Blog

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition can cause foot pain, redness, swelling, and warmth. While plantar fasciitis is caused by repetitive overstretching of the plantar fascia and can affect anybody, there are certain risk factors that can make someone more likely to develop this condition. These include having very high arches or flat feet, being female, regularly walking, running, or dancing for exercise, being engaged in activities or occupations that require standing for prolonged periods of time, being between the ages of 40 and 60, wearing high heels, being overweight, having poor foot biomechanics, rapidly changing your activity level, and tightness in the hamstring muscles, calves, or Achilles tendons. For more information about plantar fasciitis, as well as diagnostic and treatment options, please speak with a podiatrist. 

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 Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. 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 one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Finding the right shoes is a very important task, but sometimes it can be challenging. What should you look for when shopping for shoes? What should you avoid? We can come closer to answering these questions by describing the features that an ideal shoe should have, and why these features are important. An ideal shoe should fit snugly. You may want to look for shoes that have laces, velcro fasteners, or buckles, as well as a snug, stiff back to keep your feet from sliding when you walk. The shoe should be the correct size. Look for a shoe that leaves you with about a half inch of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. The inside of the shoe should be supportive and free of irritants. Look for an arch shape that supports your foot and a smooth lining without any rough seams. What about high heels? While they may look nice, excessively high heels can hurt your feet. When shopping for shoes, select heels that are no taller than 1.5 inches. For more information on finding the right shoes for you, consult with 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 one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A fungal infection of the toenails can be unpleasant, embarrassing, and sometimes even painful. In certain people, such as those with diabetes or a compromised immune system, fungal infections can lead to more serious complications. Treating fungal nails can be a daunting task, but there are fortunately many things that you can do to prevent fungal nail infections from developing in the first place. The fungus that causes fungal nail infections thrives in warm, moist environments. To stop your feet from becoming the perfect host for this fungus, opt for breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks, dry your feet and the spaces between your toes thoroughly after washing, and wear shoes in wet public spaces like locker rooms and swimming pools. Keep your toenails clean and short, and avoid sharing your nail clippers and other personal items, such as towels, with others. For more information about fungal nail infections, consult with a podiatrist today. 

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Foot & Ankle Associates, PLLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lake Worth and Aledo/Willow Park, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.