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A New Year Shouldn’t Start With Pain The beginning of a new year often comes with fresh goals—being more active, feeling healthier, and getting back to routines you enjoy. But heel pain can quickly get in the way. When every step hurts, even small tasks can feel frustrating. Heel pain is one of the most common foot issues treated by podiatrists. Many people try to ignore it or hope it will go away on its own, but without proper care, heel pain often lingers or gets worse over time. Why Heel Pain Happens Heel pain can develop for several reasons, and it often builds gradually. One of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the tissue supporting the arch of the foot becomes inflamed. Other causes may include strain on the Achilles tendon, wearing shoes without proper support, or spending long hours on your feet. Pain is often most noticeable in the morning or after long periods of rest. While it may ease as you move around, it tends to return and can worsen without treatment. Common Conditions Linked to Heel Pain While heel pain feels similar for many people, the underlying cause can vary. Some of the most common conditions include: Plantar fasciitis Heel spurs Achilles tendon irritation Overuse or repetitive strain injuries Identifying the exact cause is key to getting the right treatment and long-term relief. Why Early Treatment Matters Ignoring heel pain can lead to changes in the way you walk. Over time, this can place added stress on your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. What starts as foot pain can turn into discomfort throughout your body. Seeing a podiatrist early can help prevent these issues and reduce recovery time. Most heel pain can be treated without surgery when addressed promptly. How a Podiatrist Can Help A podiatrist specializes in foot and ankle care and can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment may include stretching exercises, custom orthotics, footwear guidance, or other therapies designed to reduce pain and inflammation. With the right approach, many patients begin to feel relief and regain mobility. Step Into the New Year With Confidence Heel pain does not have to define your year. With proper care and treatment, you can move more comfortably and get back to doing the things you enjoy. If heel pain is holding you back, schedule a visit with a podiatrist and take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free new year.

These eight experienced physicians bring a deep commitment to patient care, surgical expertise, and community engagement across the Kansas City region. (Top row, left to right): – Dr. Mark Green – Graduate of Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine; residency at Park Lane Medical Center in Kansas City – Dr. Stephanie Jameson Residency at Loyola University Medical Center / Edward Hines VA in Chicago – Dr. Erin Lewis – Graduate of Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine; residency in South Florida – Dr. John Riley – Graduate of Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine; residency at the Cleveland Foot Clinic (Bottom row, left to right): – Dr. Brian Ware – Graduate of College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines; residency at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City – Dr. Jason Anderson – Fellowship-trained, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon – Dr. Michael Johnson – Graduate of Des Moines University; residency in Rockford, Illinois – Dr. Estefan Herrera – Graduate of Des Moines University; residency in Brooklyn, New York This marks another important milestone for USFAS, the nation’s largest podiatry group, now with over 300 doctors across more than 200 locations in 22 states. We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional team to USFAS and to continue expanding access to high-quality foot and ankle care across Missouri.

US Foot & Ankle Specialists is excited to continue our growth with the recent acquisition of Premier Foot & Ankle, expanding our presence with a podiatry office in Troy, Ohio.   Dr. Michelle Achor is a graduate of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago and completed her residency at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Toledo, Ohio.   Dr. Christine Morgan also earned her degree from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago and completed her residency at the Dayton VA Medical Center.   We are proud to welcome Dr. Achor, Dr. Morgan, and the Premier Foot & Ankle team to the USFAS family as we continue our mission of delivering exceptional foot and ankle care to communities across the country.

Give the Gift of Comfort This Holiday Season — Custom Orthotics Make a Great Christmas Gift December is the season of giving, and there’s no better gift than comfort. If you’re looking for something meaningful, helpful, and long-lasting, custom orthotics are a great choice. They support the feet, improve balance, and make everyday activities easier and more comfortable. Why Orthotics Make a Great Gift Many people struggle with foot pain, tired feet, or discomfort when walking or standing. Custom orthotics can help by: – Reducing foot, heel, and arch pain – Providing better alignment and support – Improving comfort during work, exercise, and daily routines – Helping prevent future foot problems They are a thoughtful gift for anyone—especially those who stay on their feet all day, enjoy being active, or dealing with ongoing foot issues. How Our Team Can Help Our podiatry team offers: – Custom Orthotic Fittings tailored to your foot shape and needs – Foot Evaluations to identify pain points and pressure areas – Supportive Shoe Recommendations for everyday comfort – Ongoing Care for long-term foot health Give Comfort This Christmas If you’re searching for a gift that truly helps someone feel better, custom orthotics are a smart and meaningful choice. Contact our office to schedule an appointment or learn more about how orthotics can bring comfort all year long.

USFAS Expands Footprint Across Missouri & Kansas! We’re excited to share that Family Foot Care has joined US Foot & Ankle Specialists (USFAS) — expanding our footprint in Concord, North Carolina.  USFAS is proud to be the nation’s largest podiatry group, with 300+ doctors across 200+ locations in 22 states coast to coast, all working together to deliver exceptional foot and ankle care to our communities. Meet the Doctors Dr. Kevin McDonald – Graduate of California College of Podiatric Medicine – Residency completed in Corona, CA Dr. Jon Lyerly – Graduate of Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine- Residency completed at Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, PA  We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. McDonald and Dr. Lyerly — two passionate providers dedicated to keeping their patients active, healthy, and on their feet.

USFAS Expands Footprint Across Missouri & Kansas! US Foot & Ankle Specialists (USFAS) is proud to announce its continued growth with the acquisition of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers bringing six new podiatry offices to our network in:   – Missouri: Kansas City, Liberty, Gladstone – Kansas: Leawood, Lansing, Lenexa   This expansion strengthens our ability to deliver expert foot and ankle care throughout the Midwest while welcoming a deeply respected and experienced team of physicians into the USFAS family.   Meet the Doctors: – Dr. Thomas Boldry – Graduate of the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, residency at J.L. Pettis Memorial Hospital in Loma Linda, CA – Dr. James Good – Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine; residency at Mt. Sinai Medical Center & St. Vincent Charity Hospital – Dr. Paul Gorby – Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine; residency at St. Vincent Charity Hospital– Dr. Matthew Nielsen – Des Moines University; residency at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital – Dr. Todd Nielsen – Des Moines University; residency at Truman Medical Center Lakewood– Dr. Alex Sabers – Des Moines University; residency at Truman Medical Center Lakewood   Their combined expertise covers a broad spectrum of podiatric specialties—from surgical care to biomechanics and aligns with our mission to deliver Best in Class care to every patient, every step of the way.   Please join us in welcoming this outstanding team to the USFAS network!   #USFAS #BestInClass #Podiatry #HealthcareExpansion #KansasCity #MissouriHealthcare #KansasHealthcare #FootAndAnkleCare #Podiatrists #MedicalGrowth

USFAS Expands in Missouri with Heartland Podiatry US Foot & Ankle Specialists (USFAS) is proud to announce its continued growth in the Midwest with the addition of Heartland Podiatry—bringing two well-established podiatry offices in Independence and Lee’s Summit, Missouri into the USFAS network.   The talented Heartland team brings years of experience and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.   Meet the physicians: – Dr. Ryan Frank – Graduate of Scholl College in Chicago; completed his residency at Medical Center of Independence– Dr. Jackie Pyle – Earned her degree from Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery; residency at Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System– Dr. Melanie Gonzalez – Graduate of Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery; residency at SSM Health Depaul Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri   This expansion reflects our mission to deliver Best in Class foot and ankle care in more communities across Missouri.   Please join us in welcoming the Heartland Podiatry team to USFAS. #USFAS #HealthcareExpansion #MissouriPodiatry #FootAndAnkleCare #Podiatrists #BestInClass

USFAS Expands in New Hampshire with Nagy Footcare US Foot & Ankle Specialists (USFAS) is proud to welcome Nagy Footcare to our growing network—expanding our presence into Portsmouth, New Hampshire. With this acquisition, we are continuing our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible foot and ankle care to more communities throughout the Northeast.   Dr. Brian Nagy, founder of Nagy Footcare, brings years of clinical experience and dedication to patient-centered care.   – He earned his degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   We’re excited to have Dr. Nagy and his team join the USFAS family as we continue to deliver Best in Class care every step of the way. #USFAS #HealthcareExpansion #NewHampshirePodiatry #FootAndAnkleCare #PodiatryNetwork #BestInClass