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Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine Blog View all posts
Why Do My Heels Hurt in The Morning?

Why Do My Heels Hurt in The Morning?
Taking your first steps in the morning shouldn’t cause pain. Learn what causes morning heel pain and how proper treatment can help you find lasting relief and stay active.
Jul 1st, 2026
Are High Heels Bad for My Foot Health?

Are High Heels Bad for My Foot Health?
Do your favorite heels put your foot health at risk? Learn how high heels affect your feet and what you can do to prevent pain and long-term problems.
Jun 1st, 2026
Are Bunions Hereditary?

Are Bunions Hereditary?
Are bunions hereditary? Learn how family history — and your footwear — could be shaping your foot health.
May 2nd, 2025

Can I Have an Ankle Fracture Without Knowing It?
What if your “sprained ankle” is actually a fracture? Even minor symptoms can signal a serious injury. If your ankle pain persists or worsens after activity, it’s time to give us a visit.
Feb 5th, 2025

Amping Up Your Mileage? 4 Tips to Prevent Shin Splints
Don’t let shin splints be a roadblock to your run. With these tips, you can stay on track with your running goals and avoid shin splints.If you’re increasing your running mileage, you’re likely familiar with the term “shin splints.” This common condition,
Aug 6th, 2024
Why You Get Arch Pain When You Walk

Why You Get Arch Pain When You Walk
Experiencing arch pain when you walk can be frustrating and impact your daily life. Learn about common causes and discover effective solutions to relieve your discomfort.
Jul 1st, 2024
Help! My Child Keeps Getting Heel Pain

Help! My Child Keeps Getting Heel Pain
Discover why your child might experience heel pain and how you can help alleviate their discomfort. Here’s what you should know about the common causes, symptoms, and effective prevention strategies.
Jun 4th, 2024
Why Plantar Fasciitis Feels Worse in the Morning

Why Plantar Fasciitis Feels Worse in the Morning
Understanding the underlying causes of morning plantar fasciitis pain can empower sufferers to adopt management strategies that alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Here’s what to do about it.
Apr 1st, 2024
When Do Heel Spurs Require Surgery?

When Do Heel Spurs Require Surgery?
While most heel spurs respond well to nonsurgical treatment methods, those that do not may require surgery. Here’s how to relieve heel spur pain and how to know when you may need surgery.
Mar 18th, 2024

Will an Ingrown Toenail Eventually Heal on Its Own?
While mild ingrown toenails might heal with proper home care, more severe cases require medical attention. Being proactive about foot health and seeing a podiatrist can prevent the progression of an ingrown toenail and protect your overall foot health.
Feb 1st, 2024

3 Running Tips to Avoid Foot Injuries
Running offers cardiovascular benefits and mental well-being, but the impact can result in foot injuries. Here are tips for avoiding injuries when pounding the pavement.
Dec 19th, 2023
Can I Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home?

Can I Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home?
Explore safe home remedies for ingrown toenails and learn when to seek professional care. Discover prevention tips and prioritize your foot health with guidance from Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine.
Oct 1st, 2023
The Link Between Footwear and Back Pain

The Link Between Footwear and Back Pain
The relationship between footwear and back pain is undeniable, and the impact goes beyond just the feet. Here’s what you need to know about your shoes, your back pain, and what to do about it.
Aug 31st, 2023
How Runners Can Avoid Shin Splints

How Runners Can Avoid Shin Splints
Shin splints are a painful condition that can stop a runner in his tracks! Learn how to prevent shin splints and keep running pain-free with the proper shoe selection, warm-up and cool-down routines, and cross-training.
Aug 1st, 2023
5 Most Common Pediatric Foot Issues and How We Treat Them

5 Most Common Pediatric Foot Issues and How We Treat Them
From the moment they take their first steps, your child’s feet play a vital role in their development. But what happens when common pediatric foot issues arise? Discover the most common pediatric foot problems and how to treat them for a pain-free future.
Jul 12th, 2023

3 of the Most Common Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis
If you experience pain in your feet when getting out of bed in the morning or after sitting for a long period, you may have plantar fasciitis. Here are the most common causes of the painful condition and how to prevent it.
Jun 1st, 2023
When Does a Bunion Require Surgery?

When Does a Bunion Require Surgery?
Sometimes, you can manage bunions on your own at home, but other times, you need surgery. Learn more about when your bunion might require surgery.
Feb 7th, 2023
Improving Your Posture with Orthotics

Improving Your Posture with Orthotics
Having poor posture isn’t just a matter of how it makes you appear; it can also affect your entire body. Learn more about how to improve your posture with orthotics.
May 1st, 2022
Why Is Your Gait So Important?

Why Is Your Gait So Important?
Your gait — also known as the way you walk — has important effects on your muscle strength and even your risk of injuries. Learn more about why your gait is important.
Aug 2nd, 2021

The Dangers of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are a common problem that can be quite uncomfortable. Although you may be tempted to dismiss the problem as only a nuisance, it can actually present some serious risks if you leave it untreated. Read on to learn more.
Apr 1st, 2021

Does Plantar Fasciitis Require Surgery?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can cause pain to walk or even stand on your feet. There are many options for treating it, most of which do not require surgery. Read on to learn more about your treatment options.
Mar 1st, 2021

6 Causes of Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are a common cause of foot pain that can interfere with your ability to be active. Learn more about the most common causes of heel spurs.
Feb 1st, 2021

Signs and Symptoms of Bunions
Bunions are common but uncomfortable bony growths that most often occur on the big toe. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of bunions and how they can be treated.
Jan 1st, 2021

5 Most Common Running Injuries
Running is one of the most common ways Americans stay active. Unfortunately, running can increase your risk of developing certain injuries. Read on to learn more about the most common running injuries.
Nov 1st, 2020

Finding the Best Winter Running Shoes
Running is often more comfortable in the winter than in the summer, but it does require a change in what you wear. Learn more about the best types of running shoes to keep your feet healthy and dry all winter long.
Oct 4th, 2020

Tips for Avoiding Shin Splints
Shin splints affect many runners, especially those who are newer to the activity or have recently increased their distance. While the condition can be quite painful, it’s often preventable. Learn what causes shin splints and how to prevent them.
Sep 2nd, 2020

Signs You Have a Broken Toe
Broken toes are common injuries, but they can be extremely painful. In some cases, you might even need surgery. Read on to learn how to tell if you might have a broken toe and what you should do about it.
Aug 13th, 2020

The Link Between Your Feet and Low Back Pain
Lower back pain is often linked with your feet and your spinal alignment. If you live with lower back pain, learn about some simple fixes that can have you moving comfortably again.
Jun 26th, 2020

What Causes Heel Spurs?
Heel spurs are bony growths on your heels, which can be painful. Many runners experience chronic foot problems, such as heel spurs, but treatment can provide relief. Read on to learn what heel spurs are and how they can be treated.
Apr 1st, 2020

How to Prevent Hammertoe
Hammertoe is a common cause of foot pain. This condition can leave you unable to comfortably run and be active. Read on to learn more about hammertoe and how it can be treated.
Mar 1st, 2020

What Triggers Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that can make it painful to stand on your feet, let alone run. Certain factors are more likely to trigger plantar fasciitis. Learn more about what causes plantar fasciitis and how it’s treated.
Feb 1st, 2020

7 Exercise Tips for Arthritic Feet and Ankles
Is arthritis making your feet and ankles hurt? Chronic pain can make it hard to get around, but inactivity leads to even more stiffness. Find out what exercises you can do to relieve pain and increase mobility.
Jan 1st, 2020

Behind Your Heel Pain
Your heel bone sees a lot of action every day, so it’s no wonder that it hurts from time to time. And when something goes wrong, you know it. Find out what could be causing your heel pain, and learn what you can do about it.
Dec 1st, 2019

How Biomechanics Affect Your Mobility
Your mobility and movement rely on correct biomechanics, the science of human movement. It looks at how much force or rotation you apply when walking or running. Let’s discuss how your biomechanics can affect your movement.
Oct 31st, 2019

What's Causing Your Arch Pain?
Whether it’s a dull ache after a long day on your feet or a sharp shooting pain after your run, arch pain is a common problem that can develop from many causes -- and it shouldn’t be ignored.
Aug 31st, 2019

How Your Weight Affects Your Feet
Obesity is actually the root of a host of foot problems, and the more pressure you put on your feet, the higher your risk will be of injuring them or initiating a chronic condition. But there are steps you can take to avoid these problems.
Aug 14th, 2019

Are Bunions Normal?
Bunions are a common problem that can be quite damaging to your feet if left untreated. Don’t ignore your bunion pain; find a solution today.
Jul 22nd, 2019

Summertime Tips for Healthy Feet
Summer is fast approaching, which means your feet might be more exposed during outdoor activities. No better time to introduce you to some tips for maintaining healthy feet during all of your exciting summer adventures!
Jun 20th, 2019
feet, podiatry, pain

Everyday Activities That May Be Hurting Your Feet
Are you experiencing frequent discomfort and pain in your feet but unsure what’s causing it? There are many everyday activities you do without a second thought that could be hurting your feet. Read on to discover what they are.
May 21st, 2019
How to Avoid Heel Pain With Custom Orthotics

How to Avoid Heel Pain With Custom Orthotics
Heel pain may be a relatively common complaint, but that doesn’t make it any less unpleasant. Custom orthotics relieve pressure points associated with most types of heel pain. Here’s how they can help you.
Mar 5th, 2019
How to keep your plantar fasciitis from returning.

Prevent Plantar Fasciitis from Returning
If you've been treated for plantar fasciitis, you know what a relief it is to finally get rid of the pain. Likely, you also know that the condition can recur. However, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent that from happening.
Feb 7th, 2019
Bunion Surgery, Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine

3 Types of Bunion Surgery: Which Is Right for You?
Are you living with bunion pain? Have you tried orthotics, shoe changes, and NSAIDs to no avail? It’s time to get relief from bunion pain. Learn more about the 3 primary types of bunion surgeries that your doctor uses to help you meet your goals.
Jan 8th, 2019

What to Expect When Recovering From Achilles Tendon Surgery

If you have Achilles tendon surgery to repair a torn or degenerated tendon, you’ll need significant healing time. You may be eager to get back to full function as fast as possible, so here’s what to expect while you’re recovering.
Oct 29th, 2018