Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the toes to the heel bone, becomes inflamed. This most often occurs due to overuse, or repetitively doing activities that put excessive strain on the plantar fascia. Unsurprisingly, plantar fasciitis is a common injury among runners and other athletes. Other possible causes for plantar fasciitis include wearing unsupportive shoes and standing for prolonged periods of time. People who are obese, have flat feet, abnormally high arches, or are pregnant may be at an increased risk of developing this condition.

The telltale symptom of plantar fasciitis is an acute, sharp, stabbing pain in the heel. This pain may radiate to the arch of the foot, and you may also notice swelling near the heel. The pain is usually at its worst when you take your first few steps after a long period of rest, such as when you get out of bed in the morning. As you walk, the pain may subside, but can reemerge after spending a long period of time on your feet. Without treatment, the pain may gradually increase over a period of several months and become chronic.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis is usually conservative and begins with resting and icing the affected foot, stretching, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing comfortable and supportive shoes. If the pain persists, your doctor may suggest padding, taping, or strapping the affected foot, wearing orthotics, a night splint, or a cast, corticosteroid injections into the foot, and physical therapy. If these treatment methods do not produce results, surgery can be considered.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

If you find yourself feeling as though you are walking on a pebble in your shoe, only to check and find no pebble there, then you may have Morton’s neuroma. Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition in which the nerve tissue between the toes thickens, causing symptoms such as pain, tingling, burning, numbness, and the feeling of something being stuck in the ball of the foot. The symptoms may come on gradually, go away temporarily, and then return, progressively worsening over time.

The nerve tissue thickening associated with Morton’s neuroma is caused by compression or irritation of the nerve. This can occur due to wearing shoes that are too too tight or narrow in the toe area, wearing high heels which put excess pressure on the balls of the feet and toes, running, or playing court sports like tennis. Having certain foot conditions, such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet, can predispose you to developing Morton’s neuroma.

A podiatrist can diagnose Morton’s neuroma by taking a medical history and completing a physical examination. Sometimes imaging studies are used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is typically conservative and may include padding the foot, wearing orthotics, modifying footwear and activities, resting and icing the affected foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, or injecting medicine directly into the foot. In severe or chronic cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a nail grows into the surrounding skin, rather than over it. This can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness of the surrounding area. In more severe cases, the area can become infected and lead to bleeding, oozing of pus, and fever, among other symptoms.

Most ingrown toenails are caused by improper trimming of the nails. Trimming your nails into a rounded shape or cutting them too short can lead to ingrown toenails. When trimming the toenails, it is suggested that you use nail clippers to trim the nails straight across. The nails’ length should be roughly even with the tips of your toes. Wearing shoes that are too tight and narrow in the toes can also lead to ingrown nails, as the tight shoes compress your toes and can cause the nails to dig into the skin. To avoid this, opt for shoes with a wide toe box.

Ingrown toenails are typically not serious and can be managed with home treatment. However, they can be dangerous for individuals who have underlying conditions such as diabetes, which can make foot wounds and infections more likely. Some people are also prone to ingrown toenails, and may require medical treatment. If you have painful or recurrent ingrown toenails, an infected nail, or an underlying condition that can impact your foot health, please seek the care of a podiatrist.