June 2025

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, often causing sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. It can be caused by overuse, poor footwear, excessive standing, or foot structure issues. Symptoms include heel pain, tightness, and tenderness along the arch. Helpful exercises include toe lifts to strengthen the foot, towel stretches to improve flexibility, and heel raises to support the arch. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, recommend custom orthotics, and guide treatment to reduce pain and prevent recurrence. If heel pain is affecting your daily life, it is suggested that you seek professional help from a podiatrist to begin healing, enabling an accelerated return to normal activity.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Irving, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Exercises for ankle pain can promote healing, improve mobility, and restore strength when performed carefully and consistently. Being aware of pain during activity is important, as pushing through discomfort can worsen the condition. Experts recommend starting with light stretches and range of motion exercises, then progressing gradually as strength improves. Choosing the right intensity helps avoid strain and supports long-term recovery. Strengthening surrounding muscles and improving balance can also reduce the risk of future injuries. A podiatrist can assess your ankle, provide guidance on safe exercises, and create a personalized plan tailored to your needs. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule a visit with a podiatrist to support your recovery and long-term foot health.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Irving, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA, may experience joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in the feet that affect how they walk or play. Inflammation can appear in the ankles, toes, or the bottom of the foot, making daily movement more difficult. These foot issues are often overlooked but can have a real impact on a child’s ability to stay active and comfortable. Some children may walk differently to avoid pain, which can lead to other issues over time. Wearing supportive shoes, targeted exercises, and custom orthotics can help manage symptoms and improve function. Because arthritis in children can look different from case to case, regular check-ins with a podiatrist are important. If a child with arthritis begins to limp or complains of foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a full evaluation and support.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Irving, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Reconstructive foot surgery is performed to restore the shape and function of the foot when bones, joints, or soft tissues have been damaged due to trauma, disease, or deformity. Common causes include serious injuries, birth defects like clubfoot, infections, or complications from diabetes and vascular disease. A podiatrist may recommend reconstructive foot surgery when the anatomy of the foot is severely affected and conservative options are no longer effective. Procedures may involve removal of dead or infected tissue, skin grafts, or the use of tissue flaps that include skin, muscle, or bone. Tendon transfers and lengthening may be used to improve foot movement. In some cases, loss of limb may be discussed when reconstruction is not appropriate. Not everyone is a candidate for this surgery, particularly those with widespread infection, severe circulation problems, or poor overall health. A podiatrist can help determine whether surgery is appropriate and explain the options. If you are a candidate for reconstructive foot surgery, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Graff Foot, Ankle and Wound Care. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plano, Dallas, Prosper, Allen, Irving, Garland, Frisco, and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.