Items filtered by date: May 2025

Plantar fasciitis accounts for about 80 percent of all heel pain cases and affects roughly 10 percent of the population. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to overuse, wearing poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or high-impact activities. Symptoms include sharp, stabbing heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The heel may feel tender to the touch, and the pain often worsens after prolonged standing or walking. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through a physical exam and possibly imaging. Treatment includes stretching exercises, custom orthotics, night splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. In more severe or chronic cases, advanced options like surgery may be recommended. If you have ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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 West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain during or after running can make even a short jog uncomfortable and may signal an underlying issue. Common causes include overuse, poor running form, weak ankle muscles, or wearing worn-out footwear. Sprains, tendon irritation, or joint inflammation can also develop from uneven surfaces or sudden increases in training. The pain might feel sharp, achy, or come with swelling or stiffness. Ignoring these signs can lead to long-term problems and reduced mobility. Rest and supportive shoes can help with mild discomfort. Strengthening and stretching exercises may improve stability and prevent future pain. If ankle pain keeps coming back or gets worse with movement, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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 tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• 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 office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Preventing foot injuries while running begins with choosing the right shoes. Proper footwear provides the support and cushioning needed to absorb impact and reduce strain. It is important to replace running shoes regularly, as worn-out soles and padding lose their protective qualities over time. Some runners may also benefit from wearing custom orthotics, which can offer added support and correct foot alignment issues. Taking time to re-tie shoelaces before each run ensures a secure fit that prevents unnecessary movement and friction. Incorporating stretching into your routine, both before and after running, helps maintain flexibility and prepares the muscles and tendons for activity. If you enjoy running and have sustained a foot injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment remedies, returning you to the enjoyment of running.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors 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 West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

For individuals living with diabetes, the feet need extra attention. Reduced circulation and nerve damage can make it harder to notice cuts, blisters, or pressure spots, and issues that may lead to serious infections if ignored. Even a small sore can escalate quickly without proper care. Washing your feet daily, drying them carefully, and inspecting them for any changes can make a meaningful difference. Choosing shoes that fit well and allow your feet to breathe helps protect vulnerable areas from friction or injury. Staying active also supports blood flow to the lower legs and feet. Most importantly, do not wait for pain to appear, as by then, the damage may already be underway. If you have diabetes and notice redness, swelling, or even just an unusual sensation, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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