Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes strained. The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp or burning pain on the bottom of the heel or arch. Pain can ease with movement but often returns after prolonged standing, walking, or exercise. People may notice difficulty lifting their toes or may walk with a limp to avoid discomfort. Risk factors of plantar fasciitis include being between the ages of 40 and 60, having flat feet or high arches, and wearing high heels or shoes that lack adequate support, like flip-flops. Occupations that require extended standing and repetitive high-impact activities, such as running, also increase risk. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, 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 one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. 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 offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a condition that causes poor blood flow in the lower limbs due to a narrowing of the arteries in the legs. Symptoms of PAD include leg pain and cramps while walking, numbness, weakness, coldness, and poor wound healing in the feet. However, many patients do not experience any symptoms at all. A podiatrist can diagnose peripheral artery disease by obtaining a full medical history, performing a physical exam of the lower limbs, and performing a noninvasive vascular test. Treating and managing PAD is often a team effort among your primary care physician, a vascular specialist, and your podiatrist. The podiatrist can help you maintain your foot health and keep you on your feet. For more information about PAD, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Runner’s toe, sometimes called black toenail, occurs when repeated impact causes bleeding beneath the toenail. Long runs, downhill training, or wearing shoes that are too tight can create constant pressure on the toes, leading to bruising and discoloration. At first, the nail may look red or purple, but over time, it can turn dark and become painful. In some cases, the nail may loosen or fall off as new growth pushes through. While the condition is usually not dangerous, it can interfere with training and increase the risk of infection if the nail separates from the skin. Choosing properly fitted shoes, trimming nails straight across, and using moisture-wicking socks can help prevent recurrence. If pain is severe, or if you notice signs of infection, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment and guidance.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Bangor Podiatry. 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 offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters develop on the feet when the outer layer of skin separates from the layers beneath and fluid fills the space, often as a result of friction. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause repetitive rubbing. Moisture from sweat can worsen friction, making blister formation more likely. Socks that bunch or trap moisture also increase the risk. Beyond footwear, increased activity like running or long periods of walking places additional pressure on the feet and may lead to blister formation. Fungal or bacterial infections, such as athlete’s foot or impetigo, can also trigger blistering. Blisters should not be intentionally popped, as this increases the risk of infection. A podiatrist can examine the cause, relieve discomfort, and provide guidance to prevent recurrence. If you have painful blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for safe and sterile treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Bangor Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bangor, Gilbert, and Bethlehem, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.