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Managng Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting people of all ages. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed. Causes include overuse, wearing poor footwear, high-impact activities, or having either flat feet or high arches. Symptoms typically include a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The pain often improves with movement, but may return after standing or walking for long periods of time. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the condition through a physical exam and imaging. Treatment includes custom orthotics, stretching exercises, a night splint, or anti-inflammatory medication. In some cases, injections, or even surgery, may be recommended to reduce inflammation and promote healing. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM  from Achilles Footcare Center. 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 offices located in Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Common Foot Conditions in Children

Many children have differences in how their feet look or move as they grow. Some common lower extremity abnormalities include flat feet, in-toeing, or feet turning inward, and out-toeing, or feet turning outward. Most of these conditions are normal in young children and often improve with time as the bones and muscles develop. A podiatrist will check how your child stands, walks, and moves to see if the condition is part of typical growth or if it needs treatment. In some cases, special shoes, exercises, or braces may help. Rarely, further testing or treatment is needed if the problem causes pain or limits activity. Regular check-ups can help make sure your child’s feet are developing properly. If you notice unusual walking patterns or your child is in pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM of Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor 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 Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Managing Severe Athlete’s Foot

Severe athlete's foot occurs when the fungal infection extends beyond the toes and affects the entire foot. This condition can cause intense itching, redness, and discomfort, often accompanied by painful blisters called vesicles, or open, pitted sores on the skin. The skin may peel, crack, or become inflamed, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes. The infection can also spread to the toenails or other areas of the foot, leading to a more persistent condition. The cause of severe athlete's foot is a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments. Poor foot hygiene, sweaty socks, tight shoes, and walking barefoot in public places can increase the risk of becoming infected. Symptoms often worsen with movement or activity, causing a burning or stinging sensation. A podiatrist can provide treatment by prescribing antifungal medication or other oral treatments. They may also recommend proper foot care techniques to prevent reinfection and address any complications. If you have severe athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and appropriate 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 Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center.  Our doctor 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 Forest Lane and West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Recognizing the Symptoms of a Broken Ankle

A broken ankle can cause significant discomfort and mobility issues. One of the most noticeable symptoms is intense pain, which often worsens with movement or pressure. Swelling and bruising surrounding the ankle are common due to internal bleeding and inflammation. In severe cases, joint deformity may be present, indicating a misalignment of the bones. Many individuals with a broken ankle find it impossible to bear weight on the affected foot, as any attempt to stand or walk can cause extreme pain. The area may also feel tender to the touch, and the skin might appear discolored. If you have fallen and have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gary J. Kaiserman, DPM from Achilles Footcare Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  • Swelling around the area
  • Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Read more about Broken Ankle Causes, Differences, Symptoms and Treatments

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