Items filtered by date: October 2023

Heel pain, often attributed to plantar fasciitis, is a frequent complaint that affects individuals of all ages and activity levels. The plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, can become inflamed and damaged, leading to persistent discomfort. Plantar fasciitis typically manifests as sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. This pain often eases with activity but can return after periods of standing or walking. The condition is usually a result of repetitive strain, such as excessive use, which leads to micro-tears in the plantar fascia. Addressing heel pain and plantar fasciitis often involves a multi-faceted approach. Understanding the causes and treatment options for heel pain and plantar fasciitis is the first step in finding relief from this common, yet manageable, foot ailment. If you are experiencing persistent heel pain, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can determine the most appropriate approach to treating plantar fasciitis.

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 Podiatry Associates of Texas. 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

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 offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Foot stress fractures, though they can happen to anyone, often have identifiable causes and risk factors. One of the leading causes of stress fractures is a sudden increase in activity. This increase can encompass frequency, duration, or intensity. It is particularly common among athletes pushing their boundaries, like marathon runners who ramp up their mileage too quickly. Changing the surface upon which you exercise is another factor to consider. Transitioning from a soft, forgiving surface like an indoor track or turf to a harsh, unforgiving one like a concrete sidewalk can place undue stress on the bones of your feet. Improper technique is a hidden enemy, as it can stem from other foot conditions, like blisters or bunions. When people adjust their gait to avoid pain or discomfort, they may inadvertently place extra stress on certain bones in the foot. Footwear matters more than you might think. Ill-fitting, flimsy, stiff, or worn-out shoes can contribute significantly to the development of stress fractures. It's not just athletes who need to be aware because even non-athletes can experience these injuries after walking extensively on uneven terrain, common during vacations. For more information on dealing with foot stress fractures, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

One of the most common causes of running injuries is related to overuse. But what does that mean? An overuse injury occurs when tissue is damaged due to repetitive demand over a period of time. If you are new to running, starting slow and steady is extremely important. Begin with a combination of walking and running to ease your body into the sport. Gradual progression is key to preventing overuse injuries. Additionally, it is essential to keep track of your mileage. Avoid increasing mileage by more than 10 percent per week, as pushing too hard and fast can be a recipe for overuse injury. Running more than 45 miles per week may not necessarily boost performance and could heighten your risk of injuries. When choosing your running route, opt for soft, flat surfaces, when possible. Slanted or uneven terrain can increase the strain on your muscles and joints, increasing the risk of injury. Pain is the body's way of signaling a problem. If you experience pain while running, it is wise to take a break for a few days. Variation is also key to injury prevention. Alternating between hard training days and easy recovery days helps your body recover and adapt to the demands of running. It is important to remember your footwear, and replace running shoes every 500 miles. After this distance, your shoes may no longer provide adequate shock absorption, increasing the risk of injury. For help preventing or managing overuse injuries from running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Running can be a fantastic way to stay fit and energized, but it is essential to take care of your feet to prevent injuries and discomfort. Incorporating foot stretches into your routine can help keep your feet in top shape for your runs. One effective stretch is the toe stretch. This is done by sitting with your legs extended and then using your hands to pull your toes back gently, stretching the underside of your foot. After holding for approximately 15 seconds, this can be repeated several times. The calf stretch is also beneficial. Stand facing a wall, with one foot forward and the other extended behind you. Lean into the wall while keeping your back heel on the ground, feeling the stretch in your calf muscle. It is helpful to hold this stretch for 15 seconds on each leg. Lastly, the plantar fascia stretch can relieve tension in the arch of your foot. Sit with one leg crossed over the other, and gently pull your toes back towards you, while holding for 15 seconds on each foot. Regularly incorporating these stretches into your running routine can help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries. A podiatrist can provide you with additional foot stretches that are tailored for runners, and it is suggested that you contact this type of doctor for useful tips.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome, though relatively rare, is a painful condition that affects the cuboid bone in the foot. Understanding its causes and recognizing the symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. One of the primary causes of cuboid syndrome is an injury or trauma to the foot, such as a sudden twist or strain. This can dislocate, or subluxate, the cuboid bone, leading to pain and discomfort. Athletes, especially those involved in activities requiring repetitive foot movements, are more prone to this condition. The noticeable symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain on the lateral side of the foot, typically around the midfoot area. This pain can be sharp, stabbing, or aching, and it often worsens with weight-bearing activities like walking or running. You may also experience swelling and limited range of motion in the affected foot. Treatment options may include rest and taping, in addition to realigning the cuboid bone. Early intervention can help alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term issues. If you have pain on the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Associates of Texas. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Farmers Branch, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.