Relieving the heel and arch pain from plantar fasciitis often requires a mix of self-care and professional guidance. Stretching the calf muscles and the bottom of the foot can ease strain on the plantar fascia, while wearing supportive shoes or custom orthotics can help reduce daily stress on the tissue. Modifying workouts to lower-impact options can give the fascia time to heal. Night splints, which keep the foot gently flexed, may prevent the sharp pain often felt with the first steps in the morning. In more persistent cases, treatments such as targeted exercises, shockwave therapy, or carefully guided injections may be considered. Addressing the problem early increases the chance of full recovery. If heel pain continues, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM  from Progressive 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 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 Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . 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 Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. 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 Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe occurs when one of the small toes becomes bent at the middle joint, causing it to point downward instead of lying flat. This deformity often begins as a mild imbalance and becomes more rigid over time. It can be painful and make wearing shoes difficult. The most common cause is an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that support the toe. Wearing tight or narrow shoes, especially those with high heels, can force the toes into an unnatural position. Over time, this leads to the joint stiffening in that shape. Other causes include foot structure inherited from family, past injuries, and certain conditions such as arthritis or nerve damage. Early recognition is important to prevent the deformity from worsening. If you notice changes in the shape of a toe or experience pain or corns, an evaluation by a podiatrist is suggested.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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

Foot arthritis is a condition where the joints in the foot become inflamed, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain. It may result from wear and tear, autoimmune diseases, or injury. Flare-ups can be triggered by overexertion, stress, infection, or changes in activity, often causing increased joint pain and reduced mobility. These episodes may disrupt daily life and make walking or standing uncomfortable. A podiatrist can help manage symptoms through customized treatment plans, supportive footwear, orthotics, and lifestyle guidance. If you are experiencing ongoing joint pain in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide effective relief and management techniques.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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