Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, causing heel pain and discomfort. Symptoms include sharp pain with the first steps in the morning, swelling, and tenderness along the bottom of the foot. It is commonly caused by overuse of the foot, excessive standing, or walking for long periods, which strain the plantar fascia. Risk factors include obesity, improper footwear, tight calf muscles, and high-impact activities. A podiatrist can provide a thorough assessment, recommend stretching and strengthening exercises, suggest supportive footwear or orthotics, and create a tailored treatment plan to reduce pain and prevent recurrence. If you have consistent heel pain, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can begin a relief and treatment plan that is right for you.

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 Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, 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 Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Healthy feet support comfort, mobility, and an active lifestyle. Simple daily habits can go a long way in protecting them. Washing the feet each day and drying carefully between the toes helps prevent skin infections. Moisturizing the tops and bottoms of the feet keeps skin from becoming dry and cracked, although lotion should not be placed between the toes. Toenails should be trimmed straight across to help prevent painful ingrown nails. Wearing well-fitted shoes with good support can reduce pressure and protect the feet from injury. It is also helpful to change socks regularly and choose breathable materials that keep feet dry. Regular movement and gentle stretching can keep muscles and joints working properly. Paying attention to any new pain, swelling, or changes in the skin or nails is important. If you notice persistent foot discomfort or unusual changes, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM from Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, LLC. 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 office located in Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Fastpitch softball is a competitive form of softball in which the pitcher delivers the ball at high speed using a fast underhand motion. The game moves quickly and requires players to sprint, pivot, slide, and react in seconds. These fast, powerful movements place repeated stress on the lower extremities, especially the feet and ankles. Players often experience ankle sprains, Achilles tendon irritation, plantar fascia strain, and stress injuries in the bones of the foot. Quick directional changes and sudden stops can also strain muscles and tendons in the lower leg. Cleats that fit properly and provide good support help reduce excess movement inside the shoe. Additionally, stretching and warm-up activities may prepare the muscles and tendons for the demands of play. If pain in the foot, ankle, or lower leg continues during the season, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, 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 Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle arthrodesis, commonly known as ankle fusion, is a surgical procedure used to relieve severe, persistent ankle pain that has not improved with other treatments. The goal is to join the bones of the ankle so they heal as one solid unit, eliminating the painful motion caused by advanced arthritis, major injury, or long-standing joint damage. When the joint is fused, the ankle becomes stable and able to bear weight more comfortably, even though movement in the fused area is no longer present. Many people find that walking becomes easier once the constant grinding pain is gone. The procedure requires careful preparation and a structured recovery plan that supports proper bone healing. Over time, surrounding joints adapt, allowing patients to return to many of their usual activities. If you are dealing with unrelenting ankle pain that limits daily life, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to determine whether ankle arthrodesis is an appropriate option for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Howard Abramsohn, DPM of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Associates, 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 Mt Laurel Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.