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Avoiding Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that may cause a stabbing pain in the heel. As a result, someone who has the condition may find common activities such as running and walking to be extremely painful. Plantar fasciitis occurs when there is an injury of the plantar fascia--the long structure at the base of the foot that connects the heel to the toes. Stretching has been proven to be effective in alleviating pain related to plantar fasciitis, so it is important that those with the condition incorporate stretching into their daily routines.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher  from Texas. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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How Flat Feet Can Lead to Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis

Having flat feet may cause a condition called posterior tibialis tendonitis due to the fallen arch in the foot. When you rush into a new physical activity too soon, you may aggravate the posterior tibilias muscle; this is why it is important to ease your way into a new running routine instead of taking on more than your body can handle. In order to alleviate the pain associated with posterior tibialis tendonitis, you should do exercises that will help strengthen your calf muscles. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. 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 one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Why You Should Take Care of Your Feet

Walking can provide several benefits to your body. Following a walking routine can help lower your risk of diseases, strengthen your heart, prevent dementia, and boost your energy levels. A good walking routine starts with having healthy feet. Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to make sure your feet are taken care of. Prior to walking, you should make sure that you are not cutting your toenails too short. Toenails that are short may lead to ingrown toenails and pain. Another tip is to wear breathable socks. This will help prevent unpleasant odors, blisters, and rashes. Lastly, you should make sure you keep yourself hydrated in order to help avoid getting cracked feet.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Why Flip Flops are Bad for Your Feet

Wearing flip-flops excessively can cause your foot to become vulnerable. A lack of support may cause critical problems in the arch, forefoot, and heel of the foot, so it is important not to frequently wear flip-flops in order to avoid these issues. Other problems that may result from wearing flip-flops include: back pain, knee pain, stress fractures, and bone spurs. If you frequently wear flip-flops and are experiencing pain in these areas, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist.

Flip-flops are not always the best choice of footwear. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Dr. Sybil J. Fisher from Texas. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

When the weather starts warming up, people enjoy wearing flip-flops.  Flip-flops are comfortable, stylish, and easy to slip on and off; they're perfect for any summer beach goer.  However, these shoes can cause harm to the feet.

How Can Flip-Flops Affect Me Long-Term?

  • Ankle problems
  • Hip problems
  • Lower back problems
  • Pain in the balls of the feet
  • Problems with foot arches
  • Changes in the way you walk

Are There Injuries Associated with Flip-Flops?

Yes.  Since flip-flops are relatively weak and do not provide the same amount of support as sneakers, people who wear flip-flops regularly are more susceptible to injuries. On top of that, the open nature of the shoe makes your feet more prone to other problems, such as cuts and even infections.  Common injuries and ailments include:

  • Sprained ankles
  • Blisters
  • Infections
  • Cuts and Scrapes

I like Wearing Flip-Flops. Are There Safe Alternatives?

When buying flip-flops, try to find ones that have sturdy soles and that are made of high-quality materials that will support for your feet.  These flip-flops will cost more but will also last longer as a result.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Houston and Sugar Land, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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