The foot condition referred to as plantar fasciitis can cause severe heel pain. It affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and is located on the sole of the foot. Repetitive running and overuse may cause the plantar fascia to become inflamed or torn, and this often requires medical attention. Many patients notice the pain is worse in the morning after arising, and may become milder as the foot warms up while walking. This condition may occur from standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day, or possibly from wearing shoes that have little or no support. Mild relief may be found when custom-made orthotics are worn, and this may help to take pressure off of the plantar fascia. If you have heel pain, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and properly treat plantar fasciitis.

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 Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. 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 Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tennis can be fun, but as with most sports, injuries can happen. The most common injury to the lower extremities from tennis is tennis toe. Tennis toe is considered the most painful injury one can experience from this sport. It is often also referred to as runner’s toe. Tennis toe is caused by pressure on the toe which causes blood to collect in the nail of the toe. It happens when a player is continuously moving around, jumping, or stopping. It can also develop from wearing shoes that do not fit well and cause the toe to rub against the shoe resulting in pain. If you play tennis and feel pain in your toes that persists or if your nail has turned purple or blue, contact a podiatrist who can offer you proper treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Our feet are prone to aches and pains, partly because of the weight of the body that is endured daily. Heel pain can occur for various reasons and negatively impact productivity. An Achilles tendon injury may bring pain to the heels and the calf and cause difficulty walking. A condition that many patients suffer from is known as plantar fasciitis, and this happens when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. This is the band of tissue that is found on the sole and is needed for pain-free walking, running, and balancing. Sometimes the pain can be unbearable with this condition, and medical attention is often sought. A heel spur is another cause of heel pain, and it is defined as a small bone that grows from the heel as a result of the body’s natural protection against a heel injury. It can cause a considerable amount of pain, despite its small size. If you have heel pain, it is strongly urged that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer proper treatment techniques.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Daniel Bell, DPM of Florida. 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 Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Many health experts suggest that exercising is essential for older adults, because the tendency to become sedentary can contribute to a physical, as well as emotional,  decline. Building strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance are among the activities recommended for older adults. However, seniors also must take care of their feet while engaging in physical activities that call for standing and walking. First, it’s essential to choose footwear that is made for the type of activity taking place. It is also suggested that footwear should have non-skid flat soles and a cushioned arch that is not too thin or too thick. Additionally, shoes should have adequate heel support and a roomy toe box. Fit is also important when selecting activity footwear. Be sure to have your feet measured properly before buying them, as foot size tends to change with age. Keeping track of the wear and tear on your footwear is a must. Replace shoes when the tread wears out, or if your feet begin to ache or feel tired after exercising. For additional information on finding the right shoes for your activity, please consult a podiatrist.

It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.

Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting

• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot
• Don’t buy shoes that fit too tight, expecting them to stretch to fit
• Make sure there is enough space (3/8” to ½”) for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right
• Don’t select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe, but by how the shoe fits your foot

The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels, also known as heel fissures, is a specific kind of foot condition that is characterized by extremely dry skin on the back of the heels. There are many causes of cracked heels, including eczema, athlete’s foot, and aging. However, there is another often overlooked potential cause of cracked heels that is known as a vitamin deficiency. Certain essential vitamins can ultimately keep your skin healthy, preventing them from flaking and cracking. Just some of these essential vitamins include vitamin E, vitamin B-3, and vitamin C. All of these aforementioned vitamins keep the skin around the heels well-nourished. If you have heel fissures and suspect that it might be due to some kind of vitamin deficiency, contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Daniel Bell, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pembroke Pines and Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.