Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch along the bottom of the foot. It develops when this tissue becomes overstretched or overused. Causes often include foot arch problems, running long distances, obesity, and a tight Achilles tendon that increases strain on the heel. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning, along with stiffness and tenderness. Risk factors include repetitive activity, poor footwear, and limited flexibility. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, recommend supportive shoes, stretching exercises, and other treatments to reduce discomfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM  from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner 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 Hoover, Oneonta, and Munford, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a deformity in which one of the smaller toes bends at the middle joint, creating a shape that resembles a hammer. It occurs more often in women, and it is frequently related to footwear choices that place pressure on the toes. This condition is commonly seen when the second toe is longer than the big toe, which can increase crowding in shoes. Pain may develop on the top of the bent toe from rubbing against footwear, or at the ball of the foot from added pressure. Risk factors include wearing tight shoes, foot structure, and muscle imbalance. A podiatrist can evaluate the toe, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatment to reduce discomfort. If you have developed a hammertoe, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Charles Oehrlein, DPM of Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Ankle impingement syndrome develops when soft tissue or bone in the ankle becomes compressed during movement, often after repeated sprains or ongoing instability. Many people notice pain at the front or back of the ankle, especially while walking uphill, squatting, running, or pointing the foot downward. Swelling, stiffness, and a limited range of motion are also common. In some cases, scar tissue or bony growths form inside the joint and create ongoing irritation each time the ankle bends. Athletes and active individuals are frequently affected, but anyone with a history of ankle injuries can develop this condition. A podiatrist can evaluate joint movement, order imaging studies, identify areas of inflammation, and recommend treatments designed to reduce pressure within the ankle. Care may include bracing, custom orthotics, targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory treatment, or surgical correction when symptoms become severe. It is strongly suggested that people with chronic ankle pain or restricted motion visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate care.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Wearing the wrong shoes can place stress on the feet and lead to long-term discomfort. High heels can cause muscle contraction in the calves and feet, which may make it difficult to walk barefoot over time. Very flat shoes can concentrate pressure on the heels and force muscles and tendons to work harder for support, which may contribute to plantar fasciitis. Shoes that are the wrong size can constrict the front of the foot and toes, increasing the risk of corns and bunions. Risk factors include poor fit, lack of support, and prolonged wear of improper footwear. A podiatrist can evaluate foot health, recommend proper shoes, and provide treatment. If you have foot pain from wearing certain types of shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips and guide you footwear selection.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Charles Oehrlein, DPM from Hoover Foot Care. Our practitioner will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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