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Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a frequent source of heel and arch pain that develops when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes strained or inflamed. The foot may look normal on the outside, yet it often feels stiff, tender, or sharp with pain that is most noticeable during the first steps in the morning or after rest. Symptoms include aching in the heel, tightness through the arch, and discomfort that increases with prolonged standing, walking, or exercise. Causes may involve overuse, wearing poor footwear, flat or high arches, or sudden changes in activity levels. A podiatrist can begin by examining your foot structure, evaluating inflammation, and identifying any gait or alignment issues. Treatment may include stretching routines, supportive footwear guidance, or targeted interventions designed to reduce strain on the plantar fascia and promote healing. Because early management can prevent long-term problems and restore daily comfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

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 Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. 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 Sioux Falls, SD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Signs of a High-Ankle Sprain

High-ankle sprains affect the joint above the ankle where the lower leg bones meet and often occur during twisting injuries or sudden changes in direction. Unlike typical ankle sprains, pain is usually felt in the front of the ankle and may extend upward along the lower leg. Swelling may be mild at first, but discomfort often increases with walking, especially during push-off or rotation. People may notice stiffness, weakness, or a sense of ankle instability with movement, while bruising often appears later. Because high ankle sprains involve key stabilizing structures, recovery may take longer if the injury is not correctly identified. A podiatrist can perform an exam and request imaging to determine severity of the high-ankle sprain. Then a plan to protect the joint and restore movement can be formulated. If you have pain in the front of the ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

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Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Early Signs That an Ingrown Toenail Needs Attention

An ingrown toenail often begins with subtle changes that become more uncomfortable over time. Tenderness along one side of the nail may be the first clue, especially if the skin feels sore when pressed or rubbed by a sock or shoe. Redness, swelling, and warmth can follow as the nail edge begins to press into the surrounding skin. Some people notice a feeling of pressure or a small area of firm, irritated tissue that develops near the corner of the nail. Clear or yellow drainage may appear if the skin becomes inflamed. Pain that increases while walking or wearing closed shoes is another sign the problem is progressing. Paying attention to these early changes helps prevent deeper infection and protects overall foot health. If you have persistent pain, swelling, or drainage with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Gabe Rodriguez, DPM of Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

  • Improper toenail trimming
  • Genetics
  • Improper shoe fitting
  • Injury from pedicures or nail picking
  • Abnormal gait
  • Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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

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Ankle Ulcers and How They Develop

An ankle ulcer is an open sore that forms when the skin and deeper tissue break down and cannot repair themselves, often due to circulation problems, diabetes, or long-term pressure on the area. These wounds usually appear on the inner or outer ankle, and may start as a small patch of irritated skin before slowly opening into a moist or dry sore. The edges can look red, dark, or swollen, and some ulcers may drain or feel tender when touched or rubbed by shoes. Because the ankle has limited soft tissue and is exposed to constant movement, healing can be slow without proper care. A podiatrist can evaluate blood flow, clean and protect the wound, select dressings that support healing, and identify any factors that delay recovery. If your ankle wound is not improving or begins to cause more discomfort, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for effective treatment solutions.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Sioux Falls, SD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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