The plantar fascia is the fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects to the heel bone. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed due to overstretching, plantar fasciitis occurs and usually results in heel pain, heel spurs, or arch pain. Pain is often felt on the inside of the foot where the heel and arch meet, and it is at its worst in the mornings or after a long rest. Flat feet is the leading cause of plantar fasciitis because the plantar fascia gets stretched away from the heel when bearing weight. When flat feet are the cause of plantar fasciitis, orthotics that support the arch will likely be needed for treatment. Since plantar fasciitis has other causes, patients who believe that they have it should consult with a podiatrist to find the cause and a proper treatment method.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM  from Extremity Health Centers. 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 one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Millions of people in the United States suffer from peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a narrowing of the arteries in the extremities and other areas of the body (excluding the heart and brain). PAD is most typically caused by an accumulation of fatty material in the arteries (atherosclerosis). PAD can restrict blood flow to the legs and feet where symptoms are often present, including: cold feet, a loss of hair on the legs and feet, skin that has a shiny appearance, toenails that are brittle or grow slowly, sores on the feet or legs that don’t heal, weakness in the legs, difficulty finding a pulse in the foot or leg, and more. It is important to be properly diagnosed and treated early to avoid more dangerous conditions from developing and to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms described, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Preparing your feet for a hike can help you to prevent an injury and make your excursion more relaxing and enjoyable. Start with a pair of comfortable hiking boots or shoes that provide plenty of room in the toe box and ensure that the feet don’t slip out of the shoes at the heel or arch area. It is also important to gradually break the boots in before going on a long hike. Choose moisture-wicking socks, or even toe-socks that separate the toes—preventing them from rubbing together and possibly even helping to distribute your weight more evenly. Bring an extra pair of socks to switch out if your feet get too sweaty or wet during the hike. Before you hit the trail, do some gentle stretching in your bare feet such as rolling your arches on a tennis ball, stretching out your toes, circling your ankles slowly, and stretching your calves. If you have spots on your feet that are prone to blistering, apply some tape, moleskin, or a bandage to the area, and pack extra supplies to apply to any hotspots you start feeling on the trail. For advice on choosing shoes or getting custom orthotics that are best for your specific feet on or off the trail, please consult with a podiatrist today.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.