Plantar fasciitis can happen at almost any age, but many people notice heel pain becomes more stubborn after 50. That does not mean anything is “wrong” with getting older. It simply means the foot, the shoes, the activity level, and the recovery process may not behave the same way they did years earlier. A sore…
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is also one of the most commonly misunderstood. Many people hear the word “fasciitis” and assume it simply means inflammation. That can be part of the picture, especially early on. But in real life, plantar fasciitis is often better understood as an…
One of the lessons I have learned over many years in practice is that good medical advice is not always the same thing as useful medical advice. That may sound strange at first. Good advice should be useful, right? Not always. Early in practice, I would sometimes give patients very complete plans. Stretch this muscle….
Foot detox products have become a booming niche in the wellness industry. From ionic foot baths that turn water brown to adhesive detox pads worn overnight, these products promise to pull toxins from the body through the feet. Some claim they improve energy, reduce inflammation, boost circulation, improve sleep, and even support weight loss. To…
Barefoot walking around the house may seem harmless, but for some people with heel pain or arch strain, it can make symptoms worse. The issue is not that barefoot walking is always bad. Some people tolerate it perfectly well. The problem is that hard floors do not provide much support or shock absorption, and the…
Custom orthotics and over-the-counter arch supports are often talked about as if one is always better than the other. In reality, the right choice depends on the person, the foot problem, the shoe, the activity level, and how much control or accommodation the foot needs. Custom orthotics are prescription devices made from an evaluation of…
Morning heel pain is one of the most common patterns people describe with plantar fasciitis and other forms of mechanical heel pain. A typical story sounds like this: the first few steps out of bed are sharp and uncomfortable, then the pain gradually improves as the foot warms up. The same thing may happen after…