Heel pain affects the underside or back of the heel and can interfere with daily activities. The most frequent cause is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch and connects the heel to the toes. Symptoms include sharp pain with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. Other causes include heel pad syndrome, which involves thinning or inflammation of the protective fat pad, and Achilles tendinopathy, which produces pain and stiffness at the back of the heel. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the exact cause, and provide personalized treatment. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Michele Kraft, DPM of Toes on the Go. Our doctor 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 Carmel, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Corns and callouses on the feet develop when repeated pressure or friction causes the skin to thicken as a form of protection. They are commonly caused by tight shoes, foot structure issues, abnormal walking patterns, or activities that place stress on certain areas. Symptoms may include rough, hardened skin, tenderness, and localized pain that worsens with pressure. Corns often look small and raised with a hard central core, while callouses appear broader and flatter. They can feel sore or sensitive, especially when walking or wearing shoes. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed evaluation of foot structure, gait, and footwear to identify the source of pressure. Treatment may begin with safe removal of thickened skin and protective padding, followed by custom orthotics, shoe recommendations, and targeted exercises to reduce pressure and prevent recurrence. Ongoing care helps improve comfort and skin health. If you have painful corns or callouses on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Michele Kraft, DPM of Toes on the Go. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals within the joints, leading to intense inflammation and discomfort. Symptoms often appear suddenly, and may include swelling, redness, warmth, and severe pain that frequently affects the big toe, but can involve other joints of the foot and ankle. These attacks may occur without warning and can limit walking and daily activity. Causes include elevated uric acid levels in the blood, which may be influenced by diet, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Risk factors include obesity, family history, medications, and metabolic disorders. A podiatrist can diagnose gout through a clinical evaluation, manage painful flare-ups, and develop a treatment plan to protect joint health. If you have symptoms of gout, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can offer you effective relief and management techniques.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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

Pain along the inner side of the foot can interfere with walking and comfort. One frequent cause involves strain of the tendon that supports the arch, leading to aching near the ankle and midfoot. Inner-foot pain may also develop from joint irritation, where cartilage wear produces stiffness with movement. Nerve compression can result in burning or tingling along the inside of the foot, while bone stress injuries may cause pinpoint tenderness during activity. In other situations, inflammation of soft tissues or structural changes shift pressure toward the inner border over time. A podiatrist can assess alignment, joint motion, and tendon function, and use imaging to identify the source of pain. Based on evaluation, a podiatrist can recommend care to reduce pain. If you feel pain in the inner part of your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Michele Kraft, DPM from Toes on the Go. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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