Sharp heel pain with the first steps out of bed is a familiar sign of plantar fasciitis. This condition affects the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel to the toes and supports the arch. Repeated strain irritates this tissue and contributes to small areas of damage, especially near its attachment to the heel bone. Pain usually develops beneath the heel, although discomfort sometimes extends into the arch. Symptoms frequently ease after a few minutes of movement, then return after prolonged standing or a busy day on the feet.

Several factors place extra stress on the plantar fascia. A sudden increase in running distance or long hours of standing puts repeated pressure on the heel. Tight calf muscles also increase tension through the bottom of the foot. Flat feet and high arches affect how the foot handles weight, while excess body weight adds to the load. Wearing shoes that lack proper support contributes to discomfort in some patients. Plantar fasciitis affects active people as well as those with less demanding routines. Persistent pain sometimes changes the way a person walks, placing additional strain on nearby joints and muscles.

A podiatrist evaluates heel pain by asking when symptoms began and which activities aggravate them. The examination includes checking tender areas, assessing ankle flexibility, and observing foot movement while walking. These findings help identify strain on the plantar fascia and distinguish it from other causes of heel pain. A stress fracture, for example, involves a small crack in the heel bone and requires a different treatment approach. Imaging tests are not always necessary, but a podiatrist orders tests when the diagnosis remains uncertain. Heel spurs sometimes appear on X-rays, yet their presence does not necessarily explain the pain or determine the treatment.

Treatment focuses on reducing strain and addressing the factors surrounding symptoms. A podiatrist prescribes custom orthotics when appropriate to improve support and redistribute pressure. Professional taping provides another way to support the arch. For selected patients, a prescribed night splint gently holds the foot in a position that limits tissue tightening. More persistent symptoms sometimes warrant a walking boot, an exercise plan, or other treatment to address the problem. Surgery is reserved for cases that do not improve with prolonged nonsurgical care. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. 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 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 Memphis, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Clubfoot is a birth condition that causes one or both feet to turn inward and downward. Also called talipes equinovarus, it develops while the baby is growing in the womb. The affected foot may appear twisted, with the heel turned inward and the toes pointing down. Although clubfoot can look concerning, early treatment often helps children develop a stable, functional foot. Recognizing the condition early allows families to begin care and understand the treatment options available.

The exact cause of clubfoot is not always known, but genetics can play an important role. A baby has a higher risk when a parent or sibling has had the condition. Clubfoot may also develop along with certain neuromuscular or congenital conditions. Symptoms include an inward-turning foot, a smaller calf muscle, and limited foot movement. The foot may feel stiff rather than flexible. Clubfoot usually does not cause pain in newborns, but without treatment, it can make standing and walking difficult as the child grows.

Treatment often begins soon after birth, when the foot is easier to guide into a better position. The Ponseti method is commonly used. It involves gentle, repeated stretching followed by a series of casts. Each cast gradually moves the foot closer to its correct alignment. Some babies need a minor procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon. After casting, a special brace helps maintain the correction and lowers the chance of the foot turning inward again.

A podiatrist examines the baby’s foot, assesses its flexibility, and helps coordinate appropriate care. Follow-up visits are important because the foot can relapse as a child grows. Parents should follow casting and bracing instructions carefully and report skin irritation or concerns promptly. With timely treatment, many children with clubfoot can walk and participate in everyday activities. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist on your health care team to ensure the best results possible. 

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Christian Smith, DPM of UTOEpia Foot and Ankle Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

• Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
• Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
• Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
• Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
• Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
• Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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.

Metatarsalgia is a condition that causes pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot, near the metatarsal bones behind the toes. It can make walking, standing, or exercising uncomfortable. The pain may feel like aching, burning, or pressure beneath the front of the foot. Some people describe the sensation as feeling like a small pebble is stuck inside the shoe. Metatarsalgia can develop gradually or appear after an injury that places stress on the forefoot.

Several causes can contribute to metatarsalgia. Trauma to the foot can irritate the metatarsal area and surrounding tissues. Overuse during sports can also increase pressure on the ball of the foot. Running, jumping, and other high-impact activities may contribute when the feet do not have enough time to recover. Arthritis can affect joints in the forefoot and cause additional discomfort. Symptoms may include tenderness, swelling, or pain that becomes worse during activity. Walking barefoot on hard surfaces may also make symptoms more noticeable.

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing metatarsalgia. Wearing high-heeled or poorly-fitting shoes can shift more weight toward the front of the foot. High arches may place additional pressure on the metatarsals. Extra body weight can also increase stress during standing and movement. People who participate in running or other high-impact sports may have a greater risk, particularly when activity increases suddenly. Previous foot injuries may also affect how pressure is distributed.

A podiatrist can evaluate the foot to identify the cause of ball-of-foot pain. The examination may include checking your gait, foot structure, and areas of tenderness. Imaging tests may be recommended to rule out fractures or other conditions. Treatment may include wearing supportive shoes, cushioned inserts, and activity adjustments. Your podiatrist may also recommend ways to gradually return to activities while reducing pressure on the forefoot. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.

The Winograd technique is a surgical procedure used to treat certain painful or recurring ingrown toenails. An ingrown toenail occurs when part of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, creating irritation along the nail border. Common symptoms include pain, redness, and swelling. Tenderness and drainage may also be common. The condition often affects the big toe and may become more difficult to manage when pressure from shoes continues to irritate the area.

During a Winograd procedure, a podiatrist first examines the affected toe and determines whether surgery is appropriate. The toe is typically numbed with local anesthesia before treatment begins. The podiatrist removes the affected section of the nail along with a small amount of nearby tissue. In many cases, part of the nail-producing tissue is also treated to reduce the chance that the troublesome nail edge will grow back.

Healing begins after the procedure is completed and the toe is dressed. A podiatrist provides specific instructions for cleaning and protecting the surgical site. Patients may need to limit activities that place pressure on the toe and choose comfortable, open, or roomy footwear while healing. Follow-up appointments help the podiatrist evaluate the wound, monitor nail growth, and address any concerns. Keeping the area clean and following instructions can support a smoother recovery.

The Winograd technique can be helpful when an ingrown toenail repeatedly causes discomfort or does not respond to simpler treatment. It is not necessary for every case, so professional evaluation is important before deciding on surgery. If you have persistent symptoms, recurring ingrown toenails, or difficulty walking because of nail pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this procedure with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Christian Smith, DPM of UTOEpia Foot and Ankle Specialist. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.