the most common ankle disorders in the elderly include arthritis, tendonitis, and ankle sprains. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is prevalent among seniors. It occurs when the cartilage in the ankle joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, can also affect the ankles, causing inflammation and discomfort. Tendonitis, the inflammation of the tendons, often affects the Achilles tendon in older adults. This condition results from overuse or sudden increases in physical activity and can cause significant pain and swelling. Ankle sprains, while common at any age, are particularly concerning for the elderly due to the increased risk of falls. Weakened ligaments and poor balance make seniors more susceptible to these injuries, highlighting the importance of supportive footwear and regular exercise for optimal ankle strength and flexibility. If you are a senior and have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 Plano, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.