September 2020
Monday, 28 September 2020 00:00
The Plantar Fascia and Heel Pain
Patients who have heel pain often notice that it can gradually get worse. It may become severe in the morning after arising, and an abnormal walking style may develop. Research has indicated that the majority of heel pain comes from an inflamed plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is found on the bottom of the foot, and connects the heel to the toes. It can become torn or damaged from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or if an injury has occurred. It can be common among patients who enjoy running or those who participate in certain sporting activities. Mild relief can be felt if additional weight is lost, as this may help to eliminate excess pressure on the heels. If you are experiencing any type of heel pain, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose your condition and guide you toward the correct treatment options.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Heel Pain Tuesday, 22 September 2020 00:00
Arthritis Can Cause Pain in the Feet and Ankles
If you are suffering from tenderness, pain, or stiffness in the joints of your feet or ankles, call us to schedule an appointment.
Monday, 21 September 2020 00:00
Tips for the Elderly to Maintain Healthy Feet
As the feet age, they begin to flatten and widen, and the fatty padding begins to wear away. Overall function of the feet can be affected by something as small as a blister, and more severe injuries can lead to a variety of health conditions. One of the first steps to maintain healthy feet is keeping the feet clean and moisturized. Clean feet are critical in preventing fungal infections, and moisturizing helps prevent the skin from cracking and forming wounds. Proper nail trimming helps to prevent ingrown toenails and keeps the nails from overgrowing and interfering while walking. Make sure to wear properly fitting shoes in order to keep foot ailments like blisters to a minimum. Lastly, when necessary, make sure to visit a podiatrist when needed. A podiatrist can address serious situations such as pain, poor circulation, infections and other foot ailments.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
- Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
- Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
- Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
- Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
- Shoes that don’t fit properly
- Pressure sores
- Loss of circulation in legs & feet
- Edema & swelling of feet and ankles
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about Elderly Foot Care Monday, 14 September 2020 00:00
Don’t Forget to Stretch Your Feet
For most people, strengthening the feet and ankles is usually an afterthought, but it shouldn’t be! The feet and ankles support the rest of the body, so it is important to keep them strong, flexible, and mobile, especially if you are a runner. One way to maintain the health of your feet and ankles is by stretching them regularly. The big toe extension lunge can help stretch the big toe and the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. Stand inside a door frame and place your big toe against the wall, pointing upward towards the hips. Lunge forward so that your knee goes on one side of the door frame. You should feel a nice stretch under your big toe. For more information about the different stretches you can do to strengthen your feet, talk to a podiatrist today.
Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Stretching the Feet
Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.
Great ways to stretch your feet:
- Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
- Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
- Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle
Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Tuesday, 08 September 2020 00:00
Who Is at Risk for Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. The uric acid can crystallize and deposit itself in the joints of your feet and ankles, causing pain and swelling in the joint. While anyone can suffer from a gout attack, some people can be more at risk than others. Middle-aged men and postmenopausal women are more likely to get gout, as are people who have family members with gout, as some people are genetically predisposed to this condition. Your diet may increase your chances of developing gout as well. Food that is rich in purines, such as red meat, organ meet, and certain fish can all raise uric acid levels in the bloodstream. Various medical conditions are associated with an increased risk of gout, including high blood pressure, kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. If you suspect that you have gout, please consult with a podiatrist for treatment.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. John C. Lawlor from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our our offices located in Cape Coral and LaBelle, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
