Plantar fasciitis accounts for about 80 percent of all heel pain cases and affects roughly 10 percent of the population. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to overuse, wearing poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or high-impact activities. Symptoms include sharp, stabbing heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The heel may feel tender to the touch, and the pain often worsens after prolonged standing or walking. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical exam and possibly imaging. Treatment includes stretching exercises, custom orthotics, night splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. In more severe or chronic cases, advanced options like surgery may be recommended. If you have ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

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 Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. 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 Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot fractures are breaks in the bones of the foot and can range from tiny cracks to complete breaks. They may happen suddenly from a fall, direct impact, or a twist, or can develop slowly over time from overuse, known as stress fractures. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble putting weight on the foot. Some fractures are easy to spot, while others may feel like a sprain or general soreness. Diagnosis often requires an X-ray or other imaging test to confirm the location and severity. Treatment depends on the type of fracture and may involve rest, a walking boot, or, in some cases, surgery. Ignoring a foot fracture can lead to improper healing and long-term problems. If you have foot pain after an injury or unexplained swelling, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Preventing foot injuries while running begins with choosing the right shoes. Proper footwear provides the support and cushioning needed to absorb impact and reduce strain. It is important to replace running shoes regularly, as worn-out soles and padding lose their protective qualities over time. Some runners may also benefit from wearing custom orthotics, which can offer added support and correct foot alignment issues. Taking time to re-tie shoelaces before each run ensures a secure fit that prevents unnecessary movement and friction. Incorporating stretching into your routine, both before and after running, helps maintain flexibility and prepares the muscles and tendons for activity. If you enjoy running and have sustained a foot injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies, returning you to the enjoyment of running.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Maintaining good foot health is essential, especially as feet endure daily stress from walking, standing, and wearing shoes. Cleaning your feet thoroughly each day helps prevent infections and skin conditions, particularly between the toes where moisture can linger. Gentle foot exercises, such as toe curls and ankle rotations, promote circulation and maintain strength and flexibility. Rotating between different pairs of shoes allows footwear to air out and helps reduce pressure points, which can contribute to discomfort or injury. Paying attention to early signs of foot pain or changes in skin or nail health is important, as these can indicate underlying issues. Routine foot care, combined with regular check-ins from a podiatrist, can prevent small problems from becoming serious. If you experience ongoing foot discomfort, changes in appearance, or difficulty walking, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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