Plantar fasciitis often develops from repeated stress on the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, called the plantar fascia. This ligament connects the heel bone to the toes, helps support the arch and absorbs shock with each step. When the plantar fascia becomes strained, small tears can form. This leads to pain that is usually felt near the heel and often gets worse after long periods of rest or standing. Risk factors of plantar fasciitis include prolonged standing, wearing shoes that lack adequate support, such as flip-flops, having flat feet or very high arches, or gaining body weight. A podiatrist can evaluate the foot, determine the source of pain, and recommend effective treatment, which may include surgery in persistent cases. If you are experiencing foot pain or other symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

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 Apple 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 Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A wound of the foot is an open sore or injury that can result from trauma, pressure, poor circulation, or underlying medical conditions. These wounds can be slow to heal and may lead to serious complications, if not properly managed. Off-loading practices are essential for recovery as they relieve pressure from the affected area, allowing tissues to heal and reducing the risk of infection or further damage. Techniques include wearing specialized footwear, padding, casts, or orthotic devices. A podiatrist can evaluate the wound, create a personalized off-loading plan, and provide advanced treatments for faster healing. If you have a foot wound, it is strongly suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this potentially serious condition.

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 Apple Podiatry Group. 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 contact our offices located in Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Wearing high heels regularly can take a toll on your body over time, and may produce weakened ligaments, lower back and knee pain, bunions, corns, calluses, plantar fasciitis, hammertoe, Morton’s neuroma, sesamoiditis, stiffened/shortened Achilles tendons, ankle sprains, and more. Women who are not dissuaded completely from wearing high heels can try to minimize their harmful effects with a few modifications. Shoes should be properly fitted and not too small. Foot size changes with age, childbirth, and fluctuations in weight, and feet should be measured for length and width with every shoe purchase. Heels should not be worn every day—only once in a while or on special occasions. Pencil-thin stilettos should be switched out with wider-heeled shoes which distribute body weight more evenly across the heel, or platforms or wedges that offer more stability and support. T-strap or Mary Jane styles help prevent the foot from sliding forward into the narrower part of the shoe, and also keep it more aligned evenly over the arch. A podiatrist may have additional footwear advice as well as the ability to create custom orthotics for support and to relieve pressure points on the foot caused by high heels.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Apple Podiatry Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington Fort Worth, And Flower Mound, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.