February 2024

Chronic plantar fasciitis pain, which occurs in the heel or bottom of the foot, can impact both daily activities and overall well-being. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis pain is generally considered chronic when it lasts several months and worsens over time. People with long-term pain from plantar fasciitis have options available to manage the pain and improve quality of life. Custom orthotics, which can provide tailored foot support, can alleviate pressure on the feet.  There are additional treatment options that podiatrists may recommend on a case-by-case basis, such as laser therapy or corticosteroid injections. Surgery is sometimes used on patients who do not respond to more conservative treatment methods. If you have chronic foot pain due to plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can guide you toward appropriate treatment options.

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 Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Soccer, a dynamic and high-impact sport, poses significant risks for ankle injuries among players. Common ankle injuries in soccer include sprains, strains, and fractures, often resulting from sudden direction changes, collisions, or awkward landings during gameplay. These injuries can sideline players for weeks or even months, disrupting training schedules and team dynamics. To mitigate the risk of ankle injuries, players should prioritize proper warm-up and stretching routines before matches and training sessions to prepare muscles, tendons, and ligaments for the demands of play. Wearing appropriate footwear with ankle support and traction can enhance stability and reduce the likelihood of slips and falls. Additionally, practicing proper tackling and landing techniques, such as keeping the feet planted and knees bent upon impact, can help minimize the risk of ankle trauma. Strengthening exercises targeting the ankles and lower body muscles, including calves and shins, can improve stability and resilience against injury. If you are interested in learning more about soccer injury prevention techniques or have endured a soccer injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth, or CMT, is a genetic neuropathy that often results in pain. Approximately 80 percent of CMT patients experience pain, primarily in their feet and hands, which are the areas most affected by CMT. Interestingly, pain severity does not necessarily correlate with neuropathy severity. To manage CMT-related pain, several strategies exist. These can include oral and topical medications, behavioral interventions, and addressing sleep and mood issues. If you have foot neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer you a tailored approach to treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar heel pain is a widespread problem that affects many people from different backgrounds. It can make life difficult for those who are affected by it. A common issue is plantar fasciitis. Some studies have linked heel spurs to plantar fasciitis. People with type 2 spurs, or posterior calcaneal spurs, seem to have more pain before and after surgery, and their foot function is not as good as those with other types of spurs. Type 2 heel spurs are categorized based on their location and are typically found on the back of the heel, just above the insertion point of the Achilles tendon. They are more likely to cause plantar fasciitis. Type 2 heel spurs are differentiated from type 1 heel spurs, also known as inferior calcaneal spurs. They are found on the undersurface of the heel bone, and type 3 heel spurs, or superior calcaneal spurs, which are found on the upper surface of the heel bone. If you have a heel spur that is causing you pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to understand what type of heel spur you have and how your pain might be relieved.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Gregory T. Loo, DPM from Elite Podiatry. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, AZ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.