Items filtered by date: July 2025

Plantar heel pain affects people of all ages, although it tends to occur more often in adults. This type of pain typically develops under the heel and may feel sharp or aching, often worsening with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Several factors can increase your chances of developing plantar heel pain, including excess weight, health conditions like high blood pressure, or simply the natural aging process. Women may experience plantar heel pain more frequently than men, possibly due to differences in foot structure or footwear habits. Conditions like osteoporosis may also play a role, especially for women. Ignoring heel pain can lead to chronic discomfort and limit your ability to stay active. If you are experiencing ongoing pain in your heel, it is suggested you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact One of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors 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 contact our offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. While running with flat feet can lead to discomfort or injury, the right approach makes it possible to stay active and pain-free. Supportive shoes, custom orthotics, and proper running techniques can reduce strain and improve alignment. Strengthening exercises and gradual training can also enhance stability and endurance. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, recommend footwear, and create a personalized plan to keep you moving safely. If you have flat feet and enjoy running or want to start, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for expert advice to protect your feet and help you reach your goals with confidence.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact One of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetes can lead to several foot problems due to poor circulation and nerve damage. High blood sugar may reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder for the body to heal even small cuts or blisters. At the same time, diabetic neuropathy, which is nerve damage caused by prolonged high glucose levels, can reduce feeling in the feet. This makes it easier for injuries to go unnoticed and become infected. Some diabetic patients may develop sensory neuropathy, which affects the ability to feel pain or temperature changes, while others may develop motor neuropathy, which can change the shape of the foot and cause the toes to curl. Dry skin from reduced sweating may also lead to cracks that increase the risk of infection. Foot ulcers, deformities, and even bone fractures can occur if these issues are left untreated. A podiatrist can examine the feet for signs of damage and provide proper diabetic foot care, including wound management or surgery, if needed. If you have diabetes and are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule regular appointments with a podiatrist who can provide expert care in managing this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact One of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe, caused when the tip of the toe lean toward the others. This misalignment is often the result of inherited foot structure, improper footwear, or conditions like arthritis. Risk factors include family history, flat feet, and wearing tight or pointed shoes. Prevention includes wearing shoes with wide a toe box, using supportive shoe inserts, and avoiding high heels. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, recommend custom orthotics, and provide treatment to relieve pain or suggest surgical correction, when necessary. If you are experiencing discomfort near your big toe or notice a visible bump, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer relief and treatment tips.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact One of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors 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 our offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sprains and strains often affect the feet, toes, and ankles, but they involve different tissues and require different care. A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, which is the strong tissue that connects bones at a joint. Sprains primarily occur when the joint twists or rolls in an unusual way. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising, and can sometimes feel like a fracture. A strain, however, occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn during forceful movement or sudden extension. These injuries also cause pain, tenderness, swelling, and sometimes bruising. Mild sprains and strains usually improve in a few weeks, but severe ligament or tendon tears may take months to repair or may need surgery. A podiatrist can examine the injured area, request imaging if needed, and determine the treatment plan depending on the severity. If you have injured a foot or ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact One of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Medical Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in New Port Richey and Spring Hill, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.