Items filtered by date: October 2025

The feet are made up of a variety of bones, tendons and ligaments, and running can put stress on any them.  While runners can experience different minor issues with the feet, there are many issues that can lead to severe pain and sideline a runner.  One common cause of foot pain in runners is plantar fasciitis. This occurs when the plantar fascia ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, leading to heel pain.  Stress fractures, which are hairline fractures in the bones of the feet, are also common among runners.  Runners should also be aware of extensor tendonitis, which results in the inflammation of the tendons that help with the movement of the toes.  A tight abductor or adductor hallucis, both muscles that help with movement of the feet, can lead to debilitating pain as well.  If you are a runner and you notice severe pain in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions in adolescents can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. When conservative care such as padding, footwear changes, and orthotics does not provide relief, a precise surgical approach may be considered. Advances in minimally invasive foot surgery now allow podiatrists to correct the alignment of the big toe through very small incisions. Using specialized instruments, the bone can be gently repositioned to restore proper balance and relieve pressure on surrounding joints. This technique typically results in less discomfort, minimal scarring, and a faster recovery compared to traditional procedures. Each case is carefully evaluated to ensure the best outcome while allowing for continued growth and activity. If you are a young person or the parent or a young person struggling with bunion pain or deformity, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist experienced in minimally invasive foot correction who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Strong ankles can help improve comfort and stability when wearing high heels. Ankle flexion is performed by pointing your toes upward to stretch and strengthen the front of the ankle. Ankle extension is done by pointing your toes downward to work the calf muscles and improve balance. Additionally, ankle circles involve rotating your ankles slowly in both directions to increase flexibility and mobility. Regularly practicing these ankle strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of pain or injury from high heels. A podiatrist can assess your ankle strength, recommend targeted exercises, and provide supportive care to keep your feet healthy. If you have foot or ankle pain from frequently wearing high heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and guide you toward additional ankle stretches. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Orthotics can be a valuable tool in addressing foot pain, but they are not always the sole solution. Effective treatment starts with a proper diagnosis, which is why seeing a podiatrist is important. They can assess your foot structure, gait mechanics, and medical history to determine the underlying cause of your pain. Depending on the diagnosis, various types of orthotics may be prescribed, including custom-made orthotics. While orthotics can provide support, cushioning, and alignment correction, their effectiveness varies depending on individual needs and conditions. For some, orthotics alone may alleviate pain and improve function. However, they may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes stretching exercises, or footwear modifications. Ultimately, the effectiveness of orthotics hinges on proper diagnosis and customization to address specific foot issues. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you seek professional help from a podiatrist to determine if orthotics are the right solution for you.

If you’re experiencing foot discomfort, have a history of foot and ankle injuries, or are interested in exploring Custom orthotics, don’t hesitate to contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM at Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor is dedicated to offering the care required to help you remain pain-free and stay on your feet. 

What are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics refer to custom inserts designed for placement in different shoe types, including athletic and formal footwear, with the purpose of alleviating a spectrum of foot-related problems such as flat feet, heel pain, and overall foot discomfort. These inserts are instrumental in providing relief and comfort for a diverse range of foot conditions, including heel pain, and can also act as a proactive approach to injury prevention. 

Medical Grade Shoe Inserts: 

A diverse array of shoe inserts is available for addressing foot pain, heel discomfort, and minor issues. For instance, you can place arch supports in your shoes to rectify overarched or flat feet, and gel and cushioned insoles are frequently chosen for the comfort and relief they provide from foot and heel pain by reducing pressure. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that is known for causing intense heel pain. Those affected by this condition often relay feeling discomfort when first getting out of bed in the morning. There are a few stretches you can perform to help ease the pain linked to plantar fasciitis. One of these types of stretches is known as towel scrunches. You can start by sitting and scrunching a towel with both feet. Then, stand and scrunch the towel with your feet. Another exercise you can try involves standing and trying to place a cotton ball into a cup using your toes. For more advice on what stretches and exercises you can practice to help with plantar fasciitis pain, please consult with a podiatrist.

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 Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.