Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated. Many people notice sharp pain with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Treatment focuses on reducing strain and allowing the tissue to recover. Simple changes such as wearing supportive shoes, avoiding walking barefoot, and modifying daily activity can make a meaningful difference. Stretching the calf and arch can also help improve flexibility and reduce tension. In some cases, custom orthotics or night splints are used to provide added support and maintain proper positioning during rest. When symptoms persist, additional options, such as injections or surgery, may be recommended to address inflammation and promote healing. Early care often leads to better outcomes and prevents the condition from becoming long-lasting. If heel pain continues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM  from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

An Achilles tendon injury, commonly known as Achilles tendonitis, is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. It often develops from overuse while walking and running. Symptoms include pain that is worse in the morning, swelling, and a warm to- the-touch sensation along the back of the ankle. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, improper footwear, and sudden increases in activity level. Without treatment, the condition can worsen and limit mobility. A podiatrist can provide diagnosis, recommend stretching and strengthening programs, and offer supportive care. If you have symptoms of this type of injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and treatment solutions.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Tuscon, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the big toe joint can come from several conditions, but bunions and gout are two common causes that feel very different. A bunion develops slowly as the big toe shifts toward the second toe, creating a bony bump on the side of the joint. The area may be enlarged, irritated by shoes, and sore after long periods of walking or standing. In contrast, gout often appears suddenly. The joint may become red, swollen, and extremely painful within hours. Many patients describe the pain as burning or throbbing, and the skin may feel warm and tight. Bunions are usually linked to foot structure, genetics, or long-term pressure from footwear. Gout is caused by uric acid crystals building up inside the joint. A podiatrist can evaluate the toe through examination and imaging to determine the source of the pain. Treatment may include supportive footwear, custom orthotics, medication, or surgical correction for severe bunions. If you have pain in the big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Barbara J. Aung, DPM of Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Cycling is a popular endurance activity that relies on repeated lower extremity movement and stable foot positioning on the pedals. However, musculoskeletal foot injuries may occur when the feet and ankles experience prolonged pressure or improper alignment while riding. Causes often include inadequate physical preparation, improper bike fitting, and poorly supported footwear that places excessive stress on the forefoot and arch. Symptoms include numbness, burning sensations, arch pain, or tendon irritation. Risk factors can include overtraining, wearing tight cycling shoes, poor pedal mechanics, and limited foot support. A podiatrist can evaluate foot mechanics, recommend treatment, and guide injury prevention. Custom orthotics can improve alignment, distribute pressure evenly, and enhance comfort. If cycling-related foot pain develops, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective relief and treatment solutions. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Barbara J. Aung, DPM from Aung Foot Health Clinic . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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