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When You Might Need Surgery for Plantar Fasciitis

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

When ongoing heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis continues to limit walking and daily activity, surgery may become a consideration. The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that supports the arch and absorbs stress with walking or running. When inflammation and scarring continue for six months or longer despite professional care, a podiatrist may discuss surgical release as an option. A podiatrist evaluates foot structure, gait, imaging results, and overall health to determine the need for surgery. Surgery is not a first-line approach, but it may be posed when pain interferes with daily activities and other causes of heel pain have been ruled out. A plantar fasciotomy is designed to reduce tension from the heel bone, while a plantar fasciectomy also removes damaged tissue to improve mobility. The goal is lasting pain reduction. For help dealing with plantar fasciitis pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment.

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 Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 office located in Greenville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Sunday, 08 February 2026

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Foot Blisters and Prevention Tips

Tuesday, 03 February 2026

A foot blister is a small, fluid filled bubble that forms on the skin, often due to friction or pressure. They commonly develop from wearing poorly fitted shoes, excessive walking or running, and repetitive movements that rub the skin. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness that can make standing or walking uncomfortable. Prevention tips include wearing properly fitted shoes, moisture-wicking socks, and using protective padding in areas prone to rubbing. Maintaining dry and healthy feet also helps reduce risk. A podiatrist can provide treatment for painful or persistent blisters, address underlying causes, and recommend strategies to prevent recurrence. If you have an uncomfortable foot blister, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and prevention options.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

Bubble of skin filled with fluid
Redness
Moderate to severe pain
Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

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

Methods for Dealing With Clubfoot

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Clubfoot is a condition present at birth where the foot turns inward and downward, affecting alignment and walking if not addressed. Management often begins early, when bones and soft tissues are more flexible. Gentle, guided stretching and serial casting are commonly used to gradually reposition the foot over several weeks. After correction, bracing helps maintain alignment as a child grows and reduces the risk of recurrence. In some cases, a minor procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon may be recommended to improve ankle motion. More complex deformities may require surgery to correct bone position and balance muscle forces. Ongoing monitoring is important, since growth can influence foot structure and gait. A podiatrist plays an important role by evaluating progress, guiding bracing use, and addressing concerns related to walking, shoe wear, and comfort over time. If your child has clubfoot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

Ingrown Toenails Causes and Podiatric Care

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

An ingrown toenail, also known as onychocryptosis, occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin instead of over it. This condition often develops due to wearing tight shoes that place pressure on the toes or from a congenital pincer nail deformity that causes the nail to curve excessively. Common symptoms include pain and tenderness in the corner of the nail fold, along with redness, swelling, and irritation. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can worsen and increase the risk of infection. A podiatrist can properly diagnose the condition, relieve discomfort, and safely treat the affected nail. If you have persistent toe pain or signs of an ingrown toenail,it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include minor surgery for relief.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

Bacterial infections
Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

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