Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes that supports the arch of the foot. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain and often results from repetitive strain or overstretching. Causes include excessive walking or standing, wearing unsupportive shoes, obesity, and tight calf muscles. Symptoms typically include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest. Risk factors include flat feet, high arches, and overuse from physical activity. A podiatrist can provide effective treatments like orthotics, stretching exercises, and pain management. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the cause of heel pain, and offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

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 Family Foot Health Center. 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 office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cellulitis infection of the toenail is a bacterial infection that spreads through the skin and soft tissues surrounding the toe. It often begins when bacteria enter through a break in the skin, such as an ingrown toenail, cut, or blister. Symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes fever. Causes can range from minor trauma to underlying conditions that weaken the skin barrier or immune response. If left untreated, cellulitis can spread quickly and lead to serious complications. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, provide proper treatment with medication, and guide wound care to promote healing. If you notice signs of infection in your toenail, it is suggested that you promptly seek care from a podiatrist who can offer effective relief.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Falls are a leading health concern for older adults, and many causes can be traced to the feet and ankles. Painful conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, or arthritis may affect balance and stability, while neuropathy can reduce sensation, making it harder to feel the ground when walking. Age-related changes, including weaker foot and ankle muscles, can also contribute to instability and increase the risk of falling. Poor circulation or swelling in the feet may alter gait and cause frequent stumbling. Wearing shoes that lack adequate support, high heels, or backless styles like flip-flops can reduce stability and increase the likelihood of a slip or fall. A podiatrist can evaluate the feet for underlying issues, provide supportive devices such as orthotics, recommend proper footwear, and, when necessary, perform surgery to correct deformities that interfere with safe walking. If you are at risk for falling or have recently fallen several times, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Corns develop on the feet when constant friction or pressure causes layers of skin to thicken on the tops of toes, between toes, or on bony areas. Corns can become painful, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably. In some cases a corn may become infected if not properly managed. A podiatrist can determine whether the corn is hard or soft in order to provide the best path to relieve discomfort. Treatment may include trimming away hardened skin in a sterile setting to reduce pressure, recommending shoe modifications to decrease rubbing, or prescribing custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and lower stress on affected areas. If a bone deformity, such as a hammertoe, continues to create pressure, surgery may be considered to correct the underlying problem and prevent recurrence. Professional care is important, as attempting to trim corns at home can lead to further injury. If you have a painful corn on your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and safe treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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