Plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, occurs when the plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or inflamed. The heel may look normal or slightly swollen, but the pain is often most noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. It commonly feels sharp, stabbing, or aching at the heel, then may turn into a dull soreness as activity continues. Causes include overuse, tight calf muscles, flat feet or high arches, and unsupportive footwear. A podiatrist can help from the start by performing a thorough examination, reviewing activity history, and confirming the diagnosis with imaging when needed. Treatment often begins with pain and inflammation management, stretching guidance, footwear changes, or orthotics. Care may then progress into targeted exercises or night splints to promote healing and prevent recurrence. If you have ongoing heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors 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 office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A partial tear of the long peroneal tendon is a challenging injury, especially for athletes who rely on speed, balance, and rapid direction changes. This type of damage often develops after a significant ankle sprain, when the tendon is overstretched or strained during an abrupt twist. Evaluation begins with a careful physical exam to identify tenderness, swelling, and weakness along the outer side of the ankle. Imaging plays an important role as well. X-rays help rule out fractures, while MRI offers a detailed view of the soft tissues, confirming the extent of the tendon injury. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, protecting the tendon, and restoring stability. Bracing, activity modification, and targeted rehabilitation strengthen the surrounding muscles and support healing. In some cases, advanced therapies may be recommended for optimal recovery. It is suggested that you see a podiatrist promptly if you suspect a tendon injury.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 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 office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot problems are a serious concern that can affect circulation, nerve function, and skin integrity, often leading to complications, if not addressed promptly. Symptoms include numbness, burning sensations, or slow-healing wounds, and the foot may look dry, discolored, or develop calluses and ulcers. It may feel heavy, sensitive, or painful, particularly with pressure or minor injuries that often go unnoticed due to reduced sensation. Causes are typically linked to high blood sugar levels damaging nerves and blood vessels, poor circulation, and biomechanical stress. A podiatrist can begin with a thorough foot examination, assessing circulation, nerve function, and skin condition while identifying risk factors. Treatment may include wound care, footwear recommendations, and strategies to improve circulation and prevent future complications. Because early intervention preserves foot health and prevents serious issues, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever's disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes irritated from repeated stress. This condition often appears during growth spurts when bones, muscles, and tendons develop at different rates. Symptoms may include heel pain, limping, tenderness, and tight calf muscles that increase discomfort during activity. Risk factors include high impact sports, poor foot mechanics, and wearing inadequate footwear. Causes often relate to overuse, sudden increases in activity, or tight muscles pulling on the heel. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend stretching routines, provide supportive footwear guidance, and offer treatments that reduce strain on the heel. If your active child has heel pain or is limping, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.