Blog

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that affects many middle-aged women due to hormonal changes, reduced elasticity in connective tissues, increased activity levels, and footwear that does not offer adequate support. Symptoms often include sharp heel pain when taking the first steps in the morning, tenderness along the bottom of the foot, and stiffness that may worsen after long periods of standing. The condition may appear as mild swelling near the heel and feel like a persistent ache or a sudden stabbing sensation. Causes include overuse, improper shoe choices, weight gain, or biomechanical issues, such as flat feet or high arches. A podiatrist can provide an early and accurate diagnosis through physical examination and imaging, followed by treatments that include custom orthotics, stretching plans, footwear guidance, and advanced procedures when necessary. If you are dealing with this type of heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The majority of blisters on the feet are caused by excess friction. One of the most common causes for this friction to occur involves wearing socks or shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, blisters may develop due to an allergic reaction to an insect bite, or from a severe burn. A blister is the body’s natural response to healing the raw skin, and it appears as a bubble that is filled with liquid over the affected area. As new skin forms underneath the bubble, the blister will gradually drain on its own. It is beneficial to avoid popping the blister as this can be a reason why an infection may develop. If you have blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can provide you with treatment and advise on how to prevent blisters in the future.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the tibial nerve as it travels through a narrow passage on the inside of the ankle. This nerve irritation can lead to symptoms such as tingling, burning, numbness, or sharp pain that may radiate into the foot or toes. Symptoms often worsen with prolonged standing or walking. Common causes include flat feet, ankle injuries, swelling, or masses that place pressure on the nerve. Risk factors may include overuse, diabetes, arthritis, or prolonged standing. A podiatrist can diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome through a physical examination and imaging, then create a personalized treatment plan. Care may include orthotics, activity modification, or advanced therapies to reduce nerve pressure. If you have persistent burning or numbness in your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Lupus can affect the feet in several ways, leading to pain, swelling, numbness, and cold toes when circulation is reduced. Some people develop lymphedema, which causes fluid buildup and ankle swelling, or Raynaud’s syndrome, where blood vessels in the toes tighten in response to cold or stress. Chilblains can also develop when damp, cool air irritates the skin on the feet. Lupus can contribute to plantar fasciitis, which causes pain along the bottom of the foot when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. These changes may signal nerve problems or other serious conditions, so prompt evaluation is important. A podiatrist can help identify the source of foot and ankle symptoms, recommend supportive shoe choices instead of thin flip-flops, offer orthotics when needed, and advise when further complications arise. If you have symptoms of lupus that affect your feet and ankles, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.