Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia becomes irritated. The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel toward the toes. It helps support the arch and absorbs stress when standing or walking. Repeated strain on this tissue leads to heel pain and tenderness. Factors that contribute include long periods of standing, increased physical activity, and changes in foot structure. Shoes that lack proper support also place added stress on the plantar fascia. Pain is usually felt near the bottom of the heel. It is especially noticeable with the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for an extended period.

A podiatrist evaluates plantar fasciitis by examining the foot and identifying areas of pain or tenderness. An examination includes checking the arch, ankle movement, and foot flexibility. The podiatrist also observes how the patient stands and walks in order to identify movement patterns that could place added stress on the plantar fascia. Treatment is focused on reducing strain while improving foot support and function. Custom orthotics help distribute pressure more evenly and support the arch. A podiatrist may recommend shoes that provide appropriate cushioning and support. Targeted treatment also improves flexibility and addresses tight tissues that contribute to heel discomfort.

Plantar fasciitis makes standing, walking, and completing daily activities uncomfortable. Patients can change the way they walk to avoid pressure on the painful heel, which places additional stress on other areas of the foot. A podiatrist identifies these changes and develops a treatment plan based on the patient's symptoms and foot structure. Care is focused on reducing painful pressure and improving the way the foot functions. Treatment can be adjusted according to the patient's activity level and response to care. Addressing the factors that place strain on the plantar fascia supports more comfortable movement and better foot function. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

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 Christopher Jones, DPM from Amarillo 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 our office located in Amarillo, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain can make walking, exercising, or standing uncomfortable. It may develop suddenly after an injury, or build slowly from repeated stress. Common causes include heel fracture, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. Each condition affects the heel differently, so identifying the source of pain is important for effective treatment. Heel pain can also be related to footwear, overuse, or changes in foot mechanics. Certain activity in everyday life may also contribute.

A heel fracture usually results from a hard impact, such as a fall from a height. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Risk factors include high-impact activities, weakened bones, and previous injuries. A podiatrist may use X-rays or other imaging tests to evaluate the heel bone. Treatment can involve immobilization, protected weight-bearing, or surgery when the fracture is severe.

Plantar fasciitis develops when the thick band of tissue beneath the foot becomes irritated. Pain in the heel is often strongest with the first steps after waking or resting. Risk factors include increased activity, unsupportive shoes, and tight calf muscles. Achilles tendonitis affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It may cause pain, tenderness, or stiffness near the back of the heel. Running, jumping, or sudden training changes can increase risk.

A podiatrist begins by reviewing symptoms, activities, and injury history before examining the foot and ankle. Treatment may include activity changes, supportive footwear, or custom orthotics when appropriate. For fractures, the foot may need protection and gradual return to weight-bearing. Persistent tendon or plantar fascia problems may require additional treatments based on the condition. If heel pain continues, worsens, or interferes with daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Christopher Jones, DPM of Amarillo Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Amarillo, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Burning on the bottom of the feet can feel like heat, pins and needles, or prickling. This sensation is often called paresthesia and may develop after activity. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to discomfort that affects walking. Common causes include nerve irritation, fungal infections, and forefoot pressure. Risk factors include diabetes, excessive sweating, and standing. Identifying the cause is important because burning feet can require different treatments.

A fungal infection can cause burning when irritated skin develops between the toes. Other symptoms may include itching, scaling, and cracking. Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves that carry signals between the feet and brain. It may cause burning, numbness, or sensitivity. Diabetes is an important risk factor. Morton’s neuroma involves irritation of a nerve between the toes. It may cause burning pain, tingling, or a pebble-like feeling inside the shoe. Tight shoes and forefoot pressure can increase risk.

A podiatrist begins by reviewing your symptoms, health history, and footwear. The feet may be examined for skin changes, nerve sensitivity, and pressure points. Testing may be recommended when symptoms suggest neuropathy or another underlying condition. Treatment depends on the cause and may include antifungal medication, footwear changes, or medication recommendations for nerve discomfort. A podiatrist may monitor healing and address contributing foot problems to reduce irritation and protect healthy skin.

Burning feet should not be ignored when symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily activities. Early evaluation can help identify the cause. Keeping feet clean and dry, choosing properly fitted shoes, and checking the skin regularly can support foot health. Many causes can be managed effectively and safely with proper treatment. If you have a burning sensation on the bottom of your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Christopher Jones, DPM from Amarillo 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 Amarillo, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bunionette is a bony bump on the outside of the foot at the base of the little toe. The bump forms when the fifth metatarsal, the bone behind the little toe, shifts outward or has an unusual shape. The little toe may lean inward. Pressure from shoes can irritate the area and cause redness, swelling, or a painful callus. Some patients feel pain beneath the joint rather than beside it. A podiatrist can determine whether the discomfort comes from a bunionette or another foot problem.

Treatment begins with an examination of the foot. The podiatrist checks the bump, skin, and little-toe joint. Weight-bearing X-rays can show the position and shape of the bones while the patient is standing. These images help the podiatrist select treatment that matches the deformity. Options include padding to reduce rubbing, professional callus care, and custom orthotics to improve pressure distribution. The podiatrist can also recommend shoes with a wide toe box and enough room along the outside of the foot. If swelling is severe, an injection may be considered to reduce inflammation. These measures do not remove the bump, but they can ease pressure and make standing or walking more comfortable.

Surgery can be considered when pain continues despite treatment or when the deformity limits activity. The chosen procedure depends on the location of the bump and the position of the fifth metatarsal. A surgeon may remove excess bone, realign the metatarsal, or correct the little toe. Recovery instructions depend on the procedure and can include protected weight-bearing in a special shoe. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing and guide a safe return to regular shoes and activity. Patients should seek prompt care for worsening redness, open skin, or drainage around the bump. If you have a painful bunionette, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Christopher Jones, DPM of Amarillo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your provider.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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