Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that is known for causing intense heel pain. Those affected by this condition often relay feeling discomfort when first getting out of bed in the morning. There are a few stretches you can perform to help ease the pain linked to plantar fasciitis. One of these types of stretches is known as towel scrunches. You can start by sitting and scrunching a towel with both feet. Then, stand and scrunch the towel with your feet. Another exercise you can try involves standing and trying to place a cotton ball into a cup using your toes. For more advice on what stretches and exercises you can practice to help with plantar fasciitis pain, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Christian Smith, DPM from UTOEpia Foot and Ankle Specialist. 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 Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Did you know that 80% of running injuries are caused by repetitive stress? Sudden injuries can occur too, such as torn muscles or sprained ankles. Luckily, there are steps that you can take to help prevent running injuries. Before you start your run, it is suggested that you warm up for 5-10 minutes by doing an easy jog or dynamic mobility stretches, like swinging your legs. When you are running, slowly increase the time and distance that you run. If possible, run on a soft surface like grass or sand. These soft surfaces are generally easier on your joints as opposed to running on the pavement. If you do sustain an injury, seek treatment right away and be sure to give your body adequate rest. Running with an injury could make the condition worse or cause new injuries to develop. For more information on how to prevent running injuries, consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Christian Smith, DPM of UTOEpia Foot and Ankle Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot caused by repetitive stress, often from activities such as running, jumping, or intense physical training. Symptoms may include localized pain, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight. Risk factors include sudden increases in activity, wearing improper footwear, osteoporosis, and biomechanical imbalances. Without proper care, these fractures can worsen, leading to prolonged pain and mobility issues. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose stress fractures, provide treatment plans including rest, immobilization, and targeted exercises, and recommend preventive measures. If you have the symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Christian Smith, DPM from UTOEpia Foot and Ankle Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain on the top of the foot can be caused by injuries, stress fractures, or tendonitis, each bringing its own set of symptoms and concerns. Injuries like sprains or impacts can cause immediate swelling, bruising, and sharp pain. Stress fractures, often due to overuse or repetitive activity, may cause a dull ache that worsens with walking or running. Tendonitis, particularly affecting the extensor tendons, those from the front of the leg to the toes, can lead to tenderness, inflammation, and discomfort when flexing the foot. The pain may feel sharp, throbbing, or achy and may make wearing shoes or bearing weight difficult. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the cause through a detailed exam, imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, and an assessment of activity levels and footwear. Treatment may involve rest, bracing, orthotics, or medication. In more severe cases, immobilization or surgical options may be considered. To avoid complications and restore comfort, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Christian Smith, DPM from UTOEpia Foot and Ankle Specialist. 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 Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.