Items filtered by date: January 2024

Plantar fasciitis, the leading cause of heel pain, stems from inflammation or degeneration of the plantar fascia attaching to the heel. This thick tissue band, essential for foot support, manifests as pain under the heel, often extending into the arch. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis peak in the morning, but often subside as the foot warms throughout the day. Overuse is a key factor of plantar fasciitis, but risks heighten with poor foot biomechanics and other factors. These may include overpronation, a high-arched foot, and improper footwear choice. Additional contributors include excess weight, tight calf muscles, and plantar fascia tightness. Among the symptoms are morning heel pain, arch discomfort, and tenderness when pressing the heel. Distinguishing plantar fasciitis from similar conditions, such as a  bruised heel, heel spur, or stress fracture aids in an accurate diagnosis. Treatment involves pain and inflammation reduction, biomechanical correction, and targeted exercises. For a tailored approach to managing plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a full exam and suggested treatment. options.

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 Edward Orman, DPM from Honeygo 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 offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Mobility is a critical aspect of maintaining independence and overall well-being as people age. Concerns about losing the ability to move freely can be a source of anxiety for many older adults. Factors such as changes in gait, balance, and physical strength can impact mobility, leading to increased falls and limitations in daily activities. This loss of mobility is associated with higher rates of disease, disability, hospitalization, and decreased quality of life. If you are a senior or taking care of one and want to learn more about what you can do to maintain mobility in terms of proper gait and balance, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to increase your chances of living independently and enjoying a good quality of life.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Edward Orman, DPM from Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

While our eyes are often considered windows to our souls, our feet can provide valuable insights into our overall health. As we age, our feet tend to reflect changes in our bodies, including decreased circulation, thinning skin, brittle bones, muscle atrophy, and arthritis. Many of these conditions can initially manifest in the foot and ankle, making it essential to monitor them for any alterations, discomfort, or pain. Footwear choices also play a significant role in foot health. Younger individuals often prioritize style over comfort and function, but as people age, there is a shift towards valuing comfort and functionality in shoes. It is important not to wait for pain and discomfort to become persistent problems in later life. Our feet are diverse in shape and size, but if you experience persistent foot pain or issues that affect your daily life, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide the necessary treatment and contribute to a healthier and more comfortable future.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Edward Orman, DPM from Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Flat feet, or pes planus, can benefit from targeted exercises that aim to strengthen the muscles surrounding the arches. Toe curls, a simple yet effective exercise, involve gripping a towel with your toes and lifting it off the ground. This helps engage the muscles along the arch and promotes better support. Arch lifts, where you lift the inner edge of your foot while keeping the outer edge on the ground, target the muscles responsible for maintaining the foot's arch structure. Heel cord stretches alleviate tension in the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, supporting overall foot flexibility. Additionally, ankle circles, rotating your ankles in both directions, enhance mobility and contribute to improved arch function. Incorporating these exercises into your routine gradually can contribute to the development of stronger foot muscles, providing better arch support and potentially aiding in the correction of flat feet over time. Consistency is key as you work toward building strength and stability in the intricate network of muscles that shape the foundation of your feet. If you have flat feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you effective stretches and other relief techniques.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Edward Orman, DPM from Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Achilles tendonitis, a common woe for runners, arises from inflammation in the strong tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Typically linked to the runner's trifecta of too much, too fast, and too soon, recognizing symptoms of Achilles tendonitis is vital for timely intervention. These symptoms include initial stiffness that dissipates with warming up, in addition to pain and swelling near the heel. The runner may experience limited ankle flexibility during physical activities, and notice redness along the tendon. Other symptoms can include a distinct burning sensation, palpable scar tissue lumps, and an audible cracking or popping sound during ankle movement. Runners, constantly pushing their limits, are particularly prone to Achilles tendon injuries due to the repetitive stress involved in each stride. Speed and uphill training can increase the strain on the tendon. This can lead to overworking, tightening, and inflammation, which may result in Achilles tendonitis. If you are experiencing symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a complete examination and treatment suggestions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.