Tuesday, 12 November 2024 00:00

Plantar fasciitis is caused by an inflammation of the thick tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Known as the plantar fascia, this tissue supports the arch of the foot. When it is overused or overstretched, it can lead to pain and difficulty walking. Risk factors of plantar fasciitis include having flat feet or high arches, running long distances, or wearing shoes with inadequate support. Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include sharp heel pain, particularly in the morning, and discomfort after long periods of standing or following physical activity. A podiatrist can diagnose this condition by examining the foot and using imaging tests to rule out other issues. Treatment options often involve stretches, wearing special footwear, and orthotics to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia. If conservative methods are ineffective, a podiatrist may explore advanced treatments like injections or custom-made orthotics to reduce discomfort and improve mobility. If you have foot pain that may be caused by plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

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 Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. 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 Fort Myers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Tuesday, 05 November 2024 00:00

Intoeing, commonly known as pigeon toes, is a condition where a child's feet turn inward instead of pointing straight ahead. This condition often appears in infants and young children and can involve one or both feet. In many cases, intoeing is due to natural variations in bone alignment and often improves as the child grows. For infants, the inward curve may be caused by a condition called metatarsus adductus, where the front part of the foot turns inward. As children get older, intoeing may be related to the twisting of the tibia, or shinbone, or the femur, or thighbone. While intoeing in children often resolves on its own without treatment, a podiatrist can evaluate the condition to determine if stretches, braces, or in rare cases, surgery may be required. Early consultation helps to ensure that your child's gait develops normally and prevents future complications. If your child is intoeing, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM of FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

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Tuesday, 29 October 2024 00:00

Diabetes can significantly impair wound healing, particularly in the feet, where the risk of complications is higher. Elevated blood glucose levels in diabetic patients disrupt vital healing processes that delay tissue repair. For instance, diabetes often leads to poor circulation, which reduces oxygen and nutrient delivery to wound sites and further slows healing. Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, makes it difficult for patients to feel foot injuries, which allows wounds to go untreated and increases the risk of infection. Meanwhile, the immune system is often weakened by this disease, making it harder for the body to fight infections that can further delay healing. Regular foot checks and early intervention are essential to managing foot wounds for people who are diabetic. If you have foot wounds that will not heal, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist as part of your medical team for treatment. 

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

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

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Tuesday, 22 October 2024 00:00

Ankle pain can arise from various causes that affect your mobility and quality of life. Common sources of ankle pain include sprains, strains, fractures, and conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments, which connect bones, are overstretched or torn. A strain involves damage to muscles or tendons in the ankle joint. Fractures are breaks in the bone, often resulting from trauma. Other causes, like gout or infections, can lead to severe swelling and pain. Flatfoot disorder and rheumatoid arthritis are also linked to ankle pain, often worsening over time. Managing ankle pain early is important to avoid further injury. A podiatrist can diagnose these conditions through physical exams and imaging studies, followed by a treatment plan to reduce pain and prevent complications. If you are suffering from ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. 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 tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • 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 Fort Myers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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