Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. It often develops from training on improper surfaces, suddenly increasing athletic activity, or failing to properly warm up before exercise. Symptoms typically include sharp heel pain, stiffness in the arch, and discomfort that is usually worse in the morning or after periods of rest. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend stretching exercises, provide custom orthotics, and suggest footwear modifications to relieve pain and prevent recurrence. If you are experiencing persistent heel or arch pain, it is suggested that you promptly visit a podiatrist who can effectively 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 Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. 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 Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Compartment syndrome of the foot occurs when increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the foot restricts blood flow. The most common cause is high-energy trauma, like fractures from a fall or motor vehicle accident. Symptoms of compartment syndrome include intense pain, swelling, bruising, and sometimes numbness or tingling. The affected muscle compartments are surrounded by dense fibrous tissue, which can prevent proper circulation. If not treated promptly, this may result in muscle death and long-term foot dysfunction, including clawing of the toes. A podiatrist can assess the injury by performing a thorough clinical evaluation, and using pressure monitoring to confirm the diagnosis. If compartment syndrome is identified, this foot doctor may recommend surgery to relieve the pressure and restore circulation. Early intervention is critical to prevent severe complications. If you are experiencing this type of foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with one of our podiatrists from Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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

Running is an excellent form of exercise, but it can lead to injuries if the feet and ankles are not properly supported. Common running injuries include Achilles tendonitis, which causes pain and stiffness along the back of the ankle, and plantar fasciitis, which creates sharp heel pain from inflammation of the foot’s arch. Prevention involves wearing supportive shoes, stretching regularly, gradually increasing mileage, and avoiding uneven terrain. A podiatrist can evaluate your gait, provide custom orthotics, recommend strengthening exercises, and treat injuries to restore comfort and mobility. Ignoring foot pain can lead to chronic issues. If you have developed a foot or ankle injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often leading to pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. This condition commonly affects the big toe and may result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, injury, or inherited nail shape. Symptoms can include tenderness along the nail edge, pus drainage, and difficulty walking. Risk factors include poor foot hygiene, curved nails, and repetitive pressure on the toes. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion, treat infection, and provide advice on proper nail care and footwear. If you have pain or signs of infection near your toenail, it is suggested that you seek podiatric care for prompt and effective relief.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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