Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that occurs when the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes becomes inflamed. This is often due to overuse, improper footwear, obesity, or high-impact activities, such as running or jumping. The heel may look normal from the outside, but it can be tender to the touch and feel swollen in severe cases. Many individuals describe a sharp, stabbing pain with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting, which can ease slightly with activity but worsen later in the day. Plantar fasciitis affects nearly 10 percent of the population at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common foot disorders. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition through a physical examination and gait analysis. Treatment may include stretching exercises, orthotics, supportive footwear, anti-inflammatory therapies, or advanced interventions for chronic cases. Early professional care helps reduce pain and prevent long-term complications. If you experience persistent heel discomfort, 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 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 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 office located in Montgomery, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of the muscles in the foot that can cause sharp pain and discomfort. They often occur due to wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes, dehydration, overexertion during physical activity, or low levels of essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, or magnesium. Symptoms include a sudden tightening or knotting of the foot muscles, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected area. Frequent cramps may indicate underlying issues with circulation, nerve function, or muscle balance. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of foot cramps, recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, suggest proper footwear, and provide guidance on nutrition and hydration to reduce occurrences. If you have developed foot cramps, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to relieve pain and maintain healthy, comfortable feet.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

If you are just starting to run, you may be unfamiliar with the many foot and ankle injuries that can occur if adequate measures are not taken to prevent them. Some of these injuries include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sprains, strains, and fractures. To help prevent foot and ankle problems associated with being a runner, make sure that you are wearing properly-fitted, comfortable running shoes. Start slowly, running just a few miles per week, and then work your way up, increasing the distance and time that you run. Stretch and strengthen the feet by warming up and cooling down before and after your runs. For more information about how to prevent running injuries when you are a beginner, consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. 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

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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.

Bunions are painful bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. They may look red, swollen, and misshapen, and can cause aching, burning, or stiffness while walking or wearing shoes. Bunions often develop due to inherited foot structure, tight or ill-fitting footwear, arthritis, or abnormal foot mechanics. Even after surgery, bunions can return if underlying causes, such as foot alignment issues or poor shoe choices, are not addressed. A podiatrist can diagnose bunions through physical examination and imaging, then create a personalized treatment plan. Options include custom orthotics, shoe modifications, padding, or surgery when needed. Early attention helps reduce pain and prevent progression. It is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss your symptoms and find the most effective solution for lasting relief.

If you are suffering from bunions, 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.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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.