Plantar fasciitis develops when tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated or damaged. This strong band connects the heel to the front of the foot and supports the arch. The resulting pain can make standing, running, or walking difficult. A podiatrist can examine the foot, review the patient’s health history, and diagnose the problem. In most cases, treatment from a podiatrist can help to reduce strain and improve foot function. However, surgery is an option when heel pain remains severe after months of professional care and limits activities.

The surgery is called a plantar fasciotomy, also known as a plantar fascia release. The podiatric surgeon detaches part of the fascia from the heel bone, which reduces built-up tension in the damaged tissue. Endoscopic surgery uses tiny cuts and a small camera to guide the surgeon. The choice depends on the patient’s health, symptoms, and the surgeon’s recommendation. Both approaches are outpatient procedures, so patients can return home the same day. Risks include infection, nerve injury, and continued heel pain. A podiatrist can explain the benefits and risks.

Recovery follows a plan created by the surgeon and podiatrist. Patients must protect the incision and follow instructions about placing weight on the foot. Many people can bear weight within two to three weeks, although timing depends on the procedure and wound healing. Full recovery takes about two months. Follow-up visits allow the podiatrist to check healing, evaluate foot movement, and address swelling or tenderness. Patients should call the medical office if they notice increasing pain, drainage, or fever. Gradual improvement is expected, but discomfort can remain as the tissue heals. The care team will explain when it is safe to return to work, exercise, and wear normal shoes. If you have severe heel pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can discuss the benefits of this type of foot surgery with you.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our doctors  from Shoreline 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 Muskegon, Fremont, and Ludington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe can cause enough pain to make walking and standing difficult. Breaks can happen after a hard stub, fall, or heavy object lands on the foot. Some fractures develop from repeated stress on the bone instead of one sudden injury. Pain and difficulty walking are key symptoms. A traumatic break can also cause throbbing, swelling, and bruising. Some patients hear a pop or crack when the injury occurs. However, being able to walk does not mean the toe is not broken.

Toe fractures range from small stress fractures to more serious breaks. A stress fracture is a tiny crack caused by repeated pressure on the bone. It can cause soreness after walking or running and tenderness when the area is touched. A displaced fracture occurs when the broken bone moves out of its normal position. The toe can look crooked, and severe injuries can break the skin. Broken toes and sprained toes can feel similar, so an accurate diagnosis matters. Most broken toes take about six to eight weeks to heal, although recovery varies by injury.

A podiatrist can examine an injured toe and determine whether symptoms point to a fracture. The evaluation can assess swelling, tenderness, and toe alignment. An X-ray can help confirm the break and show whether the bone has moved. Treatment depends on which toe is injured and how severe the fracture is. Options can include buddy taping, a rigid-sole shoe, or a walking boot. More serious fractures can require the bone to be repositioned or surgery to restore alignment. Proper treatment can lower the risk of lasting pain, reduced movement, or problems while walking. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Shoreline Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Muskegon, Fremont, and Ludington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Custom foot orthotics are specially designed insoles that can provide significant relief for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, or RA. RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the feet and ankles. The unique nature of custom orthotics lies in their ability to be tailored to an individual's specific foot structure and gait pattern, offering targeted support where it is most needed. By redistributing pressure away from inflamed areas, these orthotics can reduce discomfort and improve mobility. Moreover, they help in correcting abnormal foot mechanics, which can prevent further joint damage over time. Enhanced cushioning and support from custom orthotics can lead to a noticeable decrease in pain levels, allowing RA patients to engage in daily activities with greater ease. If you have pain from RA, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist to explore the benefits of custom foot orthotics.

Custom orthotics play an important role in preventing and treating foot and ankle injuries by providing personalized support that aligns with the unique structure of each foot. These specially designed devices help correct biomechanical imbalances, reduce pressure on sensitive areas, and improve stability during movement. When the feet are properly supported, the risk of developing conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and ankle sprains can be significantly reduced. Custom orthotics also help relieve discomfort caused by having flat feet, high arches, or uneven leg length, which may contribute to recurring injuries or pain.

Foot and ankle injuries can develop gradually from repetitive strain or occur suddenly during physical activity. Without proper treatment, these injuries can affect mobility and overall quality of life. Orthotics work to redistribute weight evenly across the foot, allowing joints and muscles to function more efficiently. This not only supports recovery from injury but can also prevent future problems by promoting better posture and alignment throughout the lower body.

Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are designed based on a detailed evaluation of each patient’s foot structure, gait, and medical needs. Podiatrists use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to create orthotics that fit precisely and provide targeted correction. Whether used in everyday footwear or athletic shoes, custom orthotics can improve comfort, enhance performance, and support long-term foot health.

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain or have sustained an injury that has not improved with rest, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. Call our office for more information or to make an appointment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Muskegon, Fremont, and Ludington, MI . 

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in one of the bones of the foot caused by repeated stress over time. Unlike a sudden break from a major injury, stress fractures usually develop gradually from repetitive trauma and increased pressure on the bones. They commonly affect athletes, runners, and individuals who increase activity levels too quickly. When bones do not have enough time to recover between activities, tiny cracks can form and worsen. Understanding the causes and warning signs of stress fractures is important for preventing more serious injuries.

Symptoms of a foot stress fracture often include localized pain that develops during activity and improves with rest in the early stages. As the injury progresses, pain may become more constant and affect daily walking. Swelling, tenderness, and sensitivity when pressing on the affected area are also common. Some individuals notice difficulty bearing weight or a change in their activity level due to discomfort. Unlike general soreness, stress fracture pain usually becomes more noticeable with continued activity and should not be ignored.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing foot stress fractures. High-impact sports such as running, basketball, and gymnastics place repeated stress on the bones. Increasing training frequency too quickly or exercising without enough recovery time can contribute to injury. Irregular running surfaces may create uneven pressure throughout the foot. Additional risk factors include poor physical health, low bone density, and female gender, especially when bone strength is affected by nutritional or hormonal factors. These conditions can reduce the ability of bones to handle repeated impact.

Preventing foot stress fractures requires gradual training increases, wearing proper footwear, and adequate recovery between activities. Maintaining strong bones through proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits can also reduce risk. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our doctors from Shoreline Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Muskegon, Fremont, and Ludington, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.