Treatment Options for Common Foot and Ankle Problems

Heel pain is likely the most common problem most podiatrist treat. Heel pain can happen for many reasons but the most common of these is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. This used to be called “heel spur” but we have long ago learned that this terminology is not accurate. Even the term plantar fasciitis isn’t always the most accurate diagnosis for pain in the bottom of the heel especially noticed when you first rise to stand from a seated or rested position. Plantar fasciiitis is the acute inflammation of a structure on the bottom of the foot which connects the base of your toes to your heel bone. This structure is supposed to be stretchy; but in the case of acute inflammation, it becomes swollen and tight and less forgiving especially when you take your first few steps. But over time, when left untreated for too long, the recurrent inflammatory damage to the fascia starts to break down the fascia causing tiny microscopic tears within the structure … this degenerative process is known as plantar fasciosis.
Traditional treatments for plantar fasciiits include stretching, prolonged non-weight bearing, arch supports, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication either by mouth or injected into the heel. But when those modalities fail to improve the symptoms, it’s time to consider either more advanced LASER technology to address the inflammation or consider the possibility of fasciosis. The proper diagnosis will lead to the proper treatment.
Treatment could include Platelet Rich Plasma Tissue Transfer or Stem Cell technology to address the degenerative process occurring in the fascia. A timely diagnosis and well-executed treatment plan
can get you back on your feet in comfort more quickly and get you back to doing those activities you thought you wouldn’t be able to enjoy again.

Warts are Caused by a Virus

We are looking for feet with warts. Warts are caused by a virus. So they are contagious. Spring and summer is the season for warts to spread.
Summertime and shoes are off. Frequently we are around the pool where the surface is wet. That’s where warts thrive moist wet environments. Once we have the virus in our system we have it for life. Warts are shared by contact on wet surfaces including the shower stall bathroom tub, towels, rugs and tile floors.
Kids under the age of 17 are most susceptible to warts. So if you have kids or grandkids check their feet and look for small raised bumps which may have black dots in the center. Not all warts look the same. Some are flat on top and some are raised. Many are painful. And they can spread into clusters.
Warts are much less common in adults. Under the age of 40. We treat warts without causing pain.