Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia underneath the foot becomes irritated or inflamed. The plantar fascia is a wide band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch. A major sign of plantar fasciitis is sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. The pain may lessen with movement but often returns after standing, walking, or climbing stairs. Some people feel aching or tightness in the arch or sole, and the heel may become tender. Mild swelling or a burning feeling can also develop at the Achilles tendon. Symptoms begin gradually and worsen over time. A podiatrist can assess the foot, confirm the diagnosis, and provide treatment to reduce strain and improve function. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors 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 O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Heel pain can make standing and walking difficult. Several conditions can cause pain in the heel. One common cause is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the plantar fascia becomes irritated. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the front of the foot. This condition often causes sharp pain when people first begin walking after rest. Achilles tendonitis is another cause. It develops when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becomes inflamed from overuse. Heel bursitis can also lead to pain. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction around joints, and when they become inflamed, pain and swelling may occur. In some cases, heel pain may result from a fracture, which is a break in the heel bone. A podiatrist can determine the exact cause of heel pain and provide proper treatment. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot is a complex weight-bearing structure made of bones, joints, tendons and ligaments that work together to support standing, walking and running. Key bones include the talus, which connects the foot to the ankle, the calcaneus which forms the heel, and the navicular, cuboid, and the cuneiforms that create the arch and midfoot stability. These bones form joints that allow smooth coordinated motion while tendons attach muscles to bone to generate movement. Ligaments provide stability by holding the bones in proper alignment. Together they absorb shock, adapt to uneven surfaces and propel the body forward. A podiatrist can evaluate biomechanical function, treat pain, and prevent injury. If you have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and expert tips on how to maintain strong, healthy feet.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Running injuries often develop when training demands exceed what the body can handle. Looking at injury risk through a cause-and-effect lens helps identify why problems occur and how to prevent them. Factors such as previous injuries, muscle weakness, limited flexibility, and foot mechanics all influence how stress moves through the body. Recent changes in mileage, speed, or terrain also play a major role, especially when increases happen too quickly. By understanding both personal risk factors and current training load, runners can adjust routines before pain develops. Gradual progression, appropriate recovery, and wearing supportive footwear help reduce strain on muscles, tendons, and joints. Early attention to discomfort allows small issues to be addressed before they become injuries. If foot or ankle pain continues despite training adjustments, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for evaluation and guidance.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A metatarsal fracture is a break in one of the long bones in the front of the foot. This injury is commonly caused by direct injury, overuse, sudden increases in activity, or repetitive stress from walking or running. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. The foot may look swollen or discolored, and it may feel painful with movement. In some cases, the pain increases during activity and improves with rest. A podiatrist can help by starting with a careful physical examination and imaging, such as X-rays, to confirm the diagnosis and determine severity. Treatment may include immobilization, protective footwear, pain management, and targeted exercises as healing progresses. In more severe cases, advanced support or surgical planning may be needed. Early diagnosis is important to prevent improper healing and long-term foot problems. If you think you may have a metatarsal fracture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Advanced Ankle & Foot Surgeons. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in O'Fallon, and New Baden, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.