Items filtered by date: August 2021

Podiatrists frequently diagnose and treat heel pain. Typically, heel pain can be attributed to two main causes. The first is overuse. If you regularly put excess pressure and strain on your heels from prolonged standing, walking long distances, running, playing sports, or wearing ill-fitted shoes, you may be more likely to experience heel pain. The second potential cause is a biomechanical problem, or a problem with the structure or function of your feet. The most common biomechanical issue is an overpronated gait, a walking pattern in which the feet turn too far inwards with each step. This is frequently seen in patients with flat feet and can contribute to plantar fasciitis and other conditions that cause heel pain. Sometimes, a combination of both overuse and an underlying biomechanical problem are to blame for heel pain. If you are experiencing heel pain, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot Clinic. 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 contact our offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Research has suggested that walking may be one of the best methods to manage the symptoms of pain, stiffness, or inflammation that can coincide with arthritis. It is important to start off slowly by building a walking routine, and with some time and experience, it should become easier when performed every day. Walking can also be beneficial for losing weight which may help lessen the stress that the joints endure. Slowly increasing the frequency, intensity, and length of time that you walk is the preferred method and can help to alleviate the aches and pain from arthritis. Many patients find that counting how many steps they take every day can help track their daily progress for maximum benefits. If you have arthritis in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you proper management techniques.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

Hammertoes are toe deformities in which the toes bend downwards at the middle joint. This creates a hammer-like shape and can affect any toes except the big toes. Hammertoes are common, affecting approximately 3% of all adults over the age of 21 in the United States alone. They are more common among women than men. Hammertoes are not a purely cosmetic issue - they can also be quite painful. Over time, the affected joints can become stiff and, if left untreated, can eventually become immobile. The tops of the affected toes also tend to rub uncomfortably against shoes, leading to corns and calluses. If you have hammertoes, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors 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 offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has indicated that a staggering sixty percent of people who enjoy running have endured a running injury in the past year. These injuries may be the result of inconsistent training and possibly from increasing speed and distance too soon. An acute running injury is generally traumatic and happens suddenly. Now you're probably wondering what an acute running injury is. Most commonly they are strains and sprains, but can also be a muscle tear, bone crack, or ligament snap. Other running injuries may include plantar fascitiis, heel spurs, stress fractures, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendonitis. Whether a runner falls, twists an ankle, or gets struck by a vehicle, it's usually painful and associated with a "popping" sound followed by inflammation. Additionally, the foot may have a limited range of motion, and it may be difficult to walk. Runners may be able to prevent these injuries by paying attention to the type of ground they’re running on, being aware of their surroundings, and stretching before and after a run. There are many painful foot conditions that can occur from running injuries, and it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide helpful suggestions on how to prevent running injuries.

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 Cascade Foot Clinic. 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 offices located in Bend and Redmond, OR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The bottom and side of the big toe is generally the location where a bunion develops. It is considered to be a deformity and can appear for a variety of reasons. These can include genetic factors, and wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in. Additionally, existing medical conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis may cause a bunion to develop. If the bunion is mild relief may be found when orthotics are worn, or when the bunion is covered with a protective pad. Severe bunions may require surgery to correct them permanently. If you notice signs of a small bump on the side of the big toe, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible. Early treatment can slow down or stop a bunion's progression. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact one of our podiatrists of Cascade Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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