Items filtered by date: December 2025

Plantar fasciitis is a common overuse injury that occurs when the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, is damaged due to repetitive stress. This condition is frequently seen in athletes and those who work on their feet, but can affect anyone. Plantar fasciitis causes heel and arch pain that can range from mild to severe. Treatments for plantar fasciitis will depend on the severity and duration of the symptoms. Resting the affected foot by limiting its movements is usually the first line of treatment. Your podiatrist may recommend avoiding certain sports or prolonged periods of standing. Changing footwear and taking anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Your podiatrist may also suggest wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to better support your feet, taping the foot, wearing a night splint, and doing light stretching exercises. Surgery can be considered in severe cases where conservative treatments have failed. If you have pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Arch 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 offices located in Sugar Land, Houston, and Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gardening shoes play a key role in keeping your feet safe and comfortable while you work outdoors. The best gardening shoes provide reliable comfort and support to reduce strain during long periods of standing, bending, and walking on uneven ground. Durability and protection are equally important, helping shield your feet from sharp tools, rocks, and moisture while withstanding regular outdoor wear. Versatility also matters, allowing the shoes to transition easily between tasks while still offering stability and traction. A podiatrist can recommend footwear that matches your foot structure and gardening needs, helping to prevent pain and injury. If your feet hurt while gardening, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief tips, which may include guidance on wearing the right shoes.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Arch Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Sugar Land, Houston, and Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Orthotics can be an effective solution for anyone with flat feet because they provide stability, support, and improved alignment. Customized orthotics are often better than standard inserts because they are created to match both typical and atypical foot structures. They can be adjusted over time to ensure continued comfort as your needs change. Proper support can reduce pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back, making daily activities more comfortable. A podiatrist can evaluate your foot structure, recommend the right type of orthotic, and make any needed modifications for the best results. If you have discomfort from flat feet or want better support, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to explore personalized orthotic options.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Arch Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Sugar Land, Houston, and Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Athlete’s foot is more than an itch. It is a stubborn skin infection that thrives in warm, damp places like shoes, showers, and gyms. It often begins between the toes as peeling or redness, but can spread to the soles and nails, if ignored. Beyond discomfort, untreated athlete’s foot can lead to cracked skin that allows bacteria to enter, causing deeper infections. Modern treatments target both the surface fungus and the environment it loves, using topical or oral medications and moisture-control strategies to prevent recurrence. Clean, dry socks and breathable shoes make a real difference in keeping feet healthy. If your feet continue to itch, flake, or burn despite over-the-counter care, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a tailored treatment plan and relief that lasts.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Arch Foot & Ankle.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Sugar Land, Houston, and Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Healthy feet are essential for maintaining mobility, balance, and independence at every age. Daily habits such as washing and drying feet thoroughly, moisturizing to prevent cracking, and trimming toenails straight across can help prevent common problems. Choosing supportive shoes that fit properly is one of the most important steps in avoiding pain, blisters, or deformities. Regular stretching and staying active promote good circulation and flexibility, keeping muscles and joints strong. Ignoring minor foot issues can lead to bigger problems over time, especially for people with diabetes, arthritis, or circulation concerns. Checking feet regularly for changes in color, swelling, or sores can catch issues early. If pain, numbness, or skin changes persist, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and appropriate care.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Arch Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Sugar Land, Houston, and Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.