Items filtered by date: September 2021

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. When this ligament is damaged, usually through repetitive overuse, it can become inflamed and lead to heel pain, arch pain, swelling, and tenderness. Fortunately, there are many steps that you can take to prevent plantar fasciitis. Wearing shoes that fit well and provide cushioning and arch support, or wearing orthotic inserts, may give your foot the protection it needs to avoid injuries. Foot stretching and strengthening exercises can increase the flexibility and strength of your feet, making injuries less likely. Plantar fasciitis is often associated with being overweight or obese, as extra weight can strain the feet. For this reason, maintaining a healthy weight is also suggested. One of the most important things that you can do to prevent plantar fasciitis is to exercise appropriately. Increase the duration and intensity of your workouts slowly over time, give your feet time to rest following a workout, and stop if you begin to feel pain. To learn more about plantar fasciitis, please consult with your podiatrist. 

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 Clover Podiatry. 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 offices located in Camas and Vancouver, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel pain can be debilitating for some patients, and can arise due to a variety of different causes. The three most common sources of heel pain are plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and arthritis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed or torn. Achilles tendonitis is the result of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becoming inflamed. Other common causes of heel pain can include bursitis, stress fractures, or the wearing down of the heel pad at the bottom of the heel. If you are struggling with heel pain, consulting with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly beneficial.  

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Clover Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Camas and Vancouver, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease is a neurological condition characterized by a weakness and loss of sensation in the legs, hands, and feet due to nerve damage. This condition is genetic, affecting approximately 1 in every 2500 people. CMT develops gradually over time and progressively worsens. While there is no cure, a podiatrist can help you manage the symptoms of CMT in your feet. People with this condition may experience a change in the structure of their feet, developing high arches and hammertoes. Pain, muscle weakness, altered sensation, and muscle cramps are also common. Your podiatrist may recommend a treatment program consisting of foot strengthening and stretching exercises, orthotics, pain medication, and possibly surgery to reduce symptoms and maintain your mobility and quality of life. If you suffer from CMT disease, seeing a podiatrist can help. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Clover Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Corns are small lumps that can form on the feet in response to friction. They may be hard or soft, depending on their location. Hard corns might form on the tops of the toes or on the soles of the feet, while soft corns usually form in between the toes. Though they are typically not serious, corns can be annoying and uncomfortable. A variety of home treatments can be used to find relief. For example, soaking your feet and rubbing dry areas of skin with a wet pumice stone can help soften hard corns. Moisturizing your feet regularly and wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes can help prevent corns from developing. If you have painful, inflamed corns, or if you are diabetic, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for proper treatment. 

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Clover Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

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

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Camas and Vancouver, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A blister on your foot is usually the result of friction from your shoes or socks rubbing against a concentrated area of skin and causing the top layer of skin to separate from the layers beneath it. Although they can be painful, red, and swollen, friction blisters usually heal without medical intervention. But not all blisters are caused by friction. Severe burns and sunburns may produce blisters. Contact dermatitis, caused by a foreign substance irritating the skin, is another common cause of blisters. Certain skin conditions, such as chickenpox and eczema, may also result in foot blisters. If you have blisters on your feet and are unsure of the cause, or if your blisters are painful and not improving over time, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Clover Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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