Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, can be a debilitating condition that affects daily activities. However, incorporating specific exercises into your routine can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Stretching exercises such as calf stretches and towel stretches target the tight muscles and fascia in the foot, reducing tension and relieving pain. Additionally, rolling a frozen water bottle or a tennis ball under the arch of the foot provides gentle massage and helps decrease inflammation. Strengthening exercises like toe curls and marble pickups improve foot stability and support, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Additionally, practicing foot arch exercises, such as arch lifts and toe spreads, can help strengthen the arch and alleviate pressure on the plantar fascia. Consistency is key when performing these exercises, and it is important to start slowly and gradually increase intensity to avoid making symptoms worse. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition, which often includes suitable exercises and stretches.

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. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A Plantar fibroma is a benign growth that develops on the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes. This condition typically presents as a firm nodule or lump in the arch or ball of the foot, causing discomfort and pain with weight-bearing activities. The exact cause of plantar fibromas remains uncertain, but factors such as trauma, inflammation, or genetic predisposition may contribute to their development. Plantar fibromas can vary in size and may gradually increase in size over time, potentially interfering with normal foot function and mobility. While plantar fibromas are non-cancerous and generally harmless, they can cause significant discomfort and impact daily activities if left untreated. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the fibroma and restore foot function. If you have noticed a lump or nodule on the bottom of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat a plantar fibroma or whatever else might be going on.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Ensuring foot health is essential for overall well-being, as the feet bear the brunt of daily activities and support the body's weight. Several methods can help maintain pain-free feet. Wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate support and cushioning is important in reducing the risk of foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis and bunions. Regularly inspecting the feet for any signs of irritation, blisters, or abnormalities allows for early detection and prompt treatment of potential issues. Practicing good foot hygiene, including washing and drying the feet thoroughly, helps prevent infections and fungal growth. Engaging in foot exercises, such as toe stretches and ankle rotations, improves flexibility and strengthens the muscles, enhancing foot stability and mobility. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the feet and lowers the risk of developing foot-related problems. If you are experiencing any type of pain in the feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. 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 Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, a type of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe pain attacks, can progress through four distinct stages, each posing unique challenges and implications for affected individuals. Initially, the asymptomatic hyperuricemia stage occurs, where elevated uric acid levels accumulate in the blood without any noticeable symptoms. This stage can persist for years before progressing to acute gouty arthritis, marked by sudden and intense joint pain, typically in the big toe. If left untreated, recurrent gout attacks may ensue, leading to the chronic gout stage characterized by frequent flare-ups and potential joint damage. In severe cases, tophaceous gout may develop, characterized by the formation of urate crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues, resulting in visible lumps. While anyone can develop gout, certain factors such as genetics, obesity, dietary habits rich in purines, alcohol consumption, and certain medications increase the risk. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can determine which stage you are in, and offer effective relief options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Experiencing numbness or tingling in your feet is not a sensation to be ignored, as it often indicates an underlying issue that requires attention. Common causes of foot numbness can include neuropathy, which can result from conditions such as diabetes, nerve injuries, or pressure on spinal nerves. Peripheral arterial disease, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and thyroid disorders are also potential contributors to neuropathy. Additionally, medication side effects, exposure to toxic substances like lead or alcohol, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, electrolyte imbalances, and vitamin deficiencies can affect nerve function, which may lead to numbness. Ignoring numbness, tingling, and a burning sensation in the feet may lead to further complications. By seeking timely evaluation and treatment, you can address the underlying cause of numbness and prevent potential long-term consequences, ensuring your mobility and overall well-being. If you are experiencing frequent numbness or tingling in your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who is medically trained to manage this condition. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.