Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00

Dealing With Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs from the toes to the heel under the foot. Known as the plantar fascia, this tissue is more likely to become damaged if you are middle-aged, overweight, or have a job that requires you to be on your feet for long periods. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It occurs mainly from overuse and is especially common among runners and other athletes that continually pound their feet on hard surfaces. Many people can reduce or even eliminate the effects of plantar fasciitis by resting, icing, and massaging the feet for 20 minutes a day. Other tips include wearing shoes with ample cushioning in the heel and arch support. A number of simple exercises can prove helpful in reducing the pain from plantar fasciitis. If these simple measures don’t work, please consult a podiatrist for a diagnosis and options for more advanced 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 one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors 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 Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 15 November 2022 00:00

Two Types of Toe Fractures

There are different ways of fracturing a toe. A sudden increase in running or walking can produce a stress or hairline fracture, and can be uncomfortable. When a heavy object is dropped on it, or if it is jammed against a piece of furniture, it is considered to be more of a serious fracture, and there are noticeable symptoms that a break has occurred. These can include immediate bruising, and swelling, and the affected toe bone may protrude from the skin. If the break is very painful, a popping sound may be heard at the time of the injury. There is often a limited range of motion, and it can be difficult to walk. A proper diagnosis often consists of having an X-ray taken, and this is generally successful in determining how severe the break is. Many broken toes are treated by using the buddy taping method. This involves taping the broken toe to the toe next to it, which can provide the stability that is needed as the healing process occurs. If you have broken your toe, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible, so the toe can heal correctly. 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Saturday, 12 November 2022 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, 08 November 2022 00:00

What Is a Pressure Sore

There are many wounds that may develop on the feet, causing the individual discomfort or pain. Pressure sores are just one example. Pressure sores can develop on the feet when an excessive degree of pressure is applied to one area of the foot. As a result, blood flow is reduced to the area of the foot, and the skin can essentially die. Pressure sores are categorized by the severity of one's symptoms. For example, there are four stages of pressure sores, all defined by increasingly severe symptoms. The risk factors for pressure sores include being an older adult, having delicate skin, having to spend a significant amount of time in bed, and being malnourished. If you believe that you might have developed a pressure sore, contact a podiatrist today 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 one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors 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 Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Wound Care
Page 23 of 99

Connect With Us