Items filtered by date: January 2024

Plantar fasciitis, the leading cause of heel pain, stems from inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia attaching to the heel. This thick tissue band, essential for foot support, manifests as pain under the heel, often extending into the arch. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis peak in the morning, but often subside as the foot warms throughout the day. Overuse is a key factor of plantar fasciitis, but risks heighten with poor foot biomechanics and other factors. These may include overpronation, a high-arched foot, and improper footwear choice. Additional contributors include excess weight, tight calf muscles, and plantar fascia tightness. Among the symptoms are morning heel pain, arch discomfort, and tenderness when pressing the heel. Distinguishing plantar fasciitis from similar conditions, such as a  bruised heel, heel spur, or stress fracture aids in an accurate diagnosis. Treatment involves pain and inflammation reduction, biomechanical correction, and targeted exercises. For a tailored approach to managing plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a full exam and suggested treatment. options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact David K. Morris, DPM  from Florida. Our doctor 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 Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pes planus, commonly known as flat foot, is a condition where the arch of the foot is lower or in contact with the ground when compared to the typical foot structure. It is important to note that infants are born with flexible flat feet. Arch development usually begins at approximately 3 years of age, and reaches adult levels in arch height between 7 and 10 years old. Flexible flat feet can be developmental in infants and toddlers but may be considered true flat feet by age 8 to 10. On the other hand, rigid flat feet are associated with underlying pathology and lack the longitudinal arches both in heel elevation and weight bearing. Acquired flat feet can develop from various factors, particularly diabetes, which can affect the structure and functionality of the feet. Additionally, foot and ankle injuries can lead to the development of flat feet. Certain medical conditions, including arthritis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy, are also associated with acquired pes planus. Interestingly, pregnancy can be a factor in the development of flat feet due to the changes that occur in the body during this period. Regardless of the reason for your flat feet, if they are causing you problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can help you to find relief.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor 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 Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle sprains, a common injury, often result from the foot turning inward, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness, primarily in the outer ankle area. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation and sometimes X-rays. Treatment for mild sprains includes protection, rest, compression, and elevation along with early weight bearing. Moderate to severe sprains may require immobilization, and severe cases may need surgery. Inversion injuries typically involve the foot turning inward. It can cause tears in the outer ligaments, beginning with the one in front called the anterior talofibular. Conversely, eversion injuries occur when the foot turns outward, and may result in fractures of the inner ankle bone or ligament injuries. Recurrent sprains can increase the risk of future injuries. Clinical evaluation primarily diagnoses ankle sprains, and stress testing helps assess ligament integrity. X-rays are performed if fractures are suspected. If you feel you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition that can be both persistent and aesthetically bothersome. Traditional treatments like topical antifungal medications or oral prescriptions have limitations, prompting the exploration of innovative solutions such as laser therapy. Laser treatment for toenail fungus involves directing concentrated light energy onto the affected nails, effectively targeting the fungal infection without causing damage to the surrounding tissues. The high-intensity light penetrates the nail bed, disrupting the fungal cells and inhibiting their growth. While this method does not promise instantaneous results and may require multiple sessions, it offers a non-invasive alternative with minimal side effects compared to some conventional medications. Laser therapy is gaining popularity for its potential to enhance the appearance of affected nails and address the root cause of the fungal infection. Consulting with a podiatrist can provide valuable insights into whether laser treatment is a suitable option for addressing toenail fungus and restoring healthier, clearer nails. If you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can determine if this is a correct treatment option for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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

A recent study shows that nearly 40 percent of women wear high heels every day. However, this fashion choice comes at a cost, with 75 percent of these women reporting regular foot pain and various foot deformities. The narrow toe box inherent in most high-heeled shoes is believed to be the main cause. This constrictive design makes it challenging for women to comfortably fit their entire foot into the shoe, leading to toe deformities, such as bunions, hammertoes, and calluses. While heredity plays a large role in the formation of a bunion, external pressure from shoes with a small toe box can make it worse. When conservative measures fail, surgery may be necessary to realign the joint and distribute weight more evenly across the foot. High heels also bend the toes upward, exposing more bone to the bottom of the shoes and causing significant pain. Additionally, the frequent use of high heels is linked to tight calf muscles, which pave the way for other painful foot problems like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and Achilles tendonitis. For help with any of the above mentioned foot problems, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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