The foot condition that is known as plantar fasciitis affects many people across the globe. It happens when the plantar fascia becomes irritated or torn from gradual overuse, or possibly from an injury. The plantar fascia is found on the sole of the foot, and connects the heel to the toes. It is responsible for walking and running, and completing daily activities can be difficult if it becomes damaged. A common cause of this foot condition is wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, which may cause heel support to be lost and uneven steps to be taken. People who walk barefoot may find the ligaments in their feet become damaged, and these are crucial in providing adequate support for the feet. If this pertains to you, it is beneficial to limit the time walking barefoot, and it can help to wear shoes with adequate cushioning in the heel area. If you have developed plantar fasciitis, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and offer correct treatment options for plantar fasciitis.

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 the podiatrists from Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Issaquah, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Blisters on the feet can cause extreme discomfort. They form as a result of having a portion of damaged skin, which is generally caused by excess friction. They are defined as a small area that is filled with liquid, which helps to protect the raw skin. The majority of people who develop blisters on their feet understand the importance of keeping them from popping prematurely, and this can be difficult while wearing shoes. The blister will gradually drain when new skin has formed, and the ease of completing daily activities can return. It is beneficial to implement prevention techniques that can help to avoid blisters. These can include wearing shoes and socks that fit correctly, and wearing sunscreen, which can protect the skin. Blisters may also develop if the feet are exposed to extreme cold or excessive heat, or possibly from an allergic reaction to an insect bite. If you have a blister on your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist for additional tips on how to treat and prevent foot blisters from developing.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact the podiatrists of Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Part of maintaining proper foot health as a senior citizen is ensuring that any potential falls are prevented. This is because falls can cause foot conditions like fractured feet. Something you might consider doing to prevent falls is to think about how you can minimize your risk of falling when getting out of bed. For example, one might try to ensure that all necessary items on the nightstands are within easy reach. Namely, if you sleep with any water or reading materials on your bedside, you could try to make sure they are not too far out of reach. Additionally, one could possibly try to clear the floor area immediately next to the bed. Specifically, seniors could try to remove all of the cords and other debris cluttering the area. If you are a senior or are caring for one, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to learn more about fall prevention.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with the podiatrists from Issaquah Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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