Plantar fasciitis, the inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of your foot, causes heel pain and discomfort and often worsens with physical activity. Risk factors include activities stressing your heel, being overweight, pregnant, or having high arches. Beyond heel pain, symptoms of plantar fasciitis include aching, burning, or swelling. This discomfort is typically most pronounced in the morning or after prolonged sitting, standing, or activity. Causes vary from playing sports to being on your feet a lot, poor arch support, or tight calf muscles. Treatment involves rest, wearing supportive footwear, using orthotics, and stretching the affected area. In severe cases, steroid injections or surgery might be considered. Prevention includes maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive shoes, warming up before exercise, and allowing recovery between physical activities. If you have heel pain and suspect you might have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD  from Salem Foot Care . 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 our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain can significantly impact one's quality of life, limiting activities like walking, exercising, and even playing with your children. Morton's neuroma is an increasingly common condition that arises from the thickening of nerve tissues in the foot due to extreme compression and irritation. The condition stems from compression of the plantar digital nerves and can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly. Morton's neuroma most often occurs between the third and fourth toes. Women are more susceptible, possibly due to wearing high-heeled shoes. Improper foot biomechanics, like flat feet or high arches, can also contribute by creating instability around the toe joints. Symptoms of Morton's neuroma include pain, tingling, numbness, and burning sensations, often felt between the toes or in the ball of the foot. Swelling is common, particularly between the toes. Tight, narrow-toed shoes can increase nerve stress and make matters worse. Walking, especially on stairs, can further intensify the pain. Non-surgical interventions include custom orthotic shoe inserts, wearing comfortable shoes with room for the toes, and taking anti-inflammatory medication. Early consultation with a podiatrist is suggested for tailored treatment plans and to avoid surgery. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Sesamoiditis is a painful condition that affects the sesamoid bones, which are two small bones in the foot located beneath the big toe joint. These bones play a crucial role in providing leverage for the tendons and muscles, allowing smooth movements during activities such as walking and running. Sesamoiditis occurs when these bones become inflamed, which generally happens from overuse, repetitive impact, or excessive pressure. The primary symptom of sesamoiditis is sharp pain beneath the big toe, which worsens during weight-bearing activities. Treatment for sesamoiditis involves rest and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation. Wearing supportive footwear, padding, and orthotic inserts can alleviate pressure on the affected area. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend immobilization with a walking boot or cast to allow the sesamoid bones to heal properly. Proper management and early intervention are essential to prevent long-term complications and ensure a swift recovery from sesamoiditis. If you are afflicted with sesamoiditis, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Athlete’s foot is a pesky kind of foot condition in which the skin between the toes becomes irritated and flaky due to a fungal infection. Interestingly, athlete's foot is contagious because the fungal infection can spread from one person to another. There is a very particular way in which an athlete’s foot infection spreads between people. Namely, when an individual with athlete’s foot walks barefoot on a surface, they leave behind fungal spores. These spores can attach to many things such as shoes, clothes, furniture, and more. When another person comes into contact with these spores, they can also contract the fungal infection. If you have athlete's foot or are looking to protect yourself from developing it, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for treatment.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care .  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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