Plantar fasciitis, a prevalent foot condition, can cause discomfort and hinder daily activities if left unaddressed. Recognizing its common symptoms is key to seeking appropriate treatment and finding relief. One hallmark symptom is heel pain, typically occurring with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. This pain may subside as the day progresses but can return after prolonged standing or walking. Additionally, individuals with plantar fasciitis often experience pain along the arch of the foot, which may feel sharp or stabbing in nature. Tightness and stiffness in the affected foot, particularly after periods of inactivity, are also common. Swelling and tenderness in the heel or arch area may accompany these symptoms. Some individuals may notice a decrease in their range of motion or difficulty flexing the foot upwards. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent worsening of the condition.

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 Dr. Odin De Los Reyes from Connecticut. 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 offices located in Southbury and Farmington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toe fractures, though often overlooked, can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience. Whether it is the big toe or one of the smaller ones, any part of the toe can become fractured due to trauma or repetitive stress. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. In severe cases, the toe may appear deformed or misaligned. Diagnosing a toe fracture involves a thorough physical examination and possibly imaging tests such as X-rays. Your podiatrist will assess the extent of the injury and determine the best course of treatment, which may include rest, elevation, and immobilization with a splint or buddy taping. In some cases, if the fracture is severe or displaced, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and promote proper healing. If you have symptoms of a broken toe, it is suggested that you seek prompt medical attention from a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Odin De Los Reyes from Connecticut. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Southbury and Farmington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, manifests in various ways, often affecting the feet profoundly. Symptoms of PAD in the feet can include pain, cramping, or numbness, particularly during physical activity like walking or climbing stairs, which subsides with rest. In severe cases, individuals may experience non-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet or toes, indicating compromised blood flow. Several risk factors contribute to the development of PAD, including smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and advancing age. Additionally, individuals with a sedentary lifestyle or those with a family history of cardiovascular disease are at increased risk. PAD occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque, restricting blood flow to the limbs. Early detection and management of PAD are vital to prevent complications and improve outcomes. If you have symptoms of PAD in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you find relief in addition to managing this condition.

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 Dr. Odin De Los Reyes from Connecticut. Our doctor 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 Southbury and Farmington, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.