March 2023

The pain from the foot condition known as plantar fasciitis occurs along the bottom of the foot. The area affected is the plantar fascia, which is a thick tissue that stretches from the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis may occur if the plantar fascia becomes inflamed or torn, which may happen for various reasons. These can include standing on hard surfaces for hours during the day or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Less invasive treatment can consist of frequently elevating the foot and performing specific exercises, such as the calf stretch. This is done by standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. Some people choose to wear custom-made orthotics, which may provide additional support. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged plantar fascia. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose this condition and can determine what the best course of treatment is for you

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 Piedmont Podiatry Associates. 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 one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The foot is made up of a collection of tendons, ligaments, and muscles that connect its 26 bones and keep its many joints working. An injury to one of the tendons in the foot can cause pain and inflammation to that part of the foot that also may spread to other parts of it. Foot tendon injuries may be caused simply from wearing improperly fitting shoes, especially high heels. Other possible causes of a tendon injury include repetitive sports activity or some type of trauma to the foot. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of aging, as the tendons experience wear and tear over the years. Being overweight is thought to be a further cause of such injuries, due to the increased amount of pressure on the feet. Overstretched tendons can cause significantly painful injury from degenerative tears in the tissue, and athletes whose sport involves sudden stops and starts are more at risk for tendon injury. If you believe your foot pain may be the result of a tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause and suggest treatment options for you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists  from Piedmont Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

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 one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A fungal infection that develops on the feet may be classified as athlete’s foot. There are noticeable symptoms consisting of itchiness between the toes and on the soles of the feet. Additionally, the skin may become dry and can begin to flake. This fungus lives in warm environments, such as public swimming pools and shower room floors. Athlete's foot is contagious, so it is suggested that you wear appropriate shoes while in these communal areas. It is also wise to refrain from sharing shoes, socks, and towels as this may help to reduce the spread of Athlete’s foot. If you find that the bottoms of your feet are itchy, red, or irritated you may have developed athlete’s foot. It is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can treat this condition and prescribe medication for relief.

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 one of our podiatrists from Piedmont Podiatry Associates.  Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Greenville, and Easley, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.