Blog

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Risk factors include obesity, prolonged standing, high impact activities, flat feet, high arches, and tight calf muscles. Symptoms often involve sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest, as well as swelling and stiffness. Causes include overuse, poor footwear, sudden increases in activity, or biomechanical imbalances. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend supportive footwear or orthotics, provide stretching exercises, and offer treatments to reduce inflammation and restore mobility. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you promptly contact a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM  from Parrett Podiatry. 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 Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Achilles tendonitis occurs when the thick tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone becomes inflamed from overuse or strain. This tendon plays a key role in walking, running, and pushing off the toes, which makes it vulnerable to injury from repetitive motion or sudden increases in activity. Common causes of Achilles tendonitis include running on hard surfaces, training without proper warm-up, and wearing shoes that lack adequate support. Flat feet, bone spurs on the heel, and certain health conditions can increase the risk of Achilles tendon irritation. Symptoms include pain or stiffness in the back of the ankle, swelling, warmth, and difficulty standing on the toes. Morning stiffness is especially common. If left untreated, inflammation may progress to tendinosis, where the tendon begins to degenerate. In severe cases, a rupture may occur and require surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM of Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Stress fractures in the feet are hairline cracks in the bone that often develop from repetitive force, rather than a single traumatic event. Stress fractures generally occur in the long bones of the foot, which endure significant impact during walking, running, and jumping. Overtraining, sudden increases in activity, or inadequate rest between workouts raise the risk. Foot structure also plays a role, with flat feet, high arches, or rigid arches contributing to uneven distribution of pressure that can stress certain bones. People with osteoporosis or low bone density are at higher risk, and nutritional deficiencies, such as inadequate calcium or vitamin D, may weaken bone strength. A podiatrist can confirm a diagnosis through examination and imaging, recommend appropriate footwear or orthotics, and advise whether surgery is required in severe cases. If you have symptoms of stress fractures in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Jeffrey Parrett, DPM from Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Excess body weight places added stress on the feet, which can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility. Research shows that carrying higher fat mass is strongly linked to foot pain, while overall body weight can negatively affect how the foot functions during walking and standing. With obesity rates rising across the globe, problems such as plantar heel pain, tendon strain, and joint stress in the feet are becoming more common. This makes awareness and early intervention especially important. Podiatrists play a key role not only in treating foot pain but also in addressing its contributing factors. By working with patients and collaborating with other health professionals, podiatrists can help manage both the mechanical strain on the feet and the broader health issues connected to weight. If you are experiencing foot pain related to weight, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for evaluation and care.

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 Jeffrey Parrett, DPM from Parrett Podiatry. Our doctor 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 Waxahachie, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.