The plantar fascia is found on the sole of the foot and consists of tissues that are tightly packed under the skin. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by heel pain when these tissues become inflamed and irritated from various things. These can include standing on hard or uneven surfaces for most of the day, or wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. It may also happen from weight gain, or from repetitive motion while performing specific activities. Having poor circulation may also lead to developing plantar fasciitis, as a result of reduced blood flow to the plantar fascia. It is beneficial to wear shoes that have a cushioned heel, and this may help to prevent plantar fasciitis. There are also stretches that can be done which can strengthen the plantar fascia. These can include standing on a step while lowering one heel at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you find treatment and relief remedies for 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 Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. 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 Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As toddlers learn to walk, they often place more weight on their toes than on the heels or soles of the feet. Experts believe that this is not necessarily indicative of any underlying medical condition or biomechanical abnormality. In fact, recent studies show that most toe walkers will outgrow this habit by the time they enter kindergarten. That said, if a child continues to walk on their toes as they get older, it may in fact may be a sign of neuromuscular or neurodevelopmental disorders, such as cerebral palsy or autism. Symptoms to watch for include stiff leg muscles, tightened Achilles tendons, and noticeable lack of coordination. Additionally, noticing a period of normal walking followed by toe walking, communication problems, and other physical abnormalities may be signs to visit a specialist. In those cases, it is suggested that parents who notice these symptoms contact a podiatrist. This type of foot doctor, who is trained to recognize the significance of such behaviors, can then examine the child’s gait, legs, and feet to determine the best course of action.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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

Elderly people who routinely practice building their strength and flexibility may decrease their chances of falling. Balance and confidence may become stronger from performing stretches and exercising, which may help to enhance the vestibular system. This is found in the inner ear and contributes to how well the body can balance. Having good balance is crucial in preventing falls, and this can help the bones, joints, and muscles in the feet to stay strong. Some effective activities and stretches can include playing ping pong, golf, learning tai chi, or taking up gardening. Making improvements in the household is also an effective fall prevention technique. These can consist of installing grab bars in the shower and toilet area and removing worn rugs from the living environment. Additionally, it is beneficial to have regular physical and eye examinations that can update existing medications and eyeglasses. If you would like more information about how having strong feet can help to prevent falling, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

Foot shuffling is when someone takes shorter strides and drags their feet when walking. Consistent shuffling can be a sign of an underlying health issue related to the nervous system, joints, or muscles. The most common neurological condition causing a shuffling gait is Parkinson’s disease. Foot shuffling can also come on from foot drop. This is when there is a difficulty or inability to lift the foot while taking a step. This condition can be caused by multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, or stroke, among other things. As one ages, the gait can change with decreased walking speed and range of motion in the ankles, knees, and hips, as well as impaired foot clearance. When the joints of the legs are tight or there is muscle weakness from injuries, health conditions like arthritis, or long periods of inactivity, a shuffling gait can also happen. Stretching and strengthening exercises, balancing activities, and orthotics can help, as well as assistive devices like a walker or cane. If you have a shuffling gait, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist to help identify the underlying cause and devise an appropriate treatment plan individualized to your needs.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a deformity that can alter the shape of the foot. Bunions are visible due to the bony lump that develops on the side of the big toe. If the bunion grows large enough, it can cause the other toes to shift toward each other, and wider shoes may have to be purchased. A bunion can develop from genetic reasons or from wearing shoes that have little room in the toe area. High heels can fall into this category and that may be a reason why women incur this condition more than men. One of the first symptoms that many patients notice is inflammation surrounding the joint of the big toe. The bunion may gradually turn red and the texture can change. Untreated bunions can affect an individual’s balance and walking and running can be compromised. Temporary relief may come from putting a protective pad over the bunion as this may help to prevent calluses from forming. If you have a bunion, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dawn Miles, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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