If you have heel pain, you may have come across the medical term plantar fascia. This is a strong, fairly inflexible connective tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone with the toes. When this tissue becomes damaged or torn, it is known as plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia. There is a good chance that your heel pain may be caused by plantar fasciitis, as this is the most common form of heel pain. What caused your plantar fasciitis? Perhaps you run or walk quite a bit or have the type of job that requires you to stand for all or most of the day. Maybe you regularly wear flip-flops, high heels or other footwear that does not offer adequate support or cushioning. Arthritis can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis, as well as tight calf muscles, high arches, flat feet, or other conditions you may have that cause an imbalance in the biomechanics of your feet. You may even be pregnant or carrying some extra weight, which can stress the plantar fascia. Whatever the reason is for your heel pain, you should know that help is available. You don’t need to learn to live with heel pain, especially if it is caused by plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists treat people with plantar fasciitis every day, and can offer you various forms of treatment to provide the relief you are looking for.

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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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

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 offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Your child’s feet will grow very quickly in the first 5 years of their life. Proper footwear during this time is very important in order to allow the bones in the feet to grow straight. When your child is just a baby, the bones in the toes are very soft, and shoes and socks that are too tight can restrict these bones from growing properly. In fact, shoes are not necessary for children until they are walking on their own, and even then, they are only needed for walking outside. It is important to also make sure that your child’s shoes are fastened with either laces or Velcro in order to keep the heel from slipping out of the shoe. Parents who have further questions about what shoes their child should be wearing as they grow can consult with a podiatrist for further advice and recommendations.  

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin. It can affect any part of the body, but is most frequently seen in the feet. Cellulitis can be contracted by bacteria entering a wound, cut, scrape, or other small openings in the skin. Symptoms of this condition include red, swollen, warm, tender, and painful skin, changes in the texture of the skin (pitting) and blisters. A fever and chills can also accompany this infection. Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics and resting and elevating the affected foot to reduce swelling. Left untreated, cellulitis can cause grave complications. If you notice signs of infection in your feet, please seek the care of a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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)
• 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 offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

It’s hard to imagine, but the foot contains 26 bones that work together with ligaments, cartilage, and tendons to help you stand, walk, and run. Sometimes the area of the foot just in front of the ankle, known as the midfoot, becomes swollen and painful. It also may develop spurs that become painful. When the cartilage between the midfoot bones begins to wear out, the midfoot bones start to rub against each other, causing inflammatory pain, or arthritis. Luckily, several non-surgical remedies can help to relieve the pain. Start with finding shoes with a stiffer sole that can reduce the force on the midfoot area when you walk. In contrast, a softer mesh upper in the shoe will further disperse the pressure on the area. It’s best to avoid tightening your laces too much, thereby reducing the downward force. It also may help to give up running and jogging and replace them with water aerobics, swimming, or stationary bike riding for exercise. Obesity just makes midfoot arthritis even more painful, so adopting a healthier diet can help too. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, available over the counter, can work to reduce the inflammation and pain. However, if your midfoot pain increases despite these measures, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your feet and offer enhanced treatment options, including corticosteroid injections or in some cases, surgery.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Here are a few tips on finding the perfect fit in your work boots or work shoes. First, the shoe/boot should be snug, but not tight. The back of the shoe or boot should hug (but not cut into) the heel, and the ball of your foot should lay comfortably in the ball of the shoe. There should be space between the tips of the toes and the toe box. Your toes should have enough room to move a bit and they should never be squeezed or confined. Work shoes and boots that fit properly will keep you energized and even help your footwear last. For more tips on work footwear or to learn about custom orthotics that can keep your feet comfortable and healthy, contact your local podiatrist.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, and Lexington, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.