January 2019

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects the heel and causes striking pain outward. This condition occurs when the connective tissue, plantar fascia, which runs along the underside of the foot, is injured or inflamed. It is most common in those who participate in activities like running that cause repetitive impact on the feet. Most of the time it can be treated with simple remedies that do not require surgery, but some severe cases require further action. Surgery is rare, but can be invasive, so many doctors are turning to alternative therapies. Shockwave therapy helps to trigger the repair and regrowth of the injured nerve. The plantar fascia is located in an area of the foot that does not receive much blood flow, which impedes on the its ability to heal itself. Shockwave therapy helps to pull blood to the plantar fascia to facilitate repairing the nerve. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is highly recommended to speak with a podiatrist about your treatment options.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Obesity leads to increased risk for many chronic health issues. Your feet and ankles are especially susceptible to these risks because carrying extra weight puts a heavy strain on them. Ankles are weight bearing joints, so they tend to be one of the first parts of the body to experience discomfort from weight gain. Some examples of obesity related health issues that affect the ankles are weakened tendons and ligaments, increased risk of ankle sprain, and posterior tibial tendonitis. Obesity can lead to serious health complications in your feet such as, neuropathy, gout, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes. If you are concerned for the health of your feet in relation to obesity, then it is recommended to speak with a podiatrist for additional information and treatment options.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Despite the ease and simplicity of wearing flip flops, they may be detrimental to the health of your feet. This may be a result of the absence of an arch and support in this type of shoe, and this may cause pain and discomfort in your ankles and feet. The toes will naturally curl to stabilize and support the foot, and this may negatively affect the mechanics of walking. Many patients have noticed chronic pain in their heels, which may be a result of a lack of cushioning. Heel pain may lead to the painful and uncomfortable condition known as plantar fasciitis or possibly a heel spur, which may be caused by excess calcium if the former is left untreated. If you would like additional information about how wearing flip flops can affect your feet, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist.

Flip-flops can cause a lot of problems for your feet. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

Flip-Flops and Feet

Flip-flops have managed to become a summer essential for a lot of people. While the shoes may be stylish and easy to slip on and off, they can be dangerous to those who wear them too often. These shoes might protect you from fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, but they can also give you foot pain and sprained ankles if you trip while wearing them.

When Are They Okay to Wear?

Flip-flops should only be worn for very short periods of time. They can help protect your feet in places that are crawling with fungi, such as gym locker rooms. Athlete’s foot and plantar warts are two common fungi that flip-flops may help protect your feet against.

Why Are They Bad for My Feet?

These shoes do not offer any arch support, so they are not ideal for everyday use. They also do not provide shock absorption or heel cushioning which can be problematic for your feet. Additionally, you may suffer from glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes since they offer little protection for your feet.

More Reasons Why They Are Bad for Your Feet

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

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

The ligaments that are located in the ankle have the job of keeping the ankle joints from turning and twisting the wrong way. If an injury should occur in which the ankle twists unnaturally, an ankle sprain may be the result. This ailment will typically cause severe pain and discomfort. There are several ways to incur this type of injury, including enduring a fall where the ankle rolls or twists, stepping off a curb unexpectedly, or tripping over an object. Some of the noticeable symptoms may include swelling, redness and tenderness, in addition to having difficulty putting weight on the foot. Some patients experience bruising around the ankle and surrounding areas, or pain that may be felt throughout the entire ankle. Traditional treatment methods may include elevating the foot or using crutches that aid in walking. If you feel you have sprained your ankle, it’s advised to seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnosis this ailment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Research has shown that several athletes endure injuries to the ankles, and many of these are ankle sprains. It may also be common among the general population, and many people will experience this type of injury at some point in their lives. It generally occurs when the ankle rolls inward, and severe pain and discomfort may often accompany ankle sprains. It may happen as a result of suddenly stepping off a curb or falling from an extended height. This type of injury requires patience and time to heal properly, and walking on it must be executed gently. Once the ankle sprain has occurred, it’s important to rest the foot, which allows pressure to be taken off the ankle. Applying ice to the affected area may be helpful in alleviating a portion of the swelling that may be present, in addition to wrapping the foot in a bandage, which may be useful in applying pressure. If you have sprained your ankle, it is suggested to speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible, so the correct treatment can begin.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Cascade Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Yakima and Ellensburg, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.