Although the term plantar fasciitis sounds unusual, the condition it describes is the most common form of heel pain. “Plantar” has to do with the sole of the foot, while “fascia” is a fibrous band of tissue. “Itis” is a suffix used to indicate inflammation. Put those three things together and you are describing an inflammation of the fibrous tissue on the sole of the foot — otherwise known as plantar fasciitis. It can cause a stabbing pain near the heel, which is worst in the morning as you take your first steps, or after periods of rest. This pain can subside as your feet become warmed up. Although runners often develop plantar fasciitis, it can also be common in people who are obese or who wear shoes without adequate support. If you believe you have plantar fasciitis, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist right away to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin proper treatment as soon as possible.
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 Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. 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?
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
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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
It is not unusual for a child to have a condition known as flexible flat feet. Symptoms include a flattened arch, which results in the feet splaying outward. This may cause some pain in the arch if the child is particularly active. Avoiding weight-bearing activities, such as running, and turning instead to cycling or swimming, can give the heels a rest. Stretching the outer calf muscles on a daily basis can also help. Wearing shoes with cushioning and support as well as a slight heel can help to decrease pounding on the heel and the flattening of the arch. Custom orthotics can also be used to help eliminate discomfort. A podiatrist can perform tests to determine the severity of the case and suggest several remedies to reduce the symptoms. It is a good idea to plan regular visits to allow the doctor to monitor your child’s foot condition on a regular basis.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. 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
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 our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The term metatarsalgia refers to any condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot, also known as the metatarsal region. The most common cause of metatarsalgia is pain from inflammation in the metatarsal heads (ball of the foot) that puts pressure on the front of the foot. There are a variety of other causes that can lead to pain in this area of the foot including bunions, overuse of the ball of the foot, aging, having higher arches, arthritis, gout, or diabetes. Other factors, such as being overweight or wearing high heels, can also lead to stress in this area. If you are dealing with discomfort or pain in the ball of your foot, it may be a good idea to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to discuss various treatment options.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. 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:
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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage within the peripheral nervous system, which communicates with the central nervous system (involving the brain and spinal cord). Diabetes often causes peripheral neuropathy, however, it can also occur due to genetics, infections, injuries, hormonal imbalances, or other medical conditions. Peripheral neuropathy may cause numbness, weakness, muscle twitching or cramps, changes in nails, skin and hair, and a pins-and-needles sensation in the legs and feet. It may also be difficult to maintain balance or feel changes in temperature or pain, and you may experience disturbances in your emotions and sleep patterns. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist. They can help diagnose peripheral neuropathy and manage its symptoms with oral medications, orthotic devices, regular checkups and advice on proper foot care.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.
What Is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.
Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:
Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.
Treatment
To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.
Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics are prescription devices that fit in shoes and are designed to distribute weight more evenly across the feet and minimize pressure on any given area. They can also correct an abnormal gait, reduce pain, and improve foot alignment. Since they are designed to address specific conditions and the individual foot structure of the patient, fit is critical. After a podiatrist examines the patient and diagnoses their underlying condition, they may determine that orthotics can be beneficial. They will then take an impression of the patient’s foot, usually with a 3D laser scan or plaster cast. Specific materials will be chosen to address the patient’s particular condition, and the orthotic will be created. The patient will come in for a fitting and any further customizations needed to ensure the device fits the patient’s shoes and is comfortable will be made. Orthotics can be prescribed for conditions such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, high arches and more. If you have any of these conditions, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to see if orthotics may be beneficial for you.
If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Are Orthotics?
Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.
Over-the-Counter Inserts
Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.
Prescription Orthotics
If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.
If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
If you are a woman who loves to run, but also has bunions, it’s a good idea to reevaluate the type of shoes you are wearing. Tight shoes, especially pointed ones, can put pressure on the big toe joint and cause painful swelling. Qualities to look for in a running or workout shoe include, lightweight mesh uppers that provide comfort and allow the feet to breathe, a wide toe box that helps to accommodate the shape of a bunion, and a snug fit with proper cushioning. Preventative measures include stopping wearing high heels and pointed toe shoes, finding a bunion pad or sleeve to protect the area, and avoiding walking barefoot. In more serious cases, you may need to consult with a podiatrist who can help make custom orthotics and discuss other treatment options.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
A common cause for yellow toenails is toenail fungus, however, it may be indicative of other conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, yellow nail syndrome, lymphedema, lung problems, or jaundice. Fungal nail infections may also present symptoms such as thickened, hardened, and brittle nails, and the nail may even lift from the nail bed and emit a foul odor. Wearing shoes may cause pain or discomfort as well. This infection of the toenail (onychomycosis) is typically caused by the dermatophytes fungi in temperate climates, or non-dermatophytic moulds or candida in more tropical environments. Fungal nail infections may be brought on by exposure to the fungi that is living in public areas which are damp and warm such as communal showers, locker rooms, pools and gyms. Ill-fitting footwear, excessive sweating of the feet, brittle nails due to age, as well as injury, psoriasis, or other skin conditions may also increase a person’s risk for developing a fungal nail infection. Treating fungal nail infections is best handled by a podiatrist as the fungi are hearty and hard to kill entirely and promptly without professional care. If you have toenail fungus, make an appointment with a podiatrist. They may use prescription, oral and/or topical antifungal medications, laser therapy, as well as other treatments to help resolve your issue.
For more information about treatment, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals & Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
If you notice that your toes look bluish in color, you may have a condition known as peripheral cyanosis. The main causes are a lack of blood reaching the toes, and lack of oxygen in the blood that does reach the toes. Normally, when blood is properly oxygenated it turns bright red. When oxygen levels are low, the blood turns a burgundy, or more bluish, color. However, if the toes are not receiving enough blood, even though it is fully oxygenated, the result is still a bluish color in the toes, and other body parts as well. The main causes of decreased oxygen are a blockage that prevents blood from reaching the extremities, or lack of pressure sufficient to allow the blood to reach the extremities. A fatty buildup in the blood vessels, known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common factor in such blockages. If you notice that your toes appear to be bluish, it is suggested that you make an appointment with your podiatrist, who can offer a proper diagnosis and treatment options.
While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:
Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
