Items filtered by date: December 2013

If you have ever had plantar fasciitis, then you know it can be a real pain in the foot! Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Approximately 2 million patients are treated for this condition each year. Plantar fascia is a ligament that attaches the heel to the front of the foot, and sometimes becomes inflamed due to overuse. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include obesity, long distance running, flat feet, high arch, poor arch support, new or increased activity, and tight calf muscles. Pain is often the worst in the morning with the first few steps after getting out of bed, or after long periods of sitting. Heel spurs sometimes occur with plantar fasciitis, but are not usually the cause of the heel pain.

Heel and foot stretching exercises are one way to relieve plantar fasciitis pain. Calf stretching can be done by taking a towel, looping it around the ball of the foot while keeping the leg straight, and gently pulling back towards the body until a stretch is felt in the muscles of the lower leg, holding the stretch 30 seconds, then repeating the exercise. Another calf stretch exercise involves standing against a wall and moving one leg back while pushing the heel down towards the floor. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, and then bend the knees to get a stretch that involves the muscles in the lower leg, again holding the stretch for 30 seconds, and repeating. Stretching the taut plantar fascia may also provide relief, and this can be done by flexing the toes up and down 10 times before standing. Massaging the bottom of the foot across the plantar fascia may help, and rolling the foot over a tennis ball, or even a cold water bottle does this. A night splint or brace may be used to hold the foot in a position that applies a constant stretch to the plantar fascia, and may help relieve pain while plantar fasciitis heals. Low-dye taping and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are sometimes used to provide temporary relief for plantar fasciitis.

Sometimes rest and stretching are not enough to keep the pain at bay, and medical intervention is necessary. Orthotics, steroid injections, and sometimes surgery are used as long-term solutions for plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can be very painful, but there are many treatments available. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis or undiagnosed heel pain, then do not hesitate to contact your Podiatrist.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more tips for healthier and happier feet or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.

The holiday season is approaching, and with the holidays comes frigid weather. Many people are going to be out and about doing shopping, going to holiday parades, outdoor light shows, as well as many other activities since it is a very busy time of year. Most people prepare for the cold weather by putting on a coat and gloves, while paying little attention to the warmth of their feet. Keeping the feet warm is important especially in people that have decreased circulation.

Diabetes, Raynaud’s, and peripheral vascular disease decrease the circulation to extremities, including the feet. People that suffer from these diseases are more prone to frost bite, or ulcers due to lack of blood flow. In diabetic patients often times neuropathy prevents them from being able to feel how cold their feet are unless they are proactive about making sure their feet are kept warm.
Raynaud’s is a syndrome or phenomenon that occurs when a person’s body overreacts to cold weather causing the blood vessels in random digits of the hand or foot to constrict, which cuts off blood flow completely to that digit causing many color changes. Raynaud’s is seen alone, and is sometimes secondary to other diseases. Peripheral vascular disease occurs when atherosclerotic deposits build up, and cause hardening of the arteries. The buildup in the vessels causes less blood flow to be able to reach the extremity, and may result in ischemic foot. Raynaud’s and peripheral vascular disease are sometimes seen in diabetic patients, as they tend to be more prone to vascular diseases.

There are many ways to keep the feet warm if you have any of these conditions, or are going to be outdoors for a long period of time in cold weather. Diabetic socks are important because they keep the feet warm and protected, without cutting off circulation like many other socks do. Diabetic socks also reduce moisture, which helps prevent fungal infections, blisters, and also ensure warmer feet. Similar socks are offered for those with Raynaud’s or peripheral vascular disease. The special socks do not have elastic, and are often made of polyester instead of cotton. Foot warmers are another option to help keep the feet warm in the cold weather. Boot with warm linings will help protect the feet as well as provide extra comfort.

Please visit www.ColumbusFoot.com for more tips for healthier and happier feet or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus Podiatry & Surgery is located on the North side of Columbus, Ohio near Worthington.

Columbus Podiatry & Surgery has opened a new location in Gahanna, near Easton. Please call 614-476-3338 (FEET) for an appointment with a podiatrist in Gahanna, OH today.