A number of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, nerve irritation, and Morton’s neuroma, can cause  pain on the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue along the arch. It often causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Nerve-related pain may feel like burning, tingling, or numbness and can worsen with activity. Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of tissue around a nerve, usually between the toes. It may feel like walking on a pebble or cause a sharp, shooting pain in the ball of the foot. Symptoms can become more noticeable with pressure or when wearing certain shoes. Causes include overuse, wearing improper footwear, foot structure, or repetitive stress. A podiatrist can evaluate the source of pain and order imaging or physical examination to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may include supportive footwear, padding, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises. If you have pain on the bottom of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar warts are growths that develop on the bottom of the foot, often on weight-bearing areas such as the heel or ball of the foot. They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which enters the skin through small cuts or breaks. These warts may appear rough and grainy, sometimes with tiny dark spots, and can cause discomfort while walking. Risk factors include walking barefoot in public places, having a weakened immune system, or frequent exposure to moist environments. Symptoms include tenderness and pressure pain. A podiatrist can provide safe and effective treatments, remove warts, and reduce recurrence. Plantar warts can be painful and may cause difficulty in walking. If you have developed this type of wart, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Cracked heels develop when the skin around the heel becomes dry, thick, and splits due to pressure and lack of moisture. Causes include prolonged standing, wearing open-back shoes, and footwear that does not properly support the heel, which increases stress on the skin. Dry climates can worsen the condition by removing natural moisture. Risk factors include obesity, aging, and poor foot-care habits. Symptoms include rough skin, flaking, discomfort, and painful fissures that can deepen if untreated. A podiatrist can assess severity, remove thickened skin safely, recommend treatments, and provide guidance on proper footwear and hydration. Cracked heels can be painful. If you have developed  this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

Ankle osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition in which the cartilage within the ankle gradually wears down, leading to pain and reduced mobility. This condition often develops after previous injuries, such as fractures or sprains, but it can also result from long-term joint stress or inflammation. Risk factors include aging, excess body weight, repetitive strain, and footwear that fails to support the joint. Common symptoms include stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. A podiatrist can evaluate joint function, order imaging, and recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and targeted exercises. Early care can slow progression and relieve discomfort. If you have symptoms of ankle arthritis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact David Reynolds, DPM from First Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Evansville, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.