Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. Symptoms often include sharp or stabbing heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged standing, tenderness along the arch, and swelling. Causes include overuse, repetitive stress, high impact activities, wearing improper footwear, and biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches. Risk factors include obesity, age, occupation, and certain sports. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot mechanics, recommending stretching and strengthening exercises, providing custom orthotics, and offering treatments to reduce pain and inflammation. If heel pain is affecting daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on. 

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 care needs.

Research has shown the feet can indicate serious health issues within the body. The condition known as scleroderma may be evident in the feet. The symptoms can consist of cold feet and toes and can be associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon. Additional signs of scleroderma may include having patches of thickened skin that develop on the feet. The affected skin may be dry or itchy and will often require expert medical care. A chilblain may occur with Raynaud's disease and the skin may turn red, swollen, and become tender when touched. Having poor blood circulation and exposure to cold weather may lead to this condition, and it can affect the toes. There are simple methods that can be implemented to properly care for the feet. These can consist of choosing shoes that fit correctly and moisturizing the feet often. Many people who are affected by systemic sclerosis can experience a feeling of walking on small pebbles and this may be relieved by wearing custom-made orthotics. If you have any of these symptoms and would like to know more about systemic diseases of the feet, please confer with a podiatrist.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Frederick Matthews, DPM from Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

As people age, their feet can become more vulnerable to dryness, pressure points, nail changes, and balance concerns, making steady care especially important. Washing and drying the feet thoroughly each day helps maintain skin health, while moisturizing can prevent cracking that may lead to discomfort. Trimming nails straight across reduces the chance of ingrown edges, and wearing supportive shoes with a stable base can improve confidence during walking. Many older adults also benefit from checking their feet regularly for redness, swelling, or small injuries that may not cause immediate pain. These simple habits support safer movement and help prevent issues from becoming more serious. If you notice persistent soreness, difficulty walking, or changes in skin or nails, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper evaluation.

If you need your feet checked, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. It often affects the smaller toe joints first, leading to tenderness, swelling, and stiffness that can gradually spread to the ankles. As inflammation progresses, the joints may weaken and become painful during daily activities. Causes include an overactive immune response and risk factors include family history, age, and smoking. When rheumatoid arthritis involves the feet and ankles, walking and balance can become difficult. A podiatrist can help by providing custom orthotics, footwear guidance, and supportive treatments that ease pressure and improve joint function. If your ankles are stiff or swollen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you relief solutions, helping you to manage this condition.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Frederick Matthews, DPM of Innovative Foot and Ankle Care. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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.