Items filtered by date: February 2025

Tuesday, 11 February 2025 00:00

Symptoms and Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. This often leads to sharp or dull pain under the heel, especially in the morning or after standing for long periods of time. Causes of plantar fasciitis include wearing unsupportive footwear, sudden weight gain, prolonged standing, or tight calf muscles. People with flat feet or high arches may be at a higher risk. To manage symptoms of plantar fasciitis, a podiatrist may recommend targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen the foot and ankle. Simple stretches, such as pulling the toes upward to stretch the plantar fascia or performing calf stretches, can improve flexibility and reduce tension. Strengthening exercises, like picking up small objects with the toes, may help improve foot stability. A podiatrist can examine your foot and prescribe orthotics or suggest footwear adjustments to alleviate stress on the plantar fascia. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

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 Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. 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 Havre de Grace, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Friday, 07 February 2025 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 04 February 2025 00:00

Types of Fifth Metatarsal Fractures

Fractures of the fifth metatarsal occur in various forms, depending on the location and cause of the break. The fifth metatarsal is a long bone located on the outer edge of the foot, connecting the midfoot to the base of the pinky toe. It plays an important role in maintaining balance, supporting weight, and enabling movement during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. Avulsion fractures, the most frequent type, happen when a tendon pulls a small piece of bone off the base of the fifth metatarsal. Dancer’s fractures, caused by twisting injuries, involve a diagonal break along the bone’s shaft. Stress fractures, resulting from repetitive activities like running, develop gradually and often affect the shaft or neck. Head and neck fractures of the 5th metatarsal typically occur from direct trauma to the bone. A podiatrist can use imaging tests to determine the type of fracture you have sustained. For guidance with a fractured foot bone, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Richard Silverstein from Union Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot

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