Heel pain is one of the most frequent foot complaints, but it does not always have a single cause. While plantar fasciitis is often blamed, fat pad atrophy or nerve entrapment can produce similar discomfort. Each cause has different symptoms. Plantar fasciitis often creates sharp pain with the first steps in the morning, while fat pad atrophy feels more like a deep bruise from loss of natural cushioning. Because symptoms can overlap, an accurate diagnosis is important in choosing the right treatment. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, activity level, and gait patterns to pinpoint the true source of pain. Treatments may include stretching, custom orthotics, footwear changes, or other targeted therapies. If heel pain is interfering with your daily comfort, it is suggested that you schedule a podiatric evaluation to find the most effective treatment solution.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Ingrown toenails are a common, painful annoyance that can quickly derail your day. This happens when the edge of your nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to redness, swelling, and tenderness. While it might start small, an untreated ingrown toenail can become quite serious. The constant irritation can allow bacteria to enter, causing a significant infection. The area may become inflamed, weep, or even develop an overgrowth of tissue, making every step excruciating. Many people try to tend to the ingrown toenail at home, but this often makes the problem worse and increases the risk of complications. Proper treatment involves gently lifting the nail edge or removing a small, offending piece to provide lasting relief. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you seek professional care and effective treatment from a podiatrist.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

Swollen ankles occur when fluid accumulates in the tissues surrounding the ankle joint, leading to discomfort, tightness, and limited mobility. This condition can result from prolonged standing, injury, or underlying health issues such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Certain medications, including blood pressure drugs, steroids, and hormone treatments, may also contribute to ankle swelling by affecting fluid balance in the body. Symptoms often include visible puffiness, heaviness, and sometimes pain or redness. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of swollen ankles, recommend lifestyle changes, prescribe supportive devices, and develop a treatment plan to reduce swelling and prevent complications. If you have swollen feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Kenneth Donovan, DPM of Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Metatarsalgia is more than simple soreness in the ball of the foot. Many people describe it as the sensation of constantly walking on a stone, and it can turn everyday activities into a challenge. This pain often develops beneath the metatarsal bones that support the toes. It may arise from wearing shoes that lack support, frequent high impact exercise, or changes in foot structure. Over time, the discomfort can spread, making standing or walking increasingly difficult. Supportive footwear and rest can provide some relief, while targeted stretching helps improve balance in the foot muscles. However, if left unaddressed, the condition may progress and limit mobility. Paying attention to early symptoms can make a difference in recovery. If you notice ongoing pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you seek care from a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kenneth Donovan, DPM from Advanced Care Foot and Ankle. Our doctor 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 office located in Charleston, SC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.