Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. This condition often leads to sharp heel pain, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Runners are especially susceptible to plantar fasciitis due to the repetitive stress placed on the feet during training. Common causes include overuse, inadequate footwear, and changes in running surfaces. Risk factors also encompass high body weight, tight calf muscles, and abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches. Plantar fasciitis can be painful and may cause difficulty completing daily activities. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and treatment methods.

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 Carolina Foot & Ankle 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 offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cuboid syndrome is a condition characterized by pain on the outer side of the foot, often resulting from the misalignment of the cuboid bone. This small bone plays a vital role in foot stability and movement. The pain typically arises during activities that involve weight-bearing or lateral movements. Common causes of cuboid syndrome include ankle sprains, overuse injuries, and improper footwear, which can lead to strain on the surrounding ligaments. Additionally, repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, may contribute to this cuboid syndrome. People with flat feet or high arches are also at greater risk due to altered foot mechanics. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with one of our podiatrists from Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel bursitis occurs when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac, becomes inflamed. It is a common injury in athletes, active people, and people who stand for long periods of time.The bursa serves as a cushion between the heel bone and surrounding tissues, helping reduce friction and pressure. Bursitis in the heel often leads to throbbing heel pain, especially when walking or running, and can make even simple daily activities uncomfortable. Pain is usually most noticeable when the heel first strikes the ground, and the area may appear swollen or feel warm to the touch. A podiatrist can identify the best treatment approach to alleviate discomfort from heel bursitis. Common strategies include recommending footwear modifications, such as using cushioned shoes, or prescribing orthotic inserts to reduce pressure on the heel. This foot doctor also may administer corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis and treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Big toe pain can result from biomechanical problems or arthritis in the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint, where the base of the toe meets the foot. Biomechanical issues arise when there is an imbalance in the way the bones, tendons, and muscles function together, causing pressure to shift to the front of the foot. This action can lead to bunions, where the big toe pushes against the second toe, and turf toe, caused by overextending the toe during high-impact activities. Arthritis-related pain is the result of joint inflammation from gout, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms often include swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can help by diagnosing the underlying cause of the big toe pain. Treatments like custom orthotics, specific exercises, or in some cases, surgery may be suggested. If you are experiencing pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.