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When Every Step Hurts

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Heel pain is a common problem that can result from conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis often causes sharp pain at the bottom of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Achilles tendonitis typically produces pain at the back of the heel and along the tendon, often worsening with activity or when climbing stairs. These conditions can develop from repetitive stress, improper footwear, or sudden increases in physical activity, and may make walking, running, or standing uncomfortable. The heel may appear slightly swollen or red, while the affected area feels tender and stiff. A podiatrist can help by performing a thorough examination, using imaging if needed, and recommending targeted exercises, orthotics, or other treatments to reduce inflammation and improve mobility. If you have 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 one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors 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 Grass Valley, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Important Facts About Falls and Foot Health

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Falls are a common health concern and often result from a combination of physical conditions and environmental factors. Vision problems can make it difficult to judge surfaces and obstacles, while foot pain may alter gait and balance, increasing instability. Wearing poor footwear that lacks support or traction can also contribute to slips and missteps. Home hazards such as loose rugs, clutter, and uneven flooring further raise the risk. Additional risk factors include muscle weakness, chronic illness, and reduced mobility. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, address pain, recommend proper footwear, and provide custom orthotics to improve stability. Falling can seriously impact the feet. If you or a loved one has fallen, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and provide additional fall prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
Utilizing a walker or cane
Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.

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

Knowing When You Need New Running Shoes

Tuesday, 03 February 2026

Running shoes gradually lose their ability to protect the feet, and mileage is one of the most reliable ways to judge when replacement is needed. For many runners, shoes begin to break down between 300 and 500 miles, depending on body weight, running style, and surface. Even before visible damage appears, cushioning and stability can weaken, placing more stress on the feet and ankles. Other warning signs include uneven sole wear, reduced traction, heel breakdown, or new soreness during or after runs. Keeping a simple log of mileage can help runners avoid using shoes beyond their effective lifespan. A podiatrist can examine foot structure, walking and running mechanics, and shoe wear patterns to determine whether worn footwear is contributing to discomfort. They can also provide guidance on shoe selection and support needs based on activity level. If you experience foot pain after running, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
“Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
Cross-Training is Crucial
Wear Proper Running Shoes
Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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

Stop Your Toenail Fungus

Friday, 30 January 2026

Have you noticed discoloration of your toenails? Have they become thickened or brittle? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of a fungal nail infection. For some, having a fungal nail can be embarrassing. Overcome your embarrassment, and get treated.

Understanding Toenail Fungus

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Toenail fungus is a common infection that develops when fungi enter the nail through small cracks or separations. Affected nails may look thickened or discolored, and may become brittle, crumbly, or misshapen over time. The nail can feel tender, sensitive to pressure, or uncomfortable in shoes, although some people notice changes in appearance before pain. Causes include damp environments, sweaty footwear, nail injuries, and medical conditions, such as diabetes. A podiatrist can help from the start by accurately diagnosing the infection and ruling out other nail disorders. Early treatment may include prescription topical or oral medications, nail thinning, and hygiene guidance. Care can then progress into advanced therapies, ongoing monitoring, and preventive strategies to reduce recurrence and protect nail health. Treating toenail fungus early can improve comfort, appearance, and overall foot health. If you think you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Foothill Podiatry Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

Warped or oddly shaped nails
Yellowish nails
Loose/separated nail
Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.

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

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