Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting people of all ages, especially runners, people who stand for long hours, or those with flat feet or high arches. It occurs when the thick band of tissue that supports the arch, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed or strained. Classic symptoms include sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning, but it can also cause aching in the arch, tightness in the calf, or a burning sensation that worsens with prolonged activity. Left untreated, pain from plantar fasciitis can alter the way you walk and lead to knee, hip, or back issues. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through physical exams and imaging, if needed. They offer targeted treatments, such as custom orthotics, stretching plans, night splints, or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately 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 one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. 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
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 Kingwood, Humble,The Woodlands,and Conroe, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
A metatarsal stress fracture is a small crack in one of the long bones of the foot, caused by repetitive pressure or overuse. Common in athletes, dancers, and individuals who increase activity levels quickly, this injury often develops gradually. Symptoms include localized pain that worsens with weight-bearing, swelling, and tenderness over the affected bone. Risk factors include poor footwear, sudden changes in activity or intensity, weak bones, and biomechanical issues. A podiatrist can diagnose the fracture using imaging and physical exams and will guide recovery through rest, protective footwear, or activity modification. If you have foot pain that increases with movement, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem and provide treatment..
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Kingwood, Humble,The Woodlands,and Conroe, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Pain in the ball of the foot, known medically as metatarsalgia, often arises from activities such as running, wearing tightly fitted or high‑heeled shoes, or a natural foot shape that places extra pressure on the forefoot. The ball of the foot becomes sore, swollen, bruised, or burning. It can feel as though a pebble is under your foot. Metatarsalgia also may be caused by a sprain, bursitis, arthritis, nerve irritation or a developing bunion. Persistent or worsening symptoms call for evaluation by a podiatrist, who can examine foot structure, toe alignment, gait mechanics, and weight distribution across the forefoot. A podiatrist might recommend custom orthotic inserts, advise on supportive footwear, or, if structural abnormalities are advanced, recommend surgery to address underlying bone, joint, or soft tissue issues. By identifying the precise cause of the pain in the ball of the foot, a podiatrist can design a practical plan to alleviate pain and improve function. If you are experiencing such symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate care.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Houston Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Causes
Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
Bunions
Hammertoes
Plantar Fasciitis
Bone Spurs
Corns
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Ingrown Toenails
Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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
Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Kingwood, Humble,The Woodlands,and Conroe, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
