September 2024

Foot pain can stem from a wide variety of causes, each affecting different parts of the foot. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation of the ligament running along the bottom of the foot, often result in heel pain that worsens in the morning. Corns and calluses, caused by pressure or friction within your shoes, develop on the toes and the balls of the feet. Other sources of foot pain include Achilles tendon injuries, Morton’s neuroma, and ingrown toenails, all of which can limit daily activities. Gout and diabetic neuropathy are systemic causes that frequently affect the feet, leading to painful flare-ups or numbness. A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat these and other foot or ankle issues, offering solutions that range from lifestyle adjustments to medical intervention. If you are experiencing foot pain on a regular basis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Preferred Footcare, LLC. 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 Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain, particularly affecting the heel and arch. It arises from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. Symptoms typically include a sharp, stabbing pain, especially noticeable with your first steps in the morning or after sitting for long periods. Repetitive motion from running or step aerobics or added pressure from weight gain can damage or tear the plantar fascia, causing inflammation and pain. To alleviate this discomfort, incorporating specific stretches can be highly effective. Try calf stretches by leaning against a wall with one leg extended behind you, and perform toe stretches by pulling your toes toward you while seated. If pain persists, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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 Preferred Footcare, LLC. 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 Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When conventional methods for treating plantar fasciitis such as rest and stretching fail to provide relief, custom orthotics can offer a valuable alternative. Plantar fasciitis, characterized by inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, often requires targeted support to alleviate pain and facilitate healing. Orthotics work by redistributing pressure and providing additional cushioning, which helps to reduce strain on the plantar fascia and improve foot alignment. They can also address structural imbalances that may contribute to the condition. For individuals who have not found success with other treatments, investing in custom foot orthotics can provide significant pain relief and enhance overall foot function. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis and have found little or no relief from conventional therapies, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine if orthotics are right for you.

If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet and would like to try custom orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Preferred Footcare, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain. 

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Shoe inserts come in a wide variety and are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality, custom inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you're experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibility of using custom orthotics or shoe inserts. A podiatrist can determine which type of custom orthotic or shoe insert is right for you and help you take the first steps toward being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, redness, and swelling. It commonly affects the big toe and can be caused by improper nail trimming, tight footwear, or genetic predisposition. Symptoms include sharp, throbbing pain, increased sensitivity, and, in more severe cases, infection with pus or drainage. Initial treatments for an ingrown toenail involve soaking the foot in warm, soapy water to reduce inflammation and pain. Mild pain relievers and antibiotic ointments can manage discomfort and prevent infection. Avoid cutting the nail yourself as improper trimming can worsen the condition. If symptoms persist or worsen, professional treatment from a podiatrist may be necessary. For a comprehensive evaluation and effective management of an ingrown toenail, it's suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Preferred Footcare, LLC. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Flat feet can lead to discomfort and other issues, but targeted exercises can help to build arch strength and improve flexibility. One beneficial exercise is the toe raise, where you stand with your feet flat and then slowly lift your heels off the ground while keeping your toes and the balls of your feet planted. This movement strengthens the muscles that support the arch. To enhance flexibility, incorporate stretches like the towel stretch, where you sit with your legs extended and use a towel to gently pull your toes towards you, stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Another effective stretch involves rolling your foot over a small ball or rolling pin to target the plantar fascia. Regularly performing these exercises can improve arch support and overall foot health. If you have flat feet and you are uncomfortable, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Preferred Footcare, LLC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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