Items filtered by date: September 2020

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain. It is caused by an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. Getting a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis begins with a trip to the podiatrist. The doctor will typically conduct a patient interview and ask you to talk about your medical history, your current symptoms, and how your foot pain is affecting your daily activities. The doctor will then complete a physical examination of your foot, taking note of issues like swelling, tenderness, pain points, and range of motion. The doctor may also ask you to walk around the room to examine your gait. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, can help confirm a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and rule out other conditions, such as a heel fracture. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist.   

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 Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who enjoy the sport of running often understand the importance of warming up and cooling down properly before jogging or running. It is beneficial to start slowly, and this may be a new concept among first time distance runners. It is helpful to run every other day, which can give the body and feet a chance to rest and build endurance between runs. When mileage and speed are increased gradually, distance running can become enjoyable and manageable. Many runners practice strength training, and this can help to improve balance and stability. If you would like additional information about how running injuries can affect the feet, and how to prevent them, it is advised that you consult with a podiatrist.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It can cause redness, flakiness, peeling, or cracking of the skin on the feet and may also itch, sting, or burn. Fortunately, this type of infection can be prevented. Fungus thrives in moist environments, so always thoroughly dry your feet after getting them wet, especially between the toes. Choose well-ventilated or moisture-wicking shoes and socks to help keep your feet dry. You can also use a powder on the feet everyday to keep them dry. People often catch the fungus that causes athlete’s foot from walking barefoot through wet areas, so when walking through a public area like a locker room or pool, wear water-proof shoes or flip-flops. If you suspect that you have athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A common symptom of the medical condition that is known as sesamoiditis is pain under the big toe. It can affect women who frequently wear high heels, and people who enjoy running and dancing. The sesamoid bones are small, and are located under the big toe. They are responsible for pushing the body off while walking and running. This can become painful and difficult to do if the sesamoid bones become gradually inflamed, or if an injury occurs. This may happen suddenly. Research has indicated that there are specific exercises that can be performed which may help to accelerate healing. These can include rolling the affected foot on a tennis ball, and bending and strengthening the toe with resistance bands. Complete healing may take several weeks, and it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist, who can properly manage this condition.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.