Items filtered by date: March 2023

The foot condition called plantar fasciitis is known to be the most common cause of heel pain. It affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that is found on the sole of the foot. It connects the heel to the toes and can become inflamed or torn for various reasons. These can include standing on hard surfaces for most of the day or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, people who have high arches, flat feet, or are overweight may develop plantar fasciitis. One often seeks medical attention to relieve the pain and discomfort this condition can cause. A proper diagnosis can consist of having a medical examination performed, and many times an X-ray is taken to rule out a stress fracture. Also, there are various stretches that can be performed which may help to strengthen the affected foot. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Philip Hahn, DPM  from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. 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 our office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that causes pain between the third and fourth toes. It affects the nerve in this area of the foot, and it may become enlarged and irritated. This can happen from wearing shoes that do not have enough room in the toe area to freely move in. High heels fit into this category, and can cause the toes to become cramped. Some of the symptoms that are felt with this condition can include a sensation that is likened to stepping on a marble or small pebble, and the area can feel like it is burning or numb. Relief may be found when appropriate shoes are worn, and it is beneficial to refrain from wearing high heels. The sooner the relief is found, the more of a chance a treatment method will be successful. This may include wearing orthotics that can support the shape of the foot, which may ultimately help in reducing existing irritation from the nerve. If you feel you may have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis and offer effective treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

The reasons behind toe pain can consist of having nerve damage or enduring an injury. It may also happen from a joint deformity, such as hammertoe, and may reduce the ability to walk and stand comfortably. Many people have arthritis, and the toe joints may become inflamed, often causing severe toe pain. Additionally, gout is another form of arthritis and happens when excess uric acid in the blood converts to crystals that form in the joints of the big toe. This condition can develop from genetic reasons, or from eating foods that have large amounts of purines. A source of pain can be a bunion, which is defined as a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe. This generally occurs from wearing shoes that do not have ample room for the toes to move freely in. Severe bunions may cause the other toes to shift together, and it may be uncomfortable while wearing shoes. If you have pain in your toes for any reason, it is strongly suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer you a proper diagnosis and correct treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Philip Hahn, DPM of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Texarkana, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Many people will continue to walk and stand if they have a stress fracture in their foot, despite the pain it may bring. Stress fractures generally happen from overuse and are a common injury among runners. They are small or hairline cracks in the foot bones that bear the weight of the body. The repetitive force that comes from running and jumping activities may result in a stress fracture and will become worse if not promptly treated. A stress fracture can cause the bones to become weak, and a boot or cast may be worn for stability as the affected foot heals. The parts of the foot that are most affected are the heel bone, the second and third metatarsal bones in the midfoot, or one or more of the bones in the ankle joint. The symptoms that can accompany this type of injury can include pain, bruising, tenderness, and swelling. If you have endured a stress fracture in your foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and suggested treatment options. 

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Philip Hahn, DPM from Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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