Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch, becomes inflamed or irritated. Causes include repetitive strain, long periods of standing, improper footwear, or sudden increases in activity. Symptoms often begin with sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest. Risk factors include high arches, flat feet, obesity, and tight calf muscles. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through examination and recommend treatments, such as stretching exercises, footwear changes, orthotics, or other therapies to relieve pain, improve function, and prevent further injury. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem and offer effective treatment solutions.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Excessive running
Having high arches in your feet
Other foot issues such as flat feet
Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
Being on your feet very often
There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
Prevention
Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
Maintain a healthy weight
If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain
There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton,Peru,and Mendota, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Falls prevention is essential for older adults to maintain independence and avoid serious injuries. Making the home safer includes removing loose rugs, improving lighting, installing grab bars, and keeping walkways clear. Living a healthier lifestyle with balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and proper hydration supports strength and coordination. A podiatrist plays a vital role in treating foot and ankle injuries resulting from falls, and can help identify balance or gait issues before they become dangerous. Footwear recommendations and custom orthotics may also reduce fall risk. If you or a loved one has injured their feet or ankles as a result of falling, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.
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 Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. Our doctor 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 offices located in Princeton,Peru,and Mendota, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, causing the joint to stick out and often push the toe inward. This condition develops slowly over time and may be caused by inherited foot structure, arthritis, or wearing tight, narrow shoes. Bunions can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable footwear. The skin over the bunion may become red or irritated, especially after long periods of walking or standing. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box or using padding can help manage symptoms. In more advanced cases, custom orthotics or surgery may be recommended to correct the deformity. Early attention is key to preventing the bunion from worsening. If you have a painful bump on the side of your big toe or notice changes in the shape of your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment options.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Elie C. Daniel, DPM of Illinois. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
Orthotics or foot inserts
Surgery
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton,Peru,and Mendota, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Foot pain can limit daily movement and may stem from a variety of medical conditions that affect the toes, soles, and ankles. Common causes of foot pain include bunions, fallen arches, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and plantar fasciitis. Bunions are bony growths at the base of the big toe that may lead to joint pain and swelling. A podiatrist may recommend surgery if the condition interferes with walking. Fallen arches, or flat feet, can create strain in the arch and ankle and may be managed with wearing supportive footwear and medical treatment to improve alignment. Hammertoes involve an abnormal bend in the smaller toe joints, often leading to irritation or pressure against shoes. In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct this deformity. Ingrown toenails develop when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and sometimes infection, which may require part of the nail to be removed. Additionally, plantar fasciitis results from tiny tears in the band of tissue beneath the foot and often causes sharp heel pain. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Elie C. Daniel, DPM from Illinois. 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)
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 offices located in Princeton,Peru,and Mendota, IL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
