Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia. It often appears as sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of standing. The condition develops when this tissue becomes irritated or strained from repeated stress. Common causes include overuse, poor foot support, tight calf muscles, and long hours of standing on hard surfaces. Risk factors include obesity, flat feet, high arches, and wearing non-supportive footwear. Over time, the pain may become more frequent and interfere with daily movement. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis, evaluate foot mechanics, and provide targeted treatment to reduce inflammation and improve function. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

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 East Ocean 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 office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morning foot pain is a common complaint that often feels worse with the first few steps after getting out of bed. This can happen because the feet remain still overnight, which leads to tight muscles, stiff joints, and reduced movement of fluids within the tissues. Inflammation, the body’s response to irritation or injury, may build up during nighttime rest and increase discomfort by morning. The most common cause of morning foot pain is plantar fasciitis, which is an irritation of the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. Arthritis, tendon irritation, and nerve-related problems are other causes. Wearing shoes that lack proper support, overuse from activity, or changes in foot structure can also play a role. A podiatrist can perform a detailed exam, assess foot alignment, and order imaging to find the exact cause. Treatment includes custom orthotics, bracing, or other targeted care to reduce strain and improve function. If your feet hurt when you get up in the morning, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . 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 our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that can cause sudden episodes of severe pain in the feet and ankles when uric acid crystals collect inside a joint. Gout frequently affects the big toe, but it may also involve the arch, heel, or ankle. During a flare-up, the joint may become swollen, stiff, and extremely sensitive. Skin often appears red or purple and feels warm to the touch. Some patients describe the pain as sharp, crushing, or pulsating, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably. Gout attacks may be the result of dehydration, alcohol use, certain medications, or diets high in purine-rich foods. Repeated inflammation can damage cartilage and surrounding tissue. A podiatrist can examine the painful area, evaluate joint changes, and help guide treatment to reduce inflammation and prevent future attacks. Care may include medication recommendations, footwear guidance, and strategies to reduce pressure on the affected joints. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for relief and prevention tips from this painful condition.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle impingement syndrome develops when soft tissue or bone in the ankle becomes compressed during movement, often after repeated sprains or ongoing instability. Many people notice pain at the front or back of the ankle, especially while walking uphill, squatting, running, or pointing the foot downward. Swelling, stiffness, and a limited range of motion are also common. In some cases, scar tissue or bony growths form inside the joint and create ongoing irritation each time the ankle bends. Athletes and active individuals are frequently affected, but anyone with a history of ankle injuries can develop this condition. A podiatrist can evaluate joint movement, order imaging studies, identify areas of inflammation, and recommend treatments designed to reduce pressure within the ankle. Care may include bracing, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory treatment, or surgical correction when symptoms become severe. It is strongly suggested that people with chronic ankle pain or restricted motion visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from East Ocean Podiatry . Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Deerfield Beach, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.