Items filtered by date: May 2025

Many foot and ankle conditions can occur without a specific injury. These problems often result from gradual changes in foot structure, genetics, underlying health conditions, or daily habits. Common examples include bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet, which may form over time due to inherited traits or improper footwear. Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can develop from repetitive strain or standing for long hours. Arthritis in the joints of the toes or ankles may cause stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility as part of the aging process. Nerve disorders like peripheral neuropathy and tarsal tunnel syndrome can also affect the feet, even without trauma. Circulatory issues like peripheral arterial disease may lead to foot pain, slow-healing wounds, or changes in skin color. If you notice discomfort, numbness, or changes in your feet or ankles that are not related to an injury, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a complete evaluation.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors 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 offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. Athlete’s foot can happen to anyone, not just athletes. Symptoms may include itchy, white or scaly patches, redness, or skin that cracks and becomes sore. In some cases, blisters may appear, and the infection can spread to the soles or toenails. If left untreated, the infection can worsen or spread to other parts of the foot. A podiatrist can diagnose athlete's foot through a physical exam and may take a skin sample, if needed. Depending on the severity, a podiatrist may prescribe medicated creams, antifungal tablets, or, in rare cases, surgery if the infection affects deeper tissue or the nails. If you have an athlete's foot infection, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for immediate treatment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in children and young teens, especially those who participate in sports. It is not actually a disease but a growth-related condition that affects the heel’s growth plate. As the foot grows, the Achilles tendon can pull on the developing heel bone, causing pain and swelling. Running and jumping often make it worse, and the heel may feel sore to the touch. The pain usually comes and goes, and may be more noticeable after activity. Rest and stretching can help ease symptoms. Wearing supportive shoes or heel cushions may also reduce strain. Most children outgrow the condition once their bones finish growing. If your child complains of heel pain during or after sports, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs from the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis typically causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Relief can begin with performing specific stretches that target the plantar fascia, such as rolling the foot on a tennis ball. Additionally, wearing supportive footwear or orthotics may accelerate the healing process.  As recovery progresses, patients often notice that mornings become easier because increased blood flow and reduced overnight pressure help relieve stiffness. Pain that was once widespread may become more localized, signaling that inflammation is decreasing. Another important sign of recovery is the return of range of motion in the foot and ankle, allowing for more comfortable walking and movement. Plantar fasciitis can cause extreme pain and discomfort, often causing difficulty in completing daily activities. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can begin the necessary treatment as you look forward to signs of recovery.

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 one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. 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 our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.