Items filtered by date: August 2024

The plantar fascia is a long, thick band of tissue that spans from the heel bone along the bottom of the foot to the toes. The plantar fascia supports the bottom of the feet and toes during walking, running, and jumping. It can become overly stressed, or even tear or rupture, from overuse or injury that causes pain and inflammation, termed plantar fasciitis. Being obese, standing or working on your feet for prolonged periods of time, or having flat feet or high arches can all contribute to this condition. Engaging in activities that involve dancing, marching, or running can also add to, or possibly worsen, the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Certain footwear, such as high heels, flip flops, worn out shoes, or other types of footwear with inadequate support, can also increase the risk of developing this condition. A podiatrist will use a variety of ways to treat plantar fasciitis depending upon the severity of the condition and how long the patient has been suffering from it. If you have been dealing with pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan. 

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 Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. 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 Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Football players frequently suffer from foot and ankle injuries due to the sport's high-impact and dynamic nature. Common injuries can include ankle sprains, fractures, Achilles tendonitis, and turf toe. These injuries often occur from sudden changes in direction, collisions, and overuse during intense play. Ankle sprains happen when ligaments are stretched or torn, usually from a twisting motion. Fractures can result from direct impacts or severe twists, while Achilles tendonitis stems from repetitive strain on the tendon. Turf toe, a sprain of the big toe joint, is caused by pushing off repeatedly on hard surfaces. Preventive measures include proper warm-ups, strength training, and wearing appropriate footwear with good ankle support. Relief involves rest, compression, and elevation. If you play football and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, ensuring a safe return to play.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Proper footwear is essential for restaurant workers as a way of maintaining health and comfort throughout long shifts. These jobs often involve extended periods of standing and walking on hard surfaces, which can lead to foot, leg, and back pain if the right shoes are not worn. Proper footwear provides necessary support, cushioning, and stability, helping to absorb shock and reduce the risk of injuries such as sprains or stress fractures. Shoes with slip-resistant soles also enhance safety by preventing slips and falls in potentially hazardous kitchen environments. Additionally, wearing well-fitted, supportive shoes can help alleviate common issues like plantar fasciitis and bunions. Investing in high-quality, ergonomic footwear ensures that restaurant workers remain comfortable and protected. If you work in the restaurant industry and have endured a foot injury or have developed chronic foot pain, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist. This type of doctor can offer effective treatment options, in addition to guiding you toward wearing appropriate footwear for the job.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns are thickened areas of skin that develop in response to pressure or friction, typically on toes or feet. They form as a protective response, often due to wearing ill-fitting shoes or repetitive rubbing. There are two main types of foot corns. Hard corns are small, concentrated areas of hardened skin on the tops or sides of toes. Soft corns are found between toes where moisture accumulates. Both types can cause discomfort or pain, especially while walking or wearing shoes. Relief can be found through gentle exfoliation, using a pumice stone or foot file to reduce thickness, followed by moisturizing with creams to soften the skin. Wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room can help prevent recurrence. In severe cases, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist for professional treatment, such as trimming or padding, which may be necessary to alleviate discomfort and promote healthy skin.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Darren Day, DPM of Hawaii. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.