Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain and is frequently treated in podiatry practices. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the toes. This structure helps support the arch of the foot and absorbs shock when walking and standing. When the plantar fascia becomes irritated or strained, it can lead to microtears and inflammation, resulting in significant heel discomfort. This condition is often associated with overuse and repetitive stress on the foot.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include sharp heel pain that is most noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. The pain may lessen with movement, but can return after long periods of standing, walking, or physical activity. Some individuals describe a stabbing or burning sensation along the bottom of the heel. In more advanced cases, the pain can become persistent and affect walking, exercising, or standing for extended periods. Swelling and tenderness in the heel area may also be present, depending on the severity of inflammation.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis. These include obesity, prolonged standing, occupations that require long hours on the feet, and participation in high-impact sports like running. Foot structure also plays a role, as people with flat feet or high arches may place additional stress on the plantar fascia. Footwear without adequate arch support or cushioning can further contribute to strain. Tight calf muscles and limited ankle flexibility are also common contributing factors that increase pressure on the heel and arch.

The primary causes of plantar fasciitis are repetitive strain and excessive tension placed on the plantar fascia. This can occur gradually due to daily activities, sudden increases in physical activity, or poor biomechanics while walking or running. Without proper treatment, the condition may become chronic and lead to ongoing heel pain and reduced mobility. Early recognition and management are important for preventing long-term complications and improving recovery outcomes. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis. 

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 one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners 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 Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone that develop when repeated force places more stress on the bone than it can repair. They are frequently found in the feet because these bones absorb pressure with every step. A sudden increase in running, jumping, or other high-impact activities can trigger this injury. People who begin a new fitness program, change workout intensity too quickly, or spend long hours on hard surfaces face a greater risk. Shoes that lack proper support can also add extra strain to the feet. Pain usually starts in one specific area and gradually becomes worse with activity. As the injury progresses, discomfort can continue while walking and even during normal daily routines. Swelling and tenderness near the painful spot are also common warning signs.

Because stress fractures can resemble other foot problems, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and a careful examination of the foot. X-rays help identify many stress fractures, although very early injuries are not always visible. In those cases, an MRI, which creates detailed images of bones and soft tissues, can reveal the injury before it appears on an X-ray. Finding the problem early lowers the chance that the crack will become larger or develop into a complete fracture. A prompt diagnosis also helps guide the safest treatment plan and supports a smoother recovery.

Treatment depends on the location of the stress fracture and its severity. A podiatrist can reduce pressure on the injured bone with a walking boot, a stiff-soled shoe, or crutches. Your podiatrist also monitors healing with follow-up visits and imaging, when appropriate. Some fractures heal well with these measures, while others require surgery because of their location or because they are unlikely to heal properly without added support. Early professional care can shorten recovery and help prevent more serious damage. If you have symptoms of a stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Nashville, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns on the feet are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop in response to repeated pressure or friction. They often form on the tops or sides of the toes, between the toes, or on weight-bearing areas of the feet. Corns are the body’s way of protecting the skin, but they can become painful when pressure continues. Common causes include tight shoes, toe deformities, abnormal foot mechanics, or areas where bones rub against footwear. Symptoms may include foot pain, tenderness, a raised patch of hard skin, or discomfort when walking.

Although corns may seem like a simple skin problem, they can interfere with daily activities and overall foot health. Painful corns can make it difficult to wear shoes comfortably, stand for long periods of time, or walk normally. Some corns are hard and dry, while others may develop between the toes, where the skin stays softer. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or nerve problems should be especially cautious because even small areas of pressure can lead to more serious complications. Since corns can look similar to other foot conditions, an accurate diagnosis is important before treatment begins.

A podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist who can diagnose corns on the feet and identify what is causing the pressure. During an evaluation, a podiatrist may examine the skin, assess foot structure, and check how the foot moves during walking. Treatment may include professional corn removal, pressure relief, custom orthotics, footwear guidance, or care for related toe problems. Addressing the underlying cause can help reduce pain and lower the chance of recurring corns. Professional podiatry care is especially important when corns are painful, return often, or appear with redness, swelling, or drainage. If you have painful corns on your feet, recurring skin thickening, or difficulty walking due to pressure-related foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment options.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our practitioners to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Being obese, or having a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher, can cause serious, negative effects throughout your body, including your feet, which absorb the force of your body weight. People with a higher BMI put an increased amount of foot pressure under the heel and metatarsal heads (balls of the foot) which is where you push off to walk or run. Obesity can also change the structure of your feet, causing them to widen, putting excess strain on your ankles, and overburdening your arches. Common foot problems that cause pain and discomfort in obese individuals include plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoe. Trying to reduce your body mass is a good step towards improving your overall health. Contacting a podiatrist is another good step to take to treat any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing in your feet or ankles.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Nashville Family Foot Care. Our practitioners can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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