Items filtered by date: August 2022

Tuesday, 30 August 2022 00:00

Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is thought to be the most common cause of heel pain. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain under the heel that also radiates into the arch and tenderness on the sole of the foot when it is touched. Another symptom is pain that is worse in the morning, wears off as the day progresses, but returns later. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs under the foot from the toes to the heels. Overuse from repetitive activity aggravates the plantar fascia and causes inflammation. It is common to athletes, dancers, runners, but also may be the result of poor foot biomechanics. Overpronation of the feet, when the foot rolls inward, increases pressure on the plantar fascia. High arches also contribute to this condition, because the foot is not able to properly cushion the force caused by an activity. Other causes of plantar fasciitis include shoes that offer little support or cushioning, carrying too much body weight, and tight calf and other leg muscles. If you have heel pain that matches the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is a good idea to see a podiatrist for a checkup and treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 23 August 2022 00:00

Working On Your Feet While Pregnant

Many individuals throughout the American workforce spend a significant amount of the workday on their feet. For example, cooks, construction workers, and hairstylists spend most of their time on the clock standing on their feet. There are a few things to be mindful of, however, for pregnant women who hold jobs that require them to stand all day. Standing for prolonged periods while pregnant can not only be dangerous, but it can also be difficult or painful. It is recommended that pregnant women stand for no more than four or five hours while taking frequent breaks throughout the workday. Since pregnant women’s feet are prone to swelling, it is more important to listen to your body and give your feet the rest that they need. As the pregnancy progresses, a woman might notice standing becomes increasingly difficult throughout the workday. Pregnant women might choose to lie down during breaks as well as stay hydrated and elevate their feet. Working on one’s feet is certainly nothing to take lightly, particularly if you are pregnant or are planning to be. Consult with a podiatrist for the best advice on maintaining the health of your feet.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 16 August 2022 00:00

Painful Gout

People who have experienced the foot condition known as gout are often aware of the debilitating pain it can cause. Gout can develop as a result of excess uric acid in the bloodstream, and can be caused by eating foods that have high levels of purines. These foods include red meat, shellfish, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. The pain from gout is often felt in the joints of the big toe, and additional symptoms include swelling and redness surrounding the affected joint. Some people may have a genetic history of developing gout, which may also occur in patients who are obese. A proper diagnosis can be performed when a small sample is taken from the joint and analyzed for crystals that can lodge there. Effective preventive measures include frequently practicing a gentle exercise routine, reducing the amount of alcohol consumed, and eating a healthy diet. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Tuesday, 09 August 2022 00:00

Who Is Prone to Getting Sever’s Disease?

There is a growth plate in the heels of all feet, and it may become inflamed during a growth spurt in teenagers who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. The point of inflammation is where the Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel bone. This is known as Sever’s disease and it can cause uncomfortable heel pain. In some cases, an X-ray is necessary to show any irregularities of the heel bone. The pain may be more severe in the morning after arising and the heel may be tender and swollen. It is beneficial to temporarily stop the activity that caused the pain and orthotics may be prescribed to help the heel feel better. Some patients need to wear a cast as this can help to accelerate the healing process. If your child has heel pain and you suspect it may be Sever’s disease, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
Thursday, 04 August 2022 00:00

Do You Suffer From Painful Feet?

Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!

Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00

Numbness in the Feet During Pregnancy

It is very common for women who are pregnant to experience certain complications or discomfort in their feet. This is essentially because during a pregnancy, a woman’s body experiences bodily changes that oftentimes will have some sort of effect on the feet. One condition a woman might experience during her pregnancy is numbness in the feet. Sometimes referred to as a “pins-and-needles” feeling, numbness in the feet can be uncomfortable and make walking difficult. Numbness in the feet can occur during a woman’s pregnancy because as the fetus grows, the woman’s body gets increasingly swollen. This swelling at the ankles and throughout the lower legs can put pressure on nerves that can ultimately make the feet go numb. It is important to note that in addition to the feet, numbness can also affect a woman’s hands during her pregnancy. You can reduce the severity of the numbness by increasing blood flow and circulation to the lower legs and feet. If you are pregnant, or are planning to be, consider contacting a podiatrist who can offer you guidance on maintaining proper foot health throughout your pregnancy.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Redwood Podiatry Group. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Eureka and Arcata, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Pregnancy and Foot Health

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