UFAI Heel Conditions Articles Archive

What is chronic plantar fasciitis and how is it treated? The plantar fascia is the amazingly strong thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. It supports the arch and helps keep your foot from curling into a ball. Chronic plantar fasciitis is defined as plantar fascia pain experienced for at least 3-6 months without resolution. read more »

Ever dream of running free under a full moon, leading your pack through the wild? That sort of freedom takes four legs and four feet (or paws). Everything changed when we became a vertical species, wobbling around through life on two legs. “Like a forked radish”, said Shakespeare’s Falstaff. The human foot is a marvel of anatomical architecture And the read more »

When your car starts making scary noises, one tempting response is to turn up the radio. Ignore it, give it some time, it will probably go away, right? Unfortunately, this response will often leave you calling a tow truck for a problem that could have been readily fixed, if it had only received prompt attention. The same principle applies to read more »

We’re all aware that being obese, or even just overweight, elevates the risk of incurring all sorts of negative conditions. The effects of obesity on the body include hypertension leading to heart conditions and other cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, sleep apnea, hernias, and respiratory problems. About 34% of the adult US population is obese, while 68% is overweight. It’s read more »

There was a wonderful article in the Boston Globe recently about plantar fasciitis, which seems to be everywhere these days. Beth Teitel, the author and Boston Globe Features Writer did a great job and also featured Dr. Bob Baravarian, assistant clinical professor at the UCLA School of Medicine and co-director of University Foot and Ankle Institute. A spokesman for the read more »

The plantar fascia is a strong web of ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, from your heel bone (calcaneous) to the bones of your toes. It functions as a resilient shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot. What’s Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is the name of the condition that occurs when repetitive overuse of the read more »

In a musty old brick warehouse in the industrial side of town, Raquel yanks her wrist guards over her hands and straps her helmet under her chin. She bends over to lace up her skates, anxiously chomping on the corners of her mouth guard. “Roller derby is a full-contact sport. We wear our protective gear when we’re on skates, and read more »

“Plantar tendonitis” is the cause of severe foot pain that is sweeping the nation. It’s debilitating millions of Americans, people are complaining about it a lot and it’s interfering with patients’ ability to even stand and walk. It’s keeping even the most athletic among us away from the activities they love most. So why aren’t most doctors talking about it? read more »

Since 1995, Americans’ interest in biking has been on the upswing. With the wind whipping through your hair, and nothing but the trail ahead of you, it’s easy to see why biking is becoming more popular than ever. And though almost every age demographic has seen significant hikes in bike rides per year, one population is clearly at the front read more »

Colin, 11, isn’t like the rest of his family. While his sister and brother are happy to read a book or play indoors on the iPad, Colin is always on his feet.  Between flag football, soccer, and field hockey, “there’s no sport he won’t play,” says his Mom. Even the nagging pain in his heels can’t slow him down. “Doctors read more »