Heel pain is a common complaint in active children, especially those involved in sports. One of the most frequent causes is plantar fasciitis, which involves irritation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. In children, this pain often appears first thing in the morning or after long periods of inactivity, then eases with movement. Poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or high activity levels can place extra strain on the heel. While plantar fasciitis is usually manageable with stretching, rest, and supportive shoes, conditions like growth plate inflammation may also need to be considered. Persistent heel pain should not be overlooked. If your child starts limping or complaining of discomfort in the heel, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist to identify the cause and begin appropriate care.

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 David Carmack, DPM from Texas. 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 office located in Marble Falls, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Stretching exercises can help ease aching feet caused by long hours of standing, walking, or wearing shoes with inadequate support. When muscles in the feet and ankles are overworked, they may feel sore or tight. Simple movements like ankle circles, toe spreads, or heel raises can help reduce discomfort by improving flexibility and restoring blood flow. For example, pointing and flexing the foot or performing toe scrunches can help relieve tension across the arches. Calf stretches are also useful, as tight calves can add stress to the feet. A podiatrist may evaluate your foot posture, walking mechanics, and muscle tightness before recommending a specific foot exercise plan. In some cases, foot pain may be linked to issues like poor alignment or structural problems. This may require more advanced care, including orthotics or surgery. If your feet are aching at the end of the day, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis, suggested exercises, and appropriate treatment.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Choosing the right long distance running shoes is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. One important factor is the weight of the shoe, as lighter options can reduce fatigue over long distances. The type of terrain also plays a role, with trail shoes offering better grip and protection, while road shoes provide smoother soles for pavement running. Cushioning is vital for absorbing impact and reducing stress on joints, especially during extended runs. Heel drop, or the height difference between the heel and toe, affects stride and should match your running style and body mechanics. Support features, such as arch support and heel stability, help maintain proper alignment and prevent overuse injuries. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong type of shoes while running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and educate you further on proper running shoes.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

Gout is a form of arthritis that often affects the foot, especially the joint at the base of the big toe. It occurs when high levels of uric acid in the blood lead to the formation of sharp crystals that collect in the joints. A gout attack in the foot may cause sudden pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, typically beginning at night and worsening quickly. Over time, repeated attacks can lead to joint stiffness, and, in some cases, the development of hard lumps called tophi, which may damage nearby bone and cartilage. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through joint fluid analysis, imaging, or blood tests. Medical treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and swelling. In cases of chronic gout, long-term strategies to lower uric acid levels may be needed to prevent joint damage. If you have pain caused by gout, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Practicing foot yoga stretches each day can improve flexibility, circulation, and overall foot comfort. Seated ankle rotations where you gently circle the foot clockwise and counterclockwise can help loosen tight joints and increase mobility. Moving through downward facing dog with soft knee bends, where heels reach toward the floor and knees bend slightly, allows a gradual stretch through the calves, heels, and arches while supporting the whole body. Garland pose, a deep squat with feet flat and elbows pressing into the inner knees, opens the hips and stretches the soles of the feet, encouraging strength and balance. Additionally, the bound angle pose with a gentle foot massage, where the soles of the feet touch and hands massage them, combines relaxation with stimulation of pressure points, promoting circulation and releasing tension. These simple stretches can be done at home and offer lasting benefits for both active individuals and those who spend long hours on their feet. If your feet have become stiff, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment options.

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet consult with David Carmack, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Stretching the Feet

Stretching the muscles in the foot is an important part in any physical activity. Feet that are tight can lead to less flexibility and make you more prone to injury. One of the most common forms of foot pain, plantar fasciitis, can be stretched out to help ease the pain. Stretching can not only ease pain from plantar fasciitis but also prevent it as well. However, it is important to see a podiatrist first if stretching is right for you. Podiatrists can also recommend other ways to stretch your feet. Once you know whether stretching is right for you, here are some excellent stretches you can do.

• Using a foam roller or any cylindrical object (a water bottle or soda can will do), roll the object under your foot back and forth. You should also exert pressure on the object. Be sure to do this to both feet for a minute. Do this exercise three times each.
• Similar to the previous one, take a ball, such as a tennis ball, and roll it under your foot while seated and exert pressure on it.
• Grab a resistance band or towel and take a seat. If you are using a towel, fold it length wise. Next put either one between the ball of your foot and heel and pull with both hands on each side towards you. Hold this for 15 seconds and then switch feet. Do this three times for each foot.
• Finally hold your big toe while crossing one leg over the other. Pull the toe towards you and hold for 15 seconds. Once again do this three times per foot.

It is best to go easy when first stretching your foot and work your way up. If your foot starts hurting, stop exercising and ice and rest the foot. It is advised to then see a podiatrist for help.

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