Items filtered by date: May 2025

One of the most common causes of heel pain is a condition called plantar fasciitis, yet many people do not realize they have it. The pain is often sharpest with the first steps out of bed, easing slightly as the foot warms up, but returning after long periods of standing or walking. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot, and when it becomes irritated or strained, it can lead to tiny tears and inflammation. This condition can develop from overuse, wearing unsupportive footwear, or standing on hard surfaces for hours. It often starts quietly, then becomes harder to ignore. Stretching the foot and calf, wearing shoes with good arch support, and using custom orthotics can make a big difference. If your heel pain is no longer a minor annoyance and has become a daily issue, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist for expert guidance.

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 Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor 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 Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Osteoarthritis of the big toe occurs when the cartilage in the main toe joint wears down, often due to aging or repeated stress on the feet. This can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and a limited range of motion, especially during walking or standing. The joint most commonly affected is the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint, located at the base of the big toe. People may experience pain that worsens with activity and can have difficulty in bending the toe. A podiatrist can evaluate the MTP joint with imaging tests and conduct a physical exam to confirm the diagnosis. Depending on the severity, treatment options include anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injections to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. If the condition progresses and causes ongoing discomfort, surgery may be needed to remove damaged tissue or realign the joint. This can help improve movement or reduce pain when other approaches have not worked. If your big toe joint becomes painful, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Jennifer Swan, DPM of Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Foot pain can affect people of all ages and is often caused by poor footwear choices, arthritis, or excess weight. Wearing shoes that are too tight, have inadequate support, or are high-heeled can place strain on the feet and cause pain in the heels, arches, or toes. Arthritis can cause joint inflammation and stiffness, making each step feel uncomfortable. Carrying extra weight also puts added pressure on the feet, increasing the risk of pain and injury. Symptoms may include aching, throbbing, swelling, or sharp pain when walking or standing. The discomfort can be mild or severe, and it often worsens with activity or improper support. A podiatrist can pinpoint the cause of your foot pain and recommend personalized treatment options. These include orthotics, footwear changes, targeted exercises, or medication. Preventative strategies like maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive shoes, and stretching regularly can also make a big difference. If you have ongoing foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor 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 Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an inflammatory condition that affects the growth plate in the heel bone. It is typically seen in children and adolescents who are experiencing growth spurts and engaging in repetitive physical activity. The causes in young patients include overuse, excessive running or jumping, and wearing poor footwear. In adults, Symptoms often involve heel pain, tenderness, and stiffness, especially after activity. Sever's disease is extremely rare because the growth plates close after puberty. When heel pain occurs in adults, it is usually caused by other conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis, rather than true Sever's disease. It is suggested that adults with similar heel pain symptoms consult a podiatrist to determine the correct diagnosis and begin an appropriate treatment plan.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Jennifer Swan, DPM from Right Step Foot Care. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.