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Blog Archive

Why Plantar Fasciitis Feels Worse in the Morning Apr 1st, 2024

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition notorious for causing sharp pain in the heel, particularly during the first steps after waking up. The inflammation of the tissue running along the bottom of your foot from the heel to the toes can lead to a stabbing sensation that often feels...

When Do Heel Spurs Require Surgery? Mar 18th, 2024

Heel spurs are bony protrusions that form on the underside of your heel bone that can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. Often associated with plantar fasciitis, a condition in which the band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes becomes inflamed, heel spurs are a...

Will an Ingrown Toenail Eventually Heal on Its Own? Feb 1st, 2024

An ingrown toenail is a common condition where the corner or side of a toenail grows into the skin and flesh of the toe.  Ingrown toenails seem like a minor inconvenience, and they will heal on their own for most people, but treatment may be necessary if you have diabetes...

5 Ways Custom Orthotics Treat and Prevent Foot and Ankle Pain Jan 15th, 2024

Foot and ankle pain can be more than just a nuisance; it can significantly impact your daily life. One effective way to address this pain is through custom orthotics. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics from the medical team at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine in Kirkland, Washington, are specially...

3 Running Tips to Avoid Foot Injuries Dec 19th, 2023

Running is a fantastic form of exercise, offering extensive benefits for cardiovascular health, muscular endurance, and mental well-being. However, as with any physical activity, there’s a risk of injury, particularly to the feet, which bear the brunt of impact with every stride. Understanding how to prevent such injuries is crucial...

Do I Really Need Treatment for My Hammertoe? Nov 16th, 2023

Living with a hammertoe can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Hammertoes are a common foot condition, and many individuals wonder whether they truly need treatment or can simply live with the discomfort.  Our experienced medical team at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine in Kirkland, Washington, will explain the importance of...

Can I Treat an Ingrown Toenail at Home? Oct 1st, 2023

Ingrown toenails can be a painful ordeal. Most of us have experienced the discomfort of an ingrown toenail at least once. While it may seem tempting to try and treat it at home, knowing when your ingrown toenail requires professional treatment is essential.  The board-certified team of experts at Washington...

The Link Between Footwear and Back Pain Aug 31st, 2023

If you experience back pain regularly, you’re not alone. Over 72 million Americans suffer from chronic back pain. Causes of back pain vary and may result from sitting or laying down too long, overexerting yourself, or an underlying disease. But did you know your footwear could cause back pain? Are...

How Runners Can Avoid Shin Splints Aug 1st, 2023

Shin splints are a painful condition that commonly affects runners. The experienced team of experts at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine specializes in preventing and treating musculoskeletal wear-and-tear injuries of the lower extremities, including shin splints. Here’s what you need to know about reducing your risk of developing shin splits: 1. Wear the right...

5 Most Common Pediatric Foot Issues and How We Treat Them Jul 12th, 2023

Pediatric foot issues are common and can significantly impact a child’s overall well-being. Many foot and ankle problems affect your child’s mobility and comfort. The dedicated team of experts at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine specializes in diagnosing and treating pediatric foot conditions. Let’s discuss the five most common...

3 of the Most Common Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis Jun 1st, 2023

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed, causing sharp pain when putting weight on the injured foot. The inflammation can lead to you avoiding moving about, bringing down your quality of life, and potentially causing other health problems.  At...

How to Treat and Prevent Shin Splints May 10th, 2023

You may have wondered what was wrong if you’ve ever felt major pain in your shins while running or exercising. You probably have an extremely common condition known as shin splints.  Shin splints can hobble many runners and keep them from exercise while they heal. But fortunately, you can take...

How to Prevent Chronic Joint Instability After a Severe Ankle Sprain Apr 1st, 2023

Spraining your ankle badly can cause chronic ankle instability. Spraining an ankle is not an injury that you want to leave alone to heal itself. Proper care and treatment can help to prevent long term or permanent damage.  There are a variety of techniques you can use to treat the...

7 Key Benefits of Physical Therapy Following a Foot or Ankle Injury Mar 2nd, 2023

Injuring your ankle or foot can present a setback. You may wonder if you’ll ever feel normal and healthy again. This form of trauma can cause a difficult recovery. The good news is that you can regain your full functioning again.  But unfortunately, it doesn’t usually happen on its own. You usually...

When Does a Bunion Require Surgery? Feb 7th, 2023

Bunions often start as something fairly minor. You can manage it on your own if you catch a bunion in its early stages. Home care solutions for bunion treatment usually require wearing medicated pads to reduce discomfort as the bunion rubs against the side of your shoe. But other times,...

5 Tips to Prevent Black Toenails from Running Jan 17th, 2023

You’re certainly not alone if you’re a regular runner and your toenails are black. Black toenails are caused by a blood blister or a bruise underneath the nail. It’s both unpleasant to look at and also a sort of pride for runners.   It’s also a form of foot trauma caused...

Can I Treat Ankle Sprains at Home? 3 Signs You Need Professional Care Dec 1st, 2022

If you’ve twisted your ankle or sprained it, you can sometimes wait it out at home. Some self-care measures for a sprained ankle work well to manage the condition yourself. It’s a common trauma that can get worse if left alone. However, other times you have to seek professional care. Following a...

2 Foot Problems That Can Cause Low Back Pain — And How to Treat Them Nov 1st, 2022

If you suffer from low back pain, your problems may actually be caused by your feet. You may not think about your feet very often, but they do an essential job of helping your whole body move. When your feet suffer, it stresses other parts of your body, including your...

Why Do I Keep Getting Athlete’s Foot? 4 Common Causes of This Infection Oct 6th, 2022

Athlete’s foot is a prevalent foot infection spread by a fungus called tinea pedis and thrives in warm, wet environments. Because athletes often spend a lot of time in these environments, that’s the origin of the infection’s name. But if you catch a case of athlete’s foot, you may find...

5 Painful Foot & Ankle Injuries That Suggest You’re Overtraining Sep 1st, 2022

You are probably committed to working out if you have a regular exercise habit. You strive to perfect your form and your body. But as with most things, getting too much of a good thing is possible. Overtraining is a common topic in sports medicine. If you exercise regularly and don’t...

Why Does My Child Have Plantar Warts? Aug 1st, 2022

It’s not uncommon for adults to need to see a podiatrist, but you might not expect to need to take a child for a visit. But children often need to visit a podiatrist to deal with a plantar wart, which is not unusual. Plantar warts are much more common among...

4 Ways to Help Heal Your Plantar Fasciitis Jul 1st, 2022

If you wake up in the morning and feel immediate pain when you get on your feet, you may have plantar fasciitis. You may feel it as a stabbing pain in your heel or you may feel like the bottoms of your feet are bruised. Plantar fasciitis is a very common...

What Does it Take to Reposition My Bunions? Jun 1st, 2022

If you have bunions, you probably deal with a lot of discomforts. They can make it difficult to stand and walk. If you don’t get them taken care of, they can eventually even alter your walking pattern (called your gait).  Bunions are bony growths on your foot. They can start out...

Improving Your Posture with Orthotics May 1st, 2022

Your posture affects more than just how you look. Your posture also affects your entire body, including your digestion, headaches, and your breathing. Chronically poor posture is also linked to neck and head pain and can even lead to arthritis. But there’s more that you can do about your posture...

How Night Splints Can Heal Your Heel Spurs Apr 4th, 2022

Heel spurs are one of the most common foot problems, affecting about 2 million people in the US each year, or about 15% of the population. When you have heel spurs, it can make it difficult and even painful for you to walk. This condition tends to be the most...

I’m Noticing the Development of Bunions: What Can I Do? Mar 6th, 2022

Bunions are a very common problem that can affect your feet. Usually, in the early stages, bunions don’t cause pain. But over time, they can cause a lot more pain. These common growths on your feet can have a genetic cause, although they can have other causes as well. It’s...

The Link Between Flat Feet and Rheumatoid Arthritis Feb 1st, 2022

Having rheumatoid arthritis affects almost every part of your body. But often, one of the first parts of your body to be affected is your feet. The inflammation that’s characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis is different from the wear-and-tear associated with osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with flat feet, with...

The Importance of Getting the Right Shoes for Your Child’s Feet Jan 1st, 2022

When you’re choosing shoes for your child’s feet, you need to consider a lot of factors. You might be tempted to use hand-me-downs from an older child or choose shoes based on fashion, but price and style shouldn’t be your only considerations. The choice of shoes for your child has...

What Happens If I Don’t Get Treatment for My Ingrown Toenail? Dec 1st, 2021

If you’ve got an ingrown toenail, you’re probably used to walking around with a lot of pain. Ingrown toenails are very common and many people get them. While you might feel like you can treat it yourself, it’s not a good idea to let it go untreated for too long....

It Hurts to Put Pressure on My Feet in the Mornings: Do I Have Plantar Fasciitis? Nov 1st, 2021

Having foot pain in the morning is enough to almost make you dread getting out of bed. If your feet hurt as soon as you put pressure on them in the morning, you might assume that you have plantar fasciitis. Although plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of foot...

How Orthotics Can Help Your Posture Problem Oct 1st, 2021

When you get custom orthotics made for your shoes, it affects more than just your feet. Orthotics have a powerful impact on your health, including your posture. When your posture is correct, it can help your back pain, too. Poor posture is more than just slumping your shoulders or failure...

I’m Not an Athlete; Why Do I Have Athlete’s Foot? Sep 1st, 2021

Athletes aren’t the only ones who can get athlete’s foot, despite the name. Athlete’s foot is actually a type of fungus and it’s extremely contagious. Anyone can get it, even if you’ve never played a sport in your life.  The fungus that causes athlete’s foot (which is also the same...

Why Is Your Gait So Important? Aug 2nd, 2021

Your gait is also known as the way that you walk and run. Even if you’re able to run with no problems, your gait could still be off, which could put you at a greater risk of experiencing an injury. When you get a gait analysis, we look at your...

Which Athletes Are More At Risk for Plantar Fasciitis? Jul 6th, 2021

Plantar fasciitis is a real problem. This condition causes intense pain, mostly in your heels, as a result of the plantar fascia becoming inflamed. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that connects the balls of your feet to your heels. Plantar fasciitis can occur in anyone who stands...

5 Things to Consider When Buying Shoes for Your Kids Jun 10th, 2021

Choosing the right shoes for your children is a more important decision than you might realize. You need to take more into consideration than fashion or affordability. Selecting the right shoes is critically important because it can impact your child’s foot development. Just as you would take the recommendations of...

How to Protect Your Feet and Ankles While You Play May 3rd, 2021

If you play sports, you may not give much consideration to your feet and ankles. However, if you injure them, you may very well have a long time to think about them. Rather than waiting until you suffer an injury to consider protecting your feet and ankles, take steps now...

The Dangers of Ingrown Toenails Apr 1st, 2021

Ingrown toenails are common. Because of this, you may be tempted to see if one will go away on its own. This, however, wouldn't be the wise thing to do. There are several reasons why you should seek medical attention for an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes. In...

Does Plantar Fasciitis Require Surgery? Mar 1st, 2021

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that causes sharp, stabbing pain in the heel. It usually causes the most pain when putting your feet down after a period of inactivity, such as when getting out of bed. If you have plantar fasciitis, there's hope. Plantar fasciitis is treatable, and it...

6 Causes of Heel Spurs Feb 1st, 2021

Heel spurs are a common cause of foot pain. Often associated with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs can make it uncomfortable to put pressure on your feet and can make it more difficult to live an active lifestyle. While heel spurs aren’t dangerous, they can be painful and limit your activities....

Signs and Symptoms of Bunions Jan 1st, 2021

A bunion is a bony growth that forms at the base of the big toe. Because of their location, bunions can make walking and moving about uncomfortable. In this blog, the providers at Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine explain what causes bunions, their signs and symptoms, and the treatment...

7 Ways to Stay Active Without Stressing Your Feet and Ankles Dec 1st, 2020

Some situations — such as recovering from an injury or being obese — can require that you avoid putting stress on your feet and ankles. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sit on the couch and avoid all physical activity. If you’re advised to avoid weight-bearing activities, we still...

5 Most Common Running Injuries Nov 1st, 2020

More than 40 million Americans run on a regular basis. And it’s clear to see why, because it has numerous health benefits. Unfortunately, with running can come an increased risk for developing certain injuries. In fact, 80% of running injuries are due to the repetitive stress of the activity. Some...

Finding the Best Winter Running Shoes Oct 4th, 2020

The weather is starting to turn colder, and the days are getting shorter. We all know these signs mean winter will be here before we know it. If you’re a dedicated runner, you probably don’t let the weather stop you from your activity for several months of the year. However,...

Tips for Avoiding Shin Splints Sep 2nd, 2020

Shin splints are a very common problem, especially among new runners and those who have been away from activity for a while. Even experienced runners can experience them if they overwork their muscles or rapidly increase the number of miles they run. The condition usually manifests as pain, soreness, or...

Signs You Have a Broken Toe Aug 13th, 2020

A broken toe isn’t usually the same kind of major emergency as, say, a broken wrist. But it can still cause a great deal of pain. Whether you got a broken toe as a result of running or stubbing your toe on the coffee table, it can cause pain and...

Recognizing the Signs of an Overuse Injury in Your Ankle Jul 14th, 2020

Overuse injuries happen more often than you might think. Perhaps you’ve experienced one yourself when you started training for your first marathon or got serious about fitness. Injuries to your ankles from overuse can feel a lot like a sprain, but the causes are different. Don’t let overuse injuries sideline...

The Link Between Your Feet and Low Back Pain Jun 26th, 2020

If you live with lower back pain, you have a lot of company. Millions of Americans deal with acute lower back pain, and, unfortunately, this pain becomes chronic for 20% of sufferers. And when it comes to back pain, there’s one cause that’s often overlooked: your feet. The connection between...

Want to Try Barefoot Running? Here’s What You Need to Know May 13th, 2020

Running barefoot brings up images of a carefree time, perhaps running in the backyard or down the beach to the ocean. However, it’s not just a fun thing to do here and there. It’s also a popular sport among serious athletes. “Barefoot” running often doesn’t mean running without footwear. It...

What Causes Heel Spurs? Apr 1st, 2020

Heel spurs, which are bony growths on the heel, are a common foot condition experienced by many athletes. Heel spurs develop over time, and as they progress, you may notice redness and feel swelling or pain. You may also notice bony growths under the skin.  However, many people don’t see...

How to Prevent Hammertoe Mar 1st, 2020

Hammertoe is a painful condition that can sideline any runner. When you’d rather be out running, it’s a real bummer if you have to spend your time putting up your feet instead.  Hammertoe, which is a condition that causes your toe to bend downward at the middle joint, typically affects...

What Triggers Plantar Fasciitis? Feb 1st, 2020

Plantar fasciitis is the kind of condition that can keep runners sidelined on the couch. It’s a painful foot condition that’s often at its worst when walking after waking up or sitting for a while. If it gets bad enough, you may find it extremely painful just to move about,...

7 Exercise Tips for Arthritic Feet and Ankles Jan 1st, 2020

Pain in the feet and ankles is commonplace for arthritis sufferers, especially as aging causes a progression of the condition. The human foot has 30 joints, and each one can become a source of pain and stiffness. At Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine in Kirkland, Washington, our podiatrists work...

Behind Your Heel Pain Dec 1st, 2019

You probably never think much about the heel of your foot until you develop a problem. Then it seems like your heel is all you can think about! Because it’s the biggest bone in your foot, your heel can be the source of pain and mobility problems. At Washington Foot...

How Biomechanics Affect Your Mobility Oct 31st, 2019

Biomechanics is the science of human movement. It takes mechanical principles and applies them to how the human body moves.  In podiatric medicine, biomechanics focuses on the forces that affect your feet and ankles. It looks at how your biomechanics can cause foot and ankle problems. When applied to sports...

How to Keep a Sprained Ankle From Becoming a Chronic Instability Sep 30th, 2019

If you’ve sprained your ankle, you may think that you just need to walk it off or take it easy for a few days. But what you may not know is that, without proper treatment, your ankle could still be a problem after it heals. A sprain can weaken your...

What's Causing Your Arch Pain? Aug 31st, 2019

The components in your foot, which include muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissue, give it the flexibility you need to walk, run, and jump. Your arch runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to the ball of your foot and helps bear some of the weight of...

How Your Weight Affects Your Feet Aug 14th, 2019

It stands to reason that your feet are more likely to stay in good condition if they’re not stressed by the constant pressure of excess weight. The National Foot Health Assessment 2012 study performed for the Institute for Preventive Foot Health revealed that over half of survey takers who classified...

Are Bunions Normal? Jul 22nd, 2019

Bunions are fairly common: They’re reported in 23 percent of people 18 to 65, and in 36 percent of people older than 65. As such, many people might find them harmless and not needing to be addressed. However, in addition to pain and discomfort, bunions can cause long-term problems for...

Summertime Tips for Healthy Feet Jun 20th, 2019

Summer will soon be upon us. And this presents its own set of challenges for our feet. Whether you’re hiking, walking on the beach, or regularly wearing sandals, you’ll want to take some extra precautions to keep your feet happy and healthy during the upcoming season. At Run Doctor, Dr....

Everyday Activities That May Be Hurting Your Feet May 21st, 2019

Are you struggling with foot pain but have no idea what might be causing it? If you’ve ditched the high heels, found some supportive shoes, and you’re still experiencing discomfort, it might not be what you’re wearing on your feet that’s the problem but how you’re using your feet. Everyday...

3 Helpful Tips for Maintaining Healthy Ankles and Avoiding Running Injuries Apr 23rd, 2019

Running is a healthy pastime that can help you maintain an appropriate weight and improve your physical fitness. However, if you don't take the proper precautions, running can also lead to injuries. One of the most vulnerable parts of the body for runners is the ankle.  Why are the ankles...

How to Avoid Heel Pain With Custom Orthotics Mar 5th, 2019

Heel pain is one of the more common types of foot pain, especially among athletes and very active people, as well as among older men and women. At Washington Foot & Ankle Sports Medicine, we help men and women relieve heel pain and related symptoms with custom orthotics, which are...

Prevent Plantar Fasciitis from Returning Feb 7th, 2019

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain, especially among athletes, older adults, and people who spend a lot of time on their feet. If you’re very overweight or if you have a certain type of foot shape or walking style (gait), you can also be...

3 Types of Bunion Surgery: Which Is Right for You? Jan 8th, 2019

Hallux Valgus, a.k.a. the bunion, is a very common foot deformity that involves the subluxation of the first metatarsal, the bone right behind your big toe. While genetics plays a huge role in the development of this condition, lifestyle choices like footwear preferences may either cause or worsen the existing condition. Women...

Suffering From Foot, Knee, Hip, or Back Pain? Learn How Custom Orthotics May Help Dec 19th, 2018

If you’re dealing with chronic foot pain, wearing specially-made orthotics to help reduce those symptoms makes sense. After all, orthotics are designed to provide the extra support and cushioning your feet need to compensate for foot-related problems like arthritis, bunions, corns, and hammertoes, and they can also help correct problems with...

7 Signs You're Wearing the Wrong Running Shoes Nov 27th, 2018

Faced with the endless possibilities in sporting goods or athletic apparel stores, there are a few standard methods people use to choose a running shoe. Some opt for the best-looking shoe. Others search the clearance racks for the best possible price. Some meticulously try on style after style until they...

What to Expect When Recovering From Achilles Tendon Surgery Oct 29th, 2018

An injury to the largest tendon in your body, the Achilles tendon, can be devastating. This tendon helps your foot move in just about every direction and is essential to walking and jumping. When it’s torn, surgery is often recommended, especially if you’re young and active. In fact, surgery is...