Plantar fasciitis  develops when the plantar fascia becomes irritated and causes heel pain. This strong band of tissue runs along the bottom of the foot and helps support the arch. Symptoms often include sharp heel pain with the first steps after waking or sitting. Some people also notice aching after standing or walking for long periods.

Several factors can contribute to plantar fasciitis. Wearing unsupportive footwear every day may place repeated stress on the plantar fascia. Shoes with worn soles, poor arch support, or limited cushioning may not provide enough protection during daily activities. Tight shoes can also affect comfort and walking patterns. Other risk factors include increased activity, prolonged standing, and certain foot structures.

Routine footwear can have a long-term impact when it does not match your foot's needs. Continually wearing shoes that lack support may contribute to repeated strain and discomfort. Changing shoes regularly and choosing comfortable footwear with appropriate support helps reduce unnecessary stress. A podiatrist can also evaluate your foot structure, walking pattern, and symptoms. Treatment may include activity changes, supportive footwear, or custom orthotics, when appropriate.

When plantar fasciitis causes ongoing pain, a podiatrist will first examine the foot and discuss your symptoms and daily activities. Imaging tests may be recommended when another condition needs to be ruled out. Treatment focuses on reducing irritation and supporting healing. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to monitor progress and adjust care as needed. Early attention can help prevent persistent heel pain from interfering with daily life. This can make returning to activities more manageable and comfortable. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our doctors  from Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors 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 offices located in Bradenton, and Sarasota, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot pain in children can happen for many reasons, including activity, injury, or an underlying foot problem. Common symptoms are aching, tenderness, or pain after sports. Children may also complain that their feet feel tired or hurt while walking. Foot pain can affect the heel, arch, or ankle, depending on the cause.

Several types of foot pain can affect children. Blisters and pressure spots may develop when shoes rub the skin. Sprains can happen during play. Flat feet, heel pain, and problems with foot alignment may also cause discomfort. Risk factors include high activity levels, previous injuries, and structural differences. Children may not always explain pain clearly, so parents should watch for changes in walking, frequent shoe removal, or avoiding activities.

Proper footwear can help protect growing feet during everyday activities. Shoes should provide enough room for toes without allowing the foot to slide inside. A supportive heel counter can improve stability, while flexible materials allow comfortable movement. Good cushioning can reduce pressure during walking and sports. Children often react quickly when shoes feel uncomfortable. They may complain, remove their shoes, or refuse to wear them. Parents should take these reactions seriously and check for tight areas, rubbing, or worn-out soles.

When foot pain continues, a podiatrist can examine the child's feet, walking pattern, and footwear. The evaluation may include checking alignment, range of motion, and signs of injury. Treatment depends on the cause and may include activity changes, supportive shoes, or care for an injury. A podiatrist can also recommend footwear and monitor healing. If your child has foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief tips, and additional guidance on how to know if your child’s shoes are comfortable.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our doctors of Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone that develop from repeated stress rather than one sudden injury. They are common in the weight-bearing bones of the feet and lower legs because these areas absorb repeated forces during physical activity. Runners and athletes who participate in high-impact sports are at greater risk. A sudden increase in the intensity of exercise also can contribute to a stress fracture. Changes in training surfaces may increase stress on the bones as well. In some people, weakened bones can make a stress fracture possible even during normal daily activities.

Pain from a foot stress fracture usually develops gradually. At first, discomfort may occur during physical activity and improve afterward. As the injury becomes more serious, pain may develop during regular walking or other daily activities. Swelling, tenderness, and bruising can also occur. The metatarsals, which are the long bones in the forefoot, are among the most common locations for foot stress fractures. Stress fractures can also affect the heel and ankle area. Because these injuries begin as small cracks, they may not appear on an early X-ray. An MRI may sometimes be needed to identify such changes in the bone.

A podiatrist can evaluate persistent foot or ankle pain and determine whether a stress fracture may be responsible. The examination may include checking the painful area for tenderness and reviewing changes in physical activity. Imaging can help confirm the diagnosis when needed. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the injury and focuses on reducing pressure on the affected bone while it heals. Some stress fractures can require surgery when the bone has difficulty healing. Early diagnosis is important because continuing activity can worsen the injury and delay recovery. If persistent foot or ankle pain may be related to a stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact one of our doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Bradenton, and Sarasota, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout can cause intense foot pain that appears with little warning. It develops when excess uric acid builds up in the body and forms needle-like crystals inside a joint. Uric acid is produced naturally and also comes from the breakdown of substances called purines, which are found in many foods. The kidneys normally remove uric acid from the blood. When too much remains, crystals can collect in joints and trigger inflammation. The first gout attack frequently affects the large joint of the big toe. The ankles and heels can also become painful.

A gout attack can begin suddenly, sometimes after a person goes to bed feeling fine. The affected joint can become swollen, stiff, and tender. It can also feel warm or appear red. Pain can last for hours or continue much longer. Several factors can raise the risk of gout, including family history, kidney problems, and excess body weight. Certain medications can also contribute. Foods high in purines and heavy alcohol intake can increase the risk of a flare. Without proper management, repeated gout attacks can damage joints and limit mobility.

A podiatrist can evaluate sudden foot pain and determine whether symptoms are consistent with gout or another foot problem. The examination can focus on the painful joint, swelling, and changes in movement. Because gout can resemble other forms of arthritis or a joint infection, an accurate diagnosis is important. A podiatrist can develop a treatment plan to address foot pain and protect joint function. Care can also focus on reducing pressure on painful areas and improving mobility after inflammation settles. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.  

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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