Good News for People with Chronic Heel Pain!

A twitch of pain somewhere in your foot is one thing – brief and tolerable. Thank goodness it goes away.

Heel pain that doesn’t go away is an entirely different matter. We’re talking about the heel pain that greets you like a knife when you step out of bed every morning. The kind of intense pain that makes you cry out, perhaps with a few choice words you didn’t mean to say. This kind of pain requires attention from Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center’s board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Jon M. Sherman, because it’s not likely to get better on its own.

Plantar fasciitis, explained!

The medical term for chronic heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Any medical word with the suffix “-itis” means “inflammation.” In this case, it’s the plantar fascia that’s inflamed. The plantar fascia is a large, thick ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting the calcaneus (heel bone) to your toes. It’s easily inflamed under some circumstances:

• You have a job that requires you to be on your feet for much of the day, such as a waiter, nurse, or urban mail carrier.
• You’re a runner or walker who’s recently increased their mileage, pace, or distance.
• You participate in other athletic activities, such as ballet, that put a lot of stress on your feet.
• You’re carrying some extra pounds, which puts undue stress on your feet.
• You have pre-existing issues with your foot anatomy, such as flatfoot or high arches.
• You’re over 40: The older you are, the more likely you will develop plantar fasciitis.

The pain you don’t have to live with

Fortunately, we have many effective treatments that soothe the pain of plantar fasciitis. Dr. Sherman will likely start with conservative approaches, including taking a break from any activity that hurts, performing stretching exercises, icing, taking anti-inflammatory medications, wearing custom orthotics, and getting steroid injections. Often, the best treatment involves a combination of all these.

Other treatment options include non-invasive shockwave therapy (ESWT, laser light therapy/cold laser, and physical therapy. Surgery for plantar fasciitis is a possibility but not a common one.

The key to successful plantar fasciitis treatment is getting it promptly. Don’t wait. We encourage residents of Montgomery County to consult Dr. Sherman sooner rather than later for a full examination and assessment of their heel pain. Call 301-330-5666 or contact us online for an appointment at our Gaithersburg podiatry office.

Regular Exercise Can Prevent Falling: 5 Ways to Make It Easier

If you’re alive on this planet, you know that doctors always recommend regular exercise for optimal health. Exercise improves heart function, keeps unwanted pounds off, wards off disease, and even calms symptoms of depression and anxiety. But if you’re a senior citizen, there’s another benefit of exercise you may not have thought of:

Regular exercise can help prevent dangerous falls.

If you’re someone who exercises already – great. You’re better off than the 30-40% of people over 65 and 50% of people aged 80 and up who take a fall every year. If you don’t exercise, starting an exercise program may seem daunting. But, it doesn’t have to be.

Here are five ways to get motivated to strengthen the muscles that help you sit, stand, and walk confidently without dangerous hesitations or wobbles:

1. First things first – fix your foot or ankle pain: Exercise may be difficult, painful, or downright impossible if it causes pain. Let our board-certified podiatrist, Jon M. Sherman, treat your toe arthritis, nerve pain, or plantar fasciitis with state-of-the-art treatments and therapies, including custom orthotic inserts and targeted laser therapy. Dr. Sherman can also perform a fall prevention risk assessment.
2. Do something you like: Walking is easy and requires no special equipment except a great pair of shoes. If walking isn’t appealing, there’s swimming, tai chi, and yoga.
3. Start slowly: You risk injuring yourself if you exercise long and hard from the get-go.
4. Exercise with a friend: An exercise partner can be very helpful to keep you motivated.
5. Take advantage of Montgomery County resources: Call your local senior center or YMCA to inquire about balance and exercise classes. Many facilities offer transportation to and from, making it easier to keep exercising.

Commit to exercise this Falls Prevention Awareness Month! For a foot exam or personalized fall prevention assessment, contact Kentlands Foot & Ankle Center in Gaithersburg at 301-330-5666 or request an appointment with Dr. Sherman online.

Let This Year Be The End Of Your Foot Pain

As we welcome the new year, many feel motivated to take steps towards self-improvement. Some may begin by improving their daily routines, including increased healthy exercise habits. If you start a new fitness routine, be gentle with yourself, be consistent, and start slowly. Occasionally, heel pain can intensify when you begin a new exercise routine. Don’t let heel pain prevent you from moving forward with your 2023 fitness goals!

Heel pain (plantar fasciitis) may be one of the most common issues seen by podiatrists today. It’s a condition in which the band of tissue that stretches from your heel bone to your toes becomes inflamed, torn, or otherwise stressed from overuse. It is vital to get a complete exam and proper diagnosis if you experience heel pain.

Our specialists recommend using the following methods to resolve foot pain during the new year

• Follow simple stretches and exercise routines to strengthen the foot.
• Wear proper fitting shoes with arch and ankle support.
• Ice your heel several times a day to reduce uncomfortable inflammation.
• Rest your lower extremities.
• Use custom orthotics to alleviate chronic foot pain.
• Use an anti-inflammatory drug such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen to help with the pain.
• Call a podiatrist.

Certain people have an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis or foot pain. Those people are:

• Between the ages 40-60
• Carry extra weight
• Have predisposed hereditary conditions
• Have tight Achilles tendons
• Wear non-supportive shoes or high heels
• Have an occupation that causes you to be on your feet for extended periods

The longer you have been experiencing the pain of plantar fasciitis, the longer it may take to help resolve the pain. To better determine the source of your heel pain and the best course of treatment, schedule a comprehensive foot examination with Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center podiatrist, Dr. Jon M. Sherman, at our Montgomery office. To schedule your appointment, please call our office at 301-330-5666.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Around the world, podiatrists pursue the advancement of the Podiatry field for everyone’s benefit, and, to better serve those who suffer from ankle and foot conditions. Your feet are vital to your everyday life. They permit you to walk 150,000 miles in your lifetime, which is equal to walking around the world six times! Foot issues can be debilitating; therefore, it is important to take care of your feet.

People may wonder why there is a branch of medicine that deals strictly with feet. It’s because foot problems are very common. A few of the most common issues people have with their feet include:

• Bunions
• Athlete’s foot
• Ingrown toenails
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Corns
• Heel spurs
• Blisters

Education and Awareness

Our team of experts at Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center strive to elevate awareness about the importance of proper foot health. That is one of the reasons we wanted our patients to be able to access reliable and accessible information that pertains to the lower extremities. If you would like to get involved, you can help spread the word about podiatry and important foot health tips! When you’ve learned more about proper foot health, you can begin spreading the word and educating others. Start here:

• Read up on health conditions related to the feet, including information on keeping your feet healthy.
• Proper daily foot care involves activities like caring for your toenails and wearing the right shoes.
• Learn to maintain good foot health
• Have an in-person conversation or by using social media to discuss podiatry and foot health.

When To See a Podiatrist

Anytime you experience foot or ankle discomfort, changes in the appearance of your feet, abnormal growth(s), or have an underlying medical condition that affects your feet or ability to function. Symptoms are not always obvious and may even continue unnoticed. If you or anyone you know is experiencing one or more symptoms, it is time to see a podiatrist.

Schedule An Appointment

If you are experiencing chronic foot pain or discomfort in your lower extremities, call our Montgomery office at 301-330-5666 and schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman or visit our website for more information.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics

We have all heard the saying “one size fits all.” Unfortunately, when it comes to footwear, this does not apply. Sometimes you might notice that one foot feels slightly different from the other. It is due to each person having their own unique feet! At Kentland’s Foot and Ankle Center, patients are examined and treated based on their own unique feet. Our podiatry team recommends using foot orthotics if foot muscles, ligaments, bones, or tendons are not aligned well or the patient is experiencing discomfort. Orthotics are known to redistribute the pressure that your feet endure each day.

Custom Orthotics VS Over-the-counter Orthotics

Over-the-counter foot orthotics are usually found at drugstores. The use of orthotics, in general, can be very helpful in eliminating foot discomfort quickly. For chronic foot pain, we always advise our patients to get fitted for custom foot orthotics. Precise measurements of your foot are documented and sent to a lab where they will make your orthotics. It ensures that you receive all the support your feet need.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are known to:

1. Provide superior comfort allowing you to stand, walk and run comfortably
2. Fight off pain in the lower extremities
3. Improve balance by allowing your feet the support to maintain a functional position
4. Enhance athletic performance
5. Lower the risk of injury

Custom orthotics help your feet feel better, but did you know they also help your overall body? Custom orthotics are also known to:

1. Reduce ankle and leg pain
2. Maintain balance
3. Stand or walk for extended periods of pain-free
4. Reduce lower back pain
5. Lower the risk of calluses, corns, and bunions
6. Improve posture

Final Thoughts

If you are experiencing chronic foot pain or discomfort in your lower extremities, call our Montgomery office at 301-330-5666 and schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman or visit our website for more information.

Preparing For Your Next Appointment

A doctor visit can be nerve-wracking, especially if this is your first time at a podiatrist’s office. But with some simple preparation, you can limit the anxiety you feel prior to your appointment and make the most out of seeing your specialist. At Kentlands Foot and Ankle Center, we take extra care in making sure your visit is as comfortable and helpful as possible! Below is a useful guide to help you prepare for your next appointment.

Before Your Visit

It might be helpful to make a physical or mental checklist of some important information to make your podiatrist’s questions easier to answer, such as:

• The symptoms you’re experiencing
• Any medication you’re taking
• Relevant lab test results
• Allergies they should know about
• Previous surgeries
• Any questions or concerns you have for your doctor

During Your Visit

• Expect your podiatrist to go over all the information listed above
• Be sure to ask for any clarification if you’re unclear with what your doctor is saying
• Take notes if you find it helpful
• If you’re attending a virtual appointment, be sure you arrive to your appointment on time and check that your technology is working properly

After Your Visit

• Make sure you follow your podiatrists’ recommendations for healing and recovery
• Pick up any medication your doctor may prescribe and take them as instructed
• Schedule a follow up appointment if necessary
• If your doctor has not gotten back to you with test results, give them a call
• Reach out to your podiatrist if you have any follow up concerns or questions

Schedule A Visit

It is recommended that you visit your local podiatrist once a year for an annual checkup. If you’ve been experiencing any foot or ankle pain, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist so they can examine and treat any problem you might be facing. To schedule an appointment with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jon M. Sherman, at our Montgomery County office, call 301-330-5666 or visit our website for more information.