Plantar fasciitis develops when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes strained and inflamed. This tissue supports the arch and helps absorb impact with each step. When it is irritated, pain is often felt near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and suggest treatments that reduce pressure on the fascia. Supportive shoe inserts, shoes that provide adequate arch support, and custom orthotics may be recommended or prescribed. In addition, stretching exercises to improve flexibility in the Achilles tendon, calf muscles, and the plantar fascia itself can help restore normal foot mechanics and lessen discomfort. Taping or night splints may also be used to keep the foot in a stable position while healing. If you are experiencing foot or heel pain as the result of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Derek Smith, DPM  from Oklahoma. 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 offices located in Ponca City, and Stillwater, OK . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis is a painful condition that affects the small sesamoid bones located beneath the big toe joint. These bones help with movement and weight bearing, but can become inflamed from repetitive stress or injury. Common causes include activities that place pressure on the forefoot, such as running, dancing, or wearing high-heeled shoes. Risk factors include foot structure abnormalities, overuse, and improper footwear. Symptoms include pain under the big toe, swelling, and difficulty pushing off while walking. A podiatrist can diagnose sesamoiditis, provide customized treatment options, such as padding, orthotics, and activity modifications, and offer long-term solutions for relief. If you are experiencing forefoot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat the problem.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Derek Smith, DPM of Oklahoma. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Friction blisters are small fluid-filled pockets that form on the skin, often caused by rubbing, heat, or moisture. They commonly develop on the feet from wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, walking or running long distances, or wearing damp socks. The friction causes the layers of skin to separate, allowing fluid to collect and form a bubble-like sore. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, swelling, and a clear or sometimes bloody fluid inside. Blisters may be painful, especially when pressure is applied, and can become infected if popped or cared for improperly. Infected blisters may appear red, warm, or filled with pus. A podiatrist can diagnose the type and severity of a blister and determine if there is an underlying cause like poor foot mechanics or inappropriate footwear. Treatment includes draining the blister safely to prevent infection, recommending footwear changes, or applying protective padding. If you have a painful friction blister, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective prevention tips and  treatment solutions.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Derek Smith, DPM of Oklahoma. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

Bunion surgery is a procedure to correct the bony bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Bunions develop from joint misalignment, often caused by genetics, wearing tight shoes, flat feet, or arthritis. When pain or difficulty walking persists after taking conservative measuress, surgery may be recommended to realign the joint, remove excess bone, and restore function. Types of bunion surgery vary based on the severity of the deformity and may involve soft tissue or bone correction. A podiatrist can evaluate your condition, explain the procedure, and guide you through recovery. If a bunion is limiting your mobility or causing discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of bunion surgery with you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Derek Smith, DPM of Oklahoma. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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