Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated. This tissue connects the heel to the front of the foot and helps support the arch. Pain usually occurs around the heel or arch. A stabbing sensation with the first steps in the morning is a typical symptom. The discomfort can improve after moving but return later in the day. Increased weight-bearing activity, including a new running program, can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Several factors can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. Limited ankle movement can change how pressure moves through the foot. Standing for long periods of time can also place repeated stress on the plantar fascia. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, does not directly cause plantar fasciitis. However, MS can affect movement and contribute to foot problems. Changes in walking, balance problems, and muscle weakness can alter how weight is placed on the feet. Increased pressure on the heel can then contribute to plantar fascia irritation.

A podiatrist can evaluate heel and arch pain to determine whether plantar fasciitis is causing the symptoms. The examination can include checking foot structure, ankle movement, and areas of tenderness. A podiatrist can also assess how a patient walks to identify movement patterns that increase pressure on the heel. Treatment can focus on reducing stress on the plantar fascia and improving foot support. A podiatrist can recommend appropriate supportive devices or changes in activity based on the patient’s condition. Addressing factors that contribute to abnormal pressure can help protect foot function and improve comfort. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

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 Darlyne Cange, DPM from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. 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 offices located in Glen Burnie and Ellicott City, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken fifth metatarsal affects the bone along the outer edge of the foot. This bone connects the smallest toe to the middle of the foot. A break can follow a sudden twist, landing, or fall. Repeated stress from running or jumping can also cause a small crack. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising near the outside of the foot. Patients may struggle to put weight on the injured foot. Because a sprain can feel similar, an accurate diagnosis is important.

Several types of fractures can affect the fifth metatarsal, and the location of the break influences treatment and healing. A break near the base of the bone can occur when a tendon or ligament pulls off a small piece of bone. This is called an avulsion fracture. A Jones fracture occurs slightly farther along the bone, in an area with limited blood flow. For this reason, a Jones fracture can be slower to heal. A stress fracture usually starts as a tiny crack caused by repeated force. A podiatrist examines the foot, asks how the injury happened, and checks where it hurts. X-rays usually show the break. Additional imaging tests can help when an early stress fracture does not appear clearly.

Treatment aims to hold the bone steady and protect it while it heals. Your podiatrist may prescribe a boot, cast, or crutches based on the type of break. The doctor will also explain how much weight you can place on the foot and when activity can safely increase. Follow-up X-rays help show whether the bone is joining correctly. Surgery may be needed when the bone pieces have shifted, the fracture is not healing, or the patient is extremely active. A podiatrist can also guide the safe return to work, exercise, and sports. If you have injured the outside of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Darlyne Cange, DPM from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

An accessory soleus muscle is an uncommon extra muscle found near the lower portion of the calf and ankle. Most people have a soleus muscle that works with the calf muscle to help control movement of the ankle and push the foot downward. An accessory soleus muscle develops when additional muscle tissue is present beside the normal soleus. It may cause no symptoms, but some people experience pain, swelling, or pressure around the inner or outer ankle. 

The exact reason an accessory soleus muscle develops is related to differences in muscle development before birth. Although it is present from an early stage of life, symptoms may not appear until activity levels increase. Athletes and people involved in repetitive weight-bearing activities may notice discomfort because the extra muscle can become enlarged or irritated. A person may experience pain, tingling, or unusual sensations around the ankle and foot. Numbness on the outside of the ankle should be evaluated because several conditions can produce similar symptoms.

A podiatrist can evaluate the ankle, foot, and lower leg to determine whether an accessory soleus muscle is contributing to symptoms. The examination may include checking muscle strength, range of motion, and walking mechanics. Treatment depends on symptom severity and may include activity modification, supportive footwear, or custom orthotics. When conservative care does not provide relief and symptoms are significant, a podiatrist may discuss additional treatment options.

Persistent ankle pain or numbness should not be assumed to be caused by a simple muscle strain. Identifying the underlying problem is important because symptoms from an accessory soleus muscle can overlap with nerve compression and other foot or ankle conditions. A podiatrist can develop an individualized treatment plan designed to reduce irritation and improve comfortable movement. If you have pain, numbness, or unusual symptoms surrounding the ankle or foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Darlyne Cange, DPM  from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Glen Burnie and Ellicott City, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot cramps are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can cause sharp pain and temporary difficulty moving the foot. They may affect the toes, arch, or other areas, and can happen during exercise, after prolonged standing, or while resting at night. Occasional cramps are often temporary, but frequent or severe episodes may point to an underlying problem. Recognizing common causes and risk factors can help you understand why foot cramps develop and when professional care may be appropriate.

Muscle fatigue is a frequent cause of foot cramps. Long periods of walking, standing, or strenuous activity can overwork the muscles and make them more likely to tighten unexpectedly. Dehydration can also contribute because proper fluid balance is important for normal muscle function. Electrolyte imbalances may play a role as well. Low potassium, known as hypokalemia, can affect muscle contraction and relaxation and may cause cramping or weakness. Low magnesium can also interfere with normal muscle function and increase the likelihood of muscle spasms.

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing foot cramps. Strenuous exercise, prolonged time on the feet, and dietary deficiencies may contribute to recurring symptoms. Some medications and medical conditions can affect potassium or magnesium levels. Wearing poorly fitting footwear, sudden changes in physical activity, and abnormal foot mechanics may also place additional strain on the muscles. Paying attention to when cramps occur can help identify possible triggers and patterns.

A podiatrist can evaluate recurring foot cramps and look for contributing factors involving the feet, ankles, and walking mechanics. Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and allowing adequate recovery after strenuous activity may help support healthy muscle function. If you have frequent, painful, or unexplained foot cramps, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Darlyne Cange, DPM  from Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA. 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 offices located in Glen Burnie and Ellicott City, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.