If you wake up and feel a sharp pain in your heel when you take your first steps, you are not alone. This is one of the telltale signs of plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. But why does it hurt most in the morning? While you sleep, your foot relaxes and the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, tightens. When you stand up, the tissue stretches suddenly, causing pain. Plantar fasciitis can happen to anyone, but it is especially common if you spend a lot of time on your feet, have flat feet or high arches, or wear shoes that lack adequate support. The good news is that early treatment can make a big difference. Simple stretches, better footwear, and custom orthotics can help. If heel pain is slowing you down, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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 North Bay Ankle & Foot 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
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 Petaluma and Sonoma, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Selecting the proper shoes for road running is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Road running shoes should have a smooth outsole, rather than lugs or aggressive tread patterns, as these features are designed for trail surfaces and can cause instability on pavement. Checking the heel-to-toe drop is important, as it affects foot strike and running mechanics. A higher drop provides more heel cushioning, while a lower drop encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike. The presence or absence of a medial post should also be considered. Stability shoes with a medial post help control overpronation, while neutral shoes allow natural foot movement. Finding the right combination of cushioning, support, and fit ensures a smooth and efficient running experience while reducing strain on the feet and legs. If you have developed foot pain while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can diagnose foot conditions, and guide you on the correct shoes to wear for your running style.
You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.
Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe
Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
There should be little to no slipping at the heel
Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our our offices located in Petaluma and Sonoma, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Casting for foot and ankle fractures can have unexpected effects on the thigh muscles. When a cast limits movement, the muscles in the upper leg may weaken and shrink over time due to lack of exercise. This muscle change is important because the strength and size of the thigh muscles support overall mobility and balance. One simple method to track these changes is to measure the muscle size near its center. This measurement can show small differences that indicate muscle loss. Recognizing these changes early helps doctors understand how the injury and the cast are affecting the body. It also guides them to suggest exercises or treatments that may help restore muscle strength. If you experience unusual weakness or discomfort in the leg after casting, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for further evaluation and care.
Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors 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 Petaluma and Sonoma, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain and irritation. This condition commonly affects the big toe and can result in redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail border. In more severe cases, infection may develop, causing increased pain, drainage, or pus formation. Wearing tight shoes, trimming nails too short, or cutting them at an angle increases the risk of developing an ingrown toenail. Injury to the toe or genetic factors that cause curved nails may also contribute to the problem. Proper nail care, including straight trimming and wearing well-fitted shoes, can help prevent this condition. Ingrown toenails can cause pain and discomfort that make it difficult to complete daily activities. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer appropriate treatment methods.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of North Bay Ankle & Foot Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
Improper toenail trimming
Genetics
Improper shoe fitting
Injury from pedicures or nail picking
Abnormal gait
Poor hygiene
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Petaluma and Sonoma, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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