Plantar fasciitis is a common and painful foot condition affecting millions of people annually, with approximately 20% of cases becoming chronic. Traditional treatments, such as stretching and medication, work in many but not all situations. The root cause of chronic plantar fasciitis is not inflammation, but tissue degeneration, which challenges the efficacy of anti inflammatory treatments. Surgery is an option but carries risks. Emerging minimally invasive therapies aim to stimulate tissue healing by enhancing local circulation. These include extracorporeal shockwave therapy, radiofrequency microtenotomy, platelet-rich plasma injections, and micromobile compression. Each of these treatments offers an alternative to traditional treatment or surgery for plantar fasciitis, and may help in chronic cases. Targeting the root cause of the ongoing nature of the condition is key. If you suffer from this disruptive affliction, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether a minimally invasive therapy may be an option worthy of your consideration.

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.

Clubfoot, a congenital condition, impacts the development of a newborn's foot or feet, leading to an abnormal position. The foot is turned inward and downward, resembling the shape of a golf club, hence the name. While the exact cause is not always clear, both genetic and environmental factors can play a role. During pregnancy, abnormal positioning of the baby's feet in the womb can contribute to developing clubfoot. Early treatment of this condition is important and generally begins within weeks of birth. The Ponseti method, a non-surgical approach involving gentle manipulation and casting, is a common treatment. Braces are used to maintain correction after the casting phase. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Timely intervention and comprehensive treatment enable children with clubfoot to lead active, fulfilling lives. If your child has been born with clubfoot, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is to pursue.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Bone spurs on the top of the foot can be a discomforting issue. These protrusions, though not typically sharp, can cause pain by pressing against nearby bones, tendons, ligaments, or nerves. Age is often linked to bone spurs on top of the foot. Over time, the wearing down of cartilage can result in diminished joint cushioning, leading to friction, and, resulting in a spur growth. Engaging in certain activities, such as running or dancing, can also trigger bone spurs on the foot. The repetitive stress from these activities can cause trauma, prompting the body to generate extra calcium. Uncomfortable or ill fitting shoes, whether too tight or shaped inadequately, can cause friction that leads to trauma and bone spur formation. Additionally, injuries ranging from minor bruises to significant bone fractures can lead to calcium accumulation, which may result in bone spurs. Swelling, redness, tenderness and pain warrant prompt medical attention. If you have noticed a bone spur on the top of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and a treatment plan that is correct for you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

More people are using trampolines for fun and exercise, and this has led to more injuries, especially in children. Many of these injuries are broken bones in the legs. Little kids are at higher risk because they are still learning to balance. Some safety measures like padding and nets are used, but they have not stopped the injuries much. To be safer, it's recommended to have only one person jumping at a time, avoid doing flips, and have someone watching. Many injuries happen when multiple people jump together. Sometimes, bigger people on the trampoline can make smaller ones go too high, leading to hard falls. Some broken bones can lead to long-term problems. Special ankle injuries in young kids can be particularly serious and need surgery. If you or your kids use trampolines, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to learn how to best stay safe.

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
• Plantar Fasciosis
• 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 feel free to contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.