Items filtered by date: September 2022

Pain in the arch of the foot can have many causes. Among them are plantar fasciitis, calcaneal nerve entrapment, navicular stress fractures, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. Experts agree that the most common cause of foot arch pain is plantar fasciitis. This condition affects the band of tissue that runs beneath the foot from the toes to the heel. Pain from inflammation is generally worse in the morning, levels off, and returns at the end of the day. Calcaneal nerve entrapment occurs when your foot rolls in too much when you walk, flattening the arch. It  can also be caused by ill-fitting footwear that pinches the nerve. A navicular stress fracture is a hairline crack in the navicular bone of the ankle, caused by overuse. Pain radiates through the midfoot to the inside of the arch. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is another nerve impingement condition, causing pain that radiates into the arch. Its symptoms are burning pain, along with numbness and tingling. If you are experiencing pain in the arch of the foot, it’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

The plantar fascia is located on the bottom of the foot, and connects the heel to the toes. Inflammation of the plantar fascia can cause a condition that is known as plantar fasciitis which may happen from repeated stress as a result of participating in running and jumping activities. It can affect the heel, and it is often difficult to walk. There is a treatment method that is referred to as shockwave therapy, and it may be useful in healing plantar fasciitis. It is performed by administering shockwaves to the affected area, which is typically painless. Patients are generally required to undergo three to five treatments, and relief may be found soon after it begins. Research has indicated results may be seen more quickly when it is diagnosed in the beginning stages. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can determine if this is an effective form of treatment for you.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

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

Having swollen feet is certainly not a pleasant experience. Swelling in the feet occurs when bodily fluids become trapped or built-up in the tissues. As a result, the affected area can become significantly puffy, causing them to look markedly bigger than usual. Although swelling in the feet has a litany of different causes, obesity is one potential contributing factor to swollen feet. When an individual is obese, or overweight, they can sometimes experience reduced blood circulation, which then can make the feet become swollen. Additionally, since obese people carry more weight, they consequently exert more pressure on their feet and this can cause pain when walking. As a result, obese people may minimize their physical activity, which can make fluids become trapped in the feet. If you are an individual that struggles with obesity, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss ways to mitigate your foot pain. In consultation with your podiatrist, you may discuss whether or not losing weight would help you reduce the problems that you are experiencing in your feet. Do not take any chances with the health of your feet–contact a podiatrist today.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

Flat feet is a condition that usually affects children. The condition occurs when an individual lacks an arch in their feet, and their entire foot can rest completely against the ground. For example, newborn babies or even toddlers will frequently not exhibit any arch, simply because their arches have not yet developed and matured. Despite the prevalence of flat feet in young children, adults can also be afflicted with this condition. For instance, flat foot is common for individuals who are obese. This is because the added weight that obese people put on their feet when standing can push their natural arches down to the floor. Additionally, women who are pregnant may experience flat feet because during a pregnancy, the body produces a substance known as elastin, which effectively loosens tissues and skin. Also, those living with rheumatoid arthritis may experience flat feet at some point in their lives. If you believe that you might have flat feet or are at risk of developing flat feet, you can consult a podiatrist because this condition tends to get worse as one ages. Do not take any chances–see a podiatrist today for more information about flat feet.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Kimberly Woodard, DPM from Pinnacle Foot and Ankle Centers, LLC . Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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