Plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, often develops gradually. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated or strained. Many people notice sharp pain near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting. The foot may look normal or slightly swollen, but it can feel tight after long periods of standing. Causes include overuse, unsupportive footwear, sudden increases in activity, or foot structure issues, such as high arches. A podiatrist can begin with a detailed exam and imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes custom orthotics, shoe guidance, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted exercises to improve strength and flexibility. Early care can reduce chronic pain, restore mobility, and help prevent long-term foot problems. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor 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 office located in Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Arch pain is a common foot-related condition defined as discomfort or inflammation along the curved middle portion of the foot that supports body weight and movement. This area contains important muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that maintain balance and stability while walking. Causes of arch pain include plantar fasciitis, stress fractures within the foot bones, or ligament-related strains that develop from repetitive pressure. Symptoms often involve aching discomfort, tenderness, swelling, and increased pain during walking or standing. Risk factors include prolonged standing, high impact activity, poor footwear support, or abnormal foot mechanics. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, identify the underlying cause, and recommend supportive treatment. If arch discomfort interferes with daily movement, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry. 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 Lexington, TN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete's foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes. There are various types, including chronic hyperkeratotic athlete’s foot, which causes dry, thick scaling on the soles and sides of the feet. Chronic intertriginous athlete’s foot develops between the toes, and produces redness, peeling skin, and itching. Acute ulcerative athlete’s foot is a more severe form that leads to painful sores and skin breakdown. Lastly, vesiculobullous athlete foot causes fluid filled blisters on the sole or arch. Risk factors include damp footwear, shared locker rooms, excessive sweating, and weakened immunity. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection and provide effective treatment to restore healthy skin. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide appropriate care, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM from Kirk Podiatry.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

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

Running injuries often develop when training demands exceed what the body can handle. Looking at injury risk through a cause-and-effect lens helps identify why problems occur and how to prevent them. Factors such as previous injuries, muscle weakness, limited flexibility, and foot mechanics all influence how stress moves through the body. Recent changes in mileage, speed, or terrain also play a major role, especially when increases happen too quickly. By understanding both personal risk factors and current training load, runners can adjust routines before pain develops. Gradual progression, appropriate recovery, and wearing supportive footwear help reduce strain on muscles, tendons, and joints. Early attention to discomfort allows small issues to be addressed before they become injuries. If foot or ankle pain continues despite training adjustments, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for evaluation and guidance.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Patricia A. Kirk, DPM of Kirk Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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