Giant Hobbled by Heel Pain

Eli Manning, quarterback of the New York Giants, was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused when the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. Symptoms include severe stabbing, burning, or aching sensations in the bottom of the foot and/or in the heel. These symptoms usually occur during weight bearing movements but may be present even when just standing. It’s obvious to see how this would cause difficulty for a quarterback to do his job. The QB sought council after he was diagnosed and immediately started treatment. He is hoping to practice with his team on Wednesday but for now his pain and ability to play is being judged day to day.

Being a quarterback for a professional football team is not the only profession where plantar fasciitis can cause problems. Almost any job or activity where frequent walking or standing on hard surfaces can cause this ailment. Pregnancy, obesity, and several other sports tend to make people prone to this injury as well.

Luckily for Eli and anyone who may suffer from plantar fasciitis, there is hope. There are several treatment options offered by podiatrists to correct this problem. Foot and heel pain does not have to be part of everyday life when correct council is available. Treatment can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. When plantar fasciitis is caught in its early stages the recovery rate is dramatically reduced. Pain in the foot during the first few steps of the day (especially when first getting out of bed) is an early warning to call a podiatrist and get the feet checked out.

Take care of your feet today… so they can continue to take you the places you need to go tomorrow!

Do you have an ingrown toenail?

Are you experiencing pain on the side of your toenail? Is there redness or swelling along with the pain? If so, you might have an ingrown toenail. An ingrown toe nail is a common disorder that occurs when the nail curves down and grows into the skin. The nail can irritate the skin causing pain, redness, and swelling. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria can develop causing an infection in the area.
Some causes of ingrown toenails are cutting the nails too short or wearing shoes that are too tight. Loose shoes can also contribute to it. It can also occur from trauma or activities that involve repeating pressure on the toes such as kicking or running.
Home treatment is not recommended for an ingrown toenail, especially if the patient is high risk such as a diabetic or has poor circulation. A podiatrist can perform a quick in-office procedure to remove either a portion or the entire nail along with various techniques to remove or destroy the nail root to prevent the problem from recurring.
If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail don't endure it any longer. Call and make an appointment with your local podiatrist to get you pain free.