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The thick and fibrous band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel bone to the front of your foot is known as the plantar fascia. Inflammation of the plantar fascia, usually as a result of overuse, is known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis usually leads to heel pain, heel spurs, or arch pain. Athletes who participate in sports that require a lot of running and jumping are said to be at a higher risk for developing this condition. One of the most common symptoms is pain that becomes worse after long periods of rest. This includes arising in the morning and after sitting for extended periods of time. Anyone who is struggling with heel pain should consult with a podiatrist who can help diagnose and provide various treatment options for plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dawn Miles, DPM  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 the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A common place for patients who are 65 or older to fall can be in the kitchen. This can happen as a result of having slippery floors or trying to retrieve items in places that are hard to reach. It may be beneficial to frequently sit in a sturdy chair while preparing foods, as this may help to maintain balance. Having a non-skid rug in front of the sink may help to prevent falling, and it is suggested that sturdy shoes are worn while in the living environment. It is common for spills to occur, and greasy or sticky foods may cause accidents in the kitchen. If you would like additional information about how falling in the kitchen can affect the feet, please confer with a podiatrist who can offer you effective preventive methods.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken ankle sometimes requires surgery to fully heal. One method of ankle fracture surgery is external fixation. This surgery is done when the fractured bones are not in their normal positions, are broken into several pieces, or are sticking out through the skin. In an external fixation surgery, pins and other devices sticking out of the ankle hold together the broken pieces of bones within the ankle while they heal. You will likely need to avoid physical activity for a period of months while the bones heal. You may require antibiotics, pain medications, and physical therapy following the surgery to prevent infections, reduce pain, and speed recovery. For more information about ankle fractures, please consult with a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dawn Miles, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Palatka and Saint Augustine, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.