Items filtered by date: May 2025

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, especially in runners. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. This condition often results from overuse, wearing improper footwear, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in activity. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest, and tenderness along the bottom of the foot. The heel may feel stiff, sore, or even swollen. Runners can reduce symptoms by wearing supportive running shoes with good arch support and cushioning, warming up properly, and doing regular calf and plantar fascia stretches. Cross-training with low-impact activities like swimming or cycling can help maintain fitness while reducing stress on the foot. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis and offer treatment, such as custom orthotics, targeted exercises, night splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and advanced therapies, if needed. If plantar fasciitis is affecting your running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

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 New Tampa Foot & Ankle. 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 Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As we age, our feet carry not only the weight of our bodies, but also a lifetime of steps, strain, and change. For seniors living with extra weight, the pressure on the feet can become even more challenging. It is common to experience pain in the heels, arches, or ankles, and conditions like arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or skin problems may become more frequent. These concerns are not simply about weight, but also about comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Supportive shoes, gentle daily movement, and thoughtful foot care can make a big difference. Even small changes, like moisturizing dry skin or checking for signs of pressure or injury, help protect the feet. Podiatrists can offer relief through care that respects each person’s needs and abilities. If your feet hurt or feel tired more often, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

Sever's disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repeated stress or tension from physical activity. This condition is most often seen in children who are active in sports that involve running and jumping. Risk factors include rapid growth spurts, participation in high-impact sports, and wearing shoes without proper support. Children with flat feet or high arches may also be more prone to this condition. Symptoms typically include heel pain during or after activity, tenderness at the back of the heel, and limping. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Arthritis in the feet can lead to ongoing pain, stiffness, and difficulty with walking. Custom orthotics offer a non-surgical way to manage these symptoms by providing added support and improving foot alignment. These inserts are shaped to match the natural contours of your feet, helping to reduce joint strain during movement. By redistributing pressure and limiting excessive motion in painful areas, orthotics can make each step feel more stable and less painful. They also assist in correcting uneven walking patterns that may develop from joint discomfort. With consistent use, many patients find improved comfort and function in daily activities. If you are living with foot arthritis and want to explore options for relief, it is suggested you see a podiatrist for appropriate treatment, which may include custom-made orthotics.

Discover relief from persistent foot pain with custom orthotics and shoe inserts. If you’re battling heel pain, these personalized solutions offer targeted support, addressing the root causes of discomfort. Customized to your unique biomechanics, these inserts provide stability, alleviating both heel and foot pain. Say goodbye to the agony of every step and hello to a life free from constant foot pain. Invest in your well-being with custom orthotics or shoe inserts ensuring your feet receive the care they deserve. Step confidently, step comfortably – because a pain-free journey begins with the right support. 

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

Foot pain is often dismissed as temporary, but lingering discomfort may signal a deeper problem. Soaking your feet and gently massaging sore areas can offer relief, but persistent pain requires more than home remedies. Simple movements like ankle circles and toe stretches can ease stiffness and improve mobility. Wearing different shoes throughout the week helps reduce stress on certain areas of the foot, allowing tissues to recover. Pain may come from overuse, wearing improper footwear, or hidden conditions such as tendon injuries or nerve issues. Left untreated, these problems can grow worse, making walking difficult and limiting daily activity. Paying attention to what your feet are telling you is key to staying mobile and pain-free. If you have consistent foot pain or if symptoms seem to worsen, it is suggested that you see 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 one of our podiatrists from New Tampa Foot & Ankle. Our doctors 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 office located in Wesley Chapel, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.