Items filtered by date: June 2025

Heel pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages and activity levels. It can result from plantar fasciitis, where the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Other causes include soft tissue sprains and strains due to overuse or injury, and joint pain from arthritis or structural issues. Prolonged standing, poor footwear, or increased physical activity can trigger or worsen symptoms. A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the source of heel pain and offer tailored treatments, such as stretching programs, orthotic support, and footwear guidance. If heel pain is affecting your mobility or comfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for expert care and appropriate treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When dealing with foot pain, you may wonder whether stretching or strengthening will help you recover more quickly. The answer often depends on the cause of the discomfort. Tight muscles, ligaments, or tendons, such as the plantar fascia or calf muscles, may respond well to gentle stretching, which can relieve tension and improve flexibility. On the other hand, weak muscles in the foot or ankle may lead to poor support and alignment, making strengthening exercises more effective in building stability and preventing further injury. In some cases, a combination of both approaches brings the best results. Paying attention to the source of pain and how your body responds is key. If foot pain lingers or worsens with activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an evaluation and a treatment plan that may include targeted exercises for faster, lasting relief.

Why Stretching Is Important for Your Feet

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with 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.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first to determine if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous exercise, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising to ice and rest the foot. It is advised that you then see a podiatrist for help.

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.

Swollen feet are a common concern during pregnancy, usually caused by increased fluid retention and pressure on blood vessels from the growing uterus , which slows circulation. Hormonal changes can also affect blood flow and contribute to swelling. Risk factors include standing for long periods of time, hot weather, poor circulation, and excessive weight gain. Symptoms include puffiness in the feet and ankles, a heavy sensation, and discomfort when walking. While swelling is usually harmless, it can interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can evaluate foot health, recommend supportive footwear, suggest gentle exercises, and offer treatment to improve circulation. If your feet have become swollen during your pregnancy, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch. This condition often leads to sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Risk factors include prolonged standing, flat feet, high arches, obesity, and wearing footwear that lacks proper support. Symptoms include aching, stiffness, or a burning sensation in the heel. If left untreated, the pain can become chronic and interfere with daily activities. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis, provide targeted stretching exercises, and offer custom orthotics or treatments to relieve pain and promote healing. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the condition.

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 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 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 Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.