Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. It often results in sharp heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Causes include overuse, tight calf muscles, and wearing unsupportive footwear. Risk factors involve prolonged standing, high impact activities, obesity, and flat feet or high arches. Relief can be achieved through gentle stretching exercises, wearing supportive shoes, and reducing strain on the heel. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend custom orthotics, and create a personalized treatment plan to reduce pain and promote healing. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Foot pain in older adults can be more than a simple sign of aging and may point to deeper health concerns. Ongoing discomfort can affect balance and increase the risk of falls, which may lead to serious injury. For instance, stress fractures in the feet involve small cracks in the bones that develop with age and cause pain with activity. Nerve damage, known as neuropathy, may lead to burning, tingling, or numbness and is often linked to serious underlying medical issues. Gout and other types of arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the feet and toes. In some cases, sudden pain and swelling may signal a blood clot, which requires urgent medical attention. A podiatrist can evaluate these symptoms, order X-rays or other imaging, assess circulation and nerve function, and address both foot pain and related conditions. If you are a senior experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

If you need your feet checked, contact Jordan Baker, DPM of Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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

Ankle pain while swimming often results from repeated push offs on the pool wall and quick turning motions that strain the joint and surrounding tissues. Limited flexibility and prior injuries can increase the risk of discomfort. Foot pain may also develop, including plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot. This condition is common in swimmers who spend time walking on hard pool decks with poor arch support in their footwear. Preventive care includes stretching and strengthening exercises that improve ankle flexibility and foot stability. Wearing supportive shoes outside the pool can also reduce strain. A podiatrist can diagnose the cause of pain and provide effective treatment options. If you have sustained a foot and ankle injury and swimming has become difficult, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies, getting you back to this popular sport.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

Foot pain can affect daily movement and overall comfort. It may result from injuries such as sprains, fractures, or overuse, as well as  improper footwear that lacks support. Medical conditions, including arthritis and diabetes, can also contribute to ongoing foot discomfort. Risk factors include high-impact activity, poor foot mechanics, and prolonged standing. Symptoms range from mild soreness to sharp, limiting pain. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause, provide accurate diagnosis, and recommend treatments like orthotics or targeted therapy. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jordan Baker, DPM from Best Foot Forward Surgical Podiatry. Our doctor 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)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

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 office located in Florence, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.