Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that affects many middle-aged women due to hormonal changes, reduced elasticity in connective tissues, increased activity levels, and footwear that does not offer adequate support. Symptoms often include sharp heel pain when taking the first steps in the morning, tenderness along the bottom of the foot, and stiffness that may worsen after long periods of standing. The condition may appear as mild swelling near the heel and feel like a persistent ache or a sudden stabbing sensation. Causes include overuse, improper shoe choices, weight gain, or biomechanical issues, such as flat feet or high arches. A podiatrist can provide an early and accurate diagnosis through physical examination and imaging, followed by treatments that include custom orthotics, stretching plans, footwear guidance, and advanced procedures when necessary. If you are dealing with this type of heel pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

Flat feet occur when the arch on the inside of the foot flattens, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. This can lead to foot and ankle pain, tiredness after standing, and changes in walking. Strengthening the muscles in the feet through specific exercises can help support the arch and improve stability. These exercises focus on lifting the arch, spreading the toes, and flexing the feet up and down to build strength in the small muscles that support balance and motion. Strengthening muscles higher up the leg, like those around the hips, also helps improve alignment and reduces pressure on the arches. Over time, these exercises can help the feet feel stronger and more comfortable when standing or walking. A podiatrist can assess your feet, recommend proper exercises, and manage supportive care. If you have flat feet that are causing discomfort it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Pain in the big toe joint can have many causes. It often happens when the bones, tendons, or soft tissues around the first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint become strained or inflamed. Conditions like gout, arthritis, bunions, or sesamoiditis can make the MTP joint stiff, swollen, and painful when walking. Repeated stress from sports, tight shoes, or wearing high heels can also irritate this joint, causing turf toe, tendonitis, or bursitis. A fracture or sprain can result from a direct injury, like stubbing the toe or dropping something heavy on it. If left untreated, pain in the big toe joint can limit movement or cause deformity. A podiatrist can examine the foot, order X-rays, and determine the cause of pain to prevent further joint damage. Treatment can relieve pressure on the toe, improve alignment, or involve surgery if needed. If you have pain in the joint of your big toe, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Scott Samera, DPM of Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Many people experience common foot problems that can affect daily comfort and mobility. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection causing itching, redness, and peeling, often treated with antifungal creams and keeping feet dry. Blisters result from friction or pressure, relieved by padding, protective footwear, and proper hygiene. Bunions are bony bumps at the base of the big toe caused by genetics or tight shoes, eased with orthotics, wider shoes, and sometimes surgery. Corns develop from repeated pressure and friction, relieved with cushioning, wearing proper footwear, and professional removal. A podiatrist can diagnose these conditions, provide targeted treatments, recommend footwear, and offer preventive strategies to protect foot health. If you have any type of foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Scott Samera, DPM from Samera / Foot + Ankle. Our doctor 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 Lake City and Branford, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.