The plantar fascia is a fibrous band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. Through extended overuse, improper footwear, obesity, or certain athletic activities, the plantar fascia can become overly stretched or torn, which can cause pain, inflammation and stiffness in the area—otherwise identified as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a very common source of heel pain affecting one in ten people throughout their lifetime. Runners and other athletes that put stress on their heels or play on hard surfaces, as well as older people, those who are overweight, work on their feet all day, or have high or fallen arches are most often impacted by plantar fasciitis. You can help reduce your chances of developing plantar fasciitis by keeping your weight down, stretching properly before engaging in any physical activity, replacing shoes with worn out heels or soles, and choosing shoes with proper cushioning and support in the arch, sole, and heel. To learn more about being proactive against plantar fasciitis, or to treat it properly if it has occurred, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Kennedy Legel  from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. 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 Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Podiatrists are highly skilled physicians and surgeons that are experts in the feet, ankles, and related structures of the legs. They treat patients with all kinds of pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility in these areas including: general foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, broken or sprained bones, heel pain, biomechanical irregularities, reconstructive surgery, and serious medical complications due to diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and neurological diseases. Podiatrists may utilize the latest technologies such as digital imaging/ultrasound/gait analysis, laser and shockwave therapies, platelet-rich plasma injections, as well as custom orthotics and surgical interventions (when necessary). Their goal is to reduce their patient’s pain, restore mobility and balance, and get them back to their normal activities as soon and as safely as possible.

If you are dealing with pain in your feet and ankles, you may want to seek help from a podiatrist. Feel free to contact Dr. Kennedy Legel from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

A podiatrist diagnoses and treats conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Your podiatrist may specialize in a certain field such as sports medicine, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic care. Podiatrists have the ability to become board certified through training, clinical experience, and then taking an exam.

What Do Podiatrists Do?

On a daily basis, a podiatrist may perform the following activities:

• Diagnose foot ailments such as ulcers, tumors, fractures, etc.
• Use innovative methods to treat conditions
• Use corrective orthotics, casts, and strappings to correct deformities
• Correct walking patterns and balance
• Provide individual consultations to patients

It is very important that you take care of your feet. It’s easy to take having healthy feet for granted, however foot problems tend to be among the most common health conditions. Podiatrists can help diagnose and treat a variety of feet related conditions, so it is crucial that you visit one if you need assistance.

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

The feet are considered to be the foundation of the body, and many patients do not give their feet a second thought until they begin experiencing foot pain. There are many foot conditions that can gradually occur, including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and bunions. These ailments can cause a considerable amount of pain, and walking may become difficult. A heel spur is defined as a bony growth that develops under the heel, and surgery may be considered for permanent removal. Plantar fasciitis is the result of an inflamed plantar fascia, which is the tendon that connects the heel to the toes. Severe pain and discomfort may come from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day, and mild relief may be found when specific stretches are performed. A hard, bony growth that forms on the side of the big toe can be referred to as a bunion, and it can cause pain while wearing shoes. A podiatrist can effectively diagnose and treat conditions that cause foot pain.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Kennedy Legel from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. 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 Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures occur over time, with a moderate amount of pressure being applied to a bone which eventually can cause it to break without dislocating it—as is often the case with a sudden traumatic bone fracture. Because the feet and ankles bear the weight of our bodies every day, stress fractures in these areas are not unusual. The repetitive movements of everyday activities such as running, standing and walking apply steady force which can weaken the bone. This causes a stress reaction which may lead to the bone eventually breaking. Stress fractures typically occur in either athletes who can wear out their feet and ankles through overuse, and people with insufficient density in their bones due to conditions such as osteoporosis. However, having a bunion which can shift weight distribution, wearing high heels, starting a new high impact activity, or increasing the intensity and frequency of workouts suddenly can also increase the likelihood of a stress fracture. If you are experiencing any weakness or fatigue in your ankles, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can help you maintain optimal foot and ankle health.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Kennedy Legel from Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists. 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 Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.