Items filtered by date: May 2025

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and supports the arch of the foot. This condition is a common source of heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Symptoms may include sharp or aching pain in the heel or arch of the foot, often worsening with activity. Risk factors for developing plantar fasciitis include prolonged standing, high-impact activities, obesity, and wearing unsupportive footwear. Individuals with flat feet or high arches may also be more prone to this condition. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can accurately diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis.

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 Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor 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 office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Wearing high heels may look stylish, but it can often lead to painful foot blisters. Blisters form when friction causes the layers of skin to separate, trapping fluid in between. High heels, especially those that are tight or have pointed toes, increase pressure and rubbing on certain areas of the foot, particularly the toes, heels, and balls of the feet. Symptoms include redness, tenderness, and the development of fluid-filled bumps that can make walking uncomfortable or painful. If the blister bursts, the exposed skin can sting and may be at risk for infection. A podiatrist can treat painful or infected blisters safely and recommend ways to prevent them in the future. Treatment options include padding, blister dressings, proper wound care, and advice on shoe fit and foot hygiene. Custom orthotics or cushioned inserts can also reduce pressure in problem areas. If you frequently develop foot blisters, or, if they have become infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment to see a podiatrist.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the side or corner of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often resulting in pain, redness, and swelling. This condition most commonly affects the big toe and can worsen if left untreated. A podiatrist can diagnose an ingrown toenail by examining the affected area and evaluating any signs of infection, such as pus, warmth, or foul odor. If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. In moderate to severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to remove a portion of the nail, a procedure known as a partial nail avulsion. Additional options like splinting or bracing may be used to help the nail grow in the correct direction. People with diabetes or poor circulation are at a higher risk for complications and should seek prompt medical care. If you have an ingrown toenail that is causing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor 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

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. 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 Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint break, often caused by a fall, twisting injury, or sports-related impact. Common symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight or moving the ankle. The treatment approach depends on the severity of the fracture. For mild cases, rest, elevation, and immobilization with a cast or splint may be enough. More serious fractures, especially those involving misaligned bones, often require surgery using pins, plates, or screws to stabilize the joint and promote healing. After initial treatment, guided exercises may be recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility. Follow-up care is essential to monitor healing and avoid long-term issues like joint stiffness or instability. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, treatment options, and a recovery plan. If you think you may have fractured your ankle, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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