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When Heel Pain Slows Every Step

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and occurs when the plantar fascia becomes irritated or inflamed. The condition may not always show visible changes, but the heel can appear slightly swollen or tender to touch. It often feels like a sharp or stabbing pain in the heel or arch, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Pain may lessen with movement but return after long periods of standing or activity. A podiatrist can help from the start by reviewing symptoms, examining foot structure and gait, and confirming the diagnosis while ruling out other causes of heel pain. Treatment options may include stretching programs, footwear recommendations, night splints, and anti-inflammatory care. Early podiatric treatment can reduce pain, improve function, and prevent chronic symptoms. If you are dealing with heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Kutchback 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 one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Gentle Movements to Support an Arthritic Big Toe

Simple exercises can help keep the big toe more comfortable and mobile when arthritis begins to limit motion. One option is a seated toe glide. Sit with your foot flat on the floor and slowly slide the big toe forward and back without lifting it. This movement encourages joint mobility without excessive pressure. Another helpful exercise is the big toe lift. While keeping the smaller toes relaxed, lift only the big toe upward, hold briefly, and place it back down. This strengthens the muscles that stabilize the joint and can reduce stiffness over time. These activities should feel smooth and controlled, never forced. A podiatrist can determine which exercises match the severity of your arthritis, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatments that make movement easier and safer. If foot discomfort increases or motion becomes more limited, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective relief and management tips.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with one of our podiatrists from Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

  • Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
  • Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
  • Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Understanding Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma develops when a nerve between the toes, most often the third and fourth, becomes thickened and irritated. This condition can cause sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot, often described as standing on a pebble or having a wrinkle in the sock. Wearing tight shoes, high heels, or repetitive stress from running or other impact activities can worsen the problem. Relief often begins with simple changes such as wearing wider shoes, avoiding high heels, and using cushioned pads or orthotics to reduce pressure on the affected nerve. When discomfort persists, treatments like anti-inflammatory therapy, corticosteroid injections, or specialized procedures may be used to ease pain and restore comfort. If you frequently experience tingling, numbness, or pain in the front of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Foot Blisters and Hiking

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms when friction irritates the skin. During hiking, blisters often occur because long distances, uneven terrain, and moisture create repeated rubbing between the skin, socks, and shoes. Heat and pressure build up, leading to painful bubble like lesions. Prevention starts with wearing properly fitted footwear, moisture wicking socks, and keeping your feet dry and protected during activity. A podiatrist can assess recurring blisters, address underlying foot mechanics, recommend supportive gear, and treat infection or other complications. If you are dealing with persistent foot blisters that interfere with your activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive safe and sterile care and effective prevention tips.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Kutchback Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in The Woodlands and Woodville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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