Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that develops when the thick band of tissue supporting the arch becomes strained or inflamed. It often begins gradually and is frequently linked to overuse, foot mechanics, prolonged standing, or unsupportive footwear. Symptoms usually include sharp or aching pain in the heel, stiffness after rest, and discomfort that improves slightly with movement but returns later in the day. The heel may look normal or mildly swollen, yet it can feel tender, tight, or burning with pressure. Common contributing factors include repetitive stress, tight calf muscles, and weight changes such as soreness, inflammation, and reduced flexibility. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed examination and imaging when necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of heel pain. Treatment often begins with footwear guidance, supportive devices, and custom orthotics, then progresses to medications, targeted exercises, or advanced procedures if symptoms persist. If you think you may have heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM  from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. 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 Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Neuropathy is a nerve-related condition defined as damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves that transmit signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. When neuropathy affects the feet, it can alter normal sensation and movement, which may increase the risk of unnoticed injuries. One of the most common causes is diabetes, which may gradually damage nerves through long-term changes in blood glucose levels. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, burning sensations, pain, and muscle weakness in the feet or lower legs. Risk factors may involve chronic health conditions, poor circulation, and prolonged nerve irritation. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve-related symptoms, monitor foot health, and recommend protective care. If foot numbness or burning sensations develop, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Kenneth Donovan, DPM from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

Everyday foot care plays an essential role in maintaining healthy and comfortable feet, and is especially important for diabetic patients. Washing the feet daily with warm water and gentle cleansing helps remove dirt, bacteria, and sweat that may lead to irritation or infection. It is important to wash all areas of the feet carefully, including the soles, heels, and around the toes. After washing, the feet should be gently patted dry with a clean towel. Special attention should be given to drying between the toes to prevent excess moisture that may encourage fungal growth. Improper daily foot care may contribute to conditions such as athlete’s foot, skin irritation, and unpleasant odor. A podiatrist can evaluate foot health and provide guidance for proper care. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can guide you on additional everyday foot care tips.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Mechanical foot pain develops when the structures of the foot are placed under repeated stress or load. This type of pain often comes from how the foot moves, bears weight, or absorbs impact. Common causes include overuse, wearing poor footwear, loss of arch support, uneven pressure during walking, and muscle or tendon imbalance. Flat feet or high arches can also increase strain on certain areas, leading to soreness or sharp pain with activity. Symptoms often worsen with standing or walking, and improve with rest. Management focuses on reducing stress and improving function. Supportive shoes, custom orthotics, stretching, and activity modification can help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence. Early attention to discomfort can stop small issues from becoming chronic problems. If foot pain continues despite basic care, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and personalized treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kenneth Donovan, DPM from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. 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 Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.