Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, often improves with rest, stretching, and wearing supportive footwear. However, when these approaches fail to provide relief, custom orthotics can play a critical role. These specially designed shoe inserts support the arch, distribute pressure evenly, and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. In addition to orthotics, advanced treatments such as targeted stretching exercises, corticosteroid injections, or shockwave therapy may be recommended. These options address chronic inflammation, improve flexibility, and promote healing. In severe cases, minimally invasive procedures might be necessary. Every case of plantar fasciitis is unique and treatment success depends on identifying and addressing the root cause. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis and traditional methods have not worked for you, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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 Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Swollen ankles can result from a variety of conditions affecting the feet, toes, and ankles, ranging from minor injuries to serious medical issues. The most common causes of swollen ankles include trauma such as sprains, fractures, or torn tendons, which often result in localized swelling. Overuse injuries like tendonitis or bursitis may also cause gradual swelling. Infections, including those stemming from ingrown toenails or severe athlete's foot, can lead to swelling accompanied by redness and pain. Systemic conditions, such as arthritis, gout, or autoimmune diseases, may contribute to foot or ankle swelling, while also causing stiffness or inflammation. Venous insufficiency or blood clots in the legs can impair blood flow and lead to fluid buildup in the feet and ankles. Lymphedema, caused by blocked lymphatic flow, is another potential factor. A podiatrist can diagnose the underlying cause of foot or ankle swelling through a detailed examination, recommend appropriate treatment options, and help prevent further complications. If you have a swollen ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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.

Ankle braces are a valuable tool for protecting and supporting the foot and ankle, whether preventing injuries or aiding recovery from sprains or ligament damage. Ankle braces help stabilize the joint, reducing excessive movement that could lead to further strain or injury. People with weak ankles or those prone to sprains often benefit from wearing braces during activities that put stress on the ankle. These braces can also help reduce swelling and discomfort by supporting the tendons and ligaments as they heal. There are many types of braces, including pull-on and lace-up designs, with some featuring rigid supports for enhanced stability. A poorly fitting brace may not provide adequate support, which is why consulting a podiatrist is important. This type of doctor can evaluate your injury, recommend the most suitable type of brace, and ensure it fits properly to promote healing and prevent future issues. If you have sustained an ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis to determine if a brace is needed.

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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a condition tied closely to the biomechanics of the foot. The plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue under the foot, helps support the arch and absorbs impact during walking. It starts at the heel bone and fans out toward the toes. When walking, this tissue stretches and recoils, maintaining foot stability and aiding motion. Improper gait, like uneven pressure on the foot, can strain the fascia. Over time, this strain may lead to tiny tears, causing pain and inflammation. The body repairs these tears with collagen, but repetitive strain may disrupt proper healing, leading to chronic pain. Biomechanical issues, such as flat feet or tight calf muscles, can worsen the problem. Proper treatment, including stretching, wearing supportive footwear, and more, helps. If you have ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to identify the underlying cause, and get expert care

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