Arthritis
Arthritis is a common, yet painful disease that causes joint inflammation in the body. Though it can affect any joint, many people have arthritis of the foot and ankle, where tiny joints are responsible for supporting the body’s weight and absorbing shock. Arthritis causes the joints to swell and become inflamed, leading to severe pain. Often, a person with advanced stages of arthritis will experience sensations of bone rubbing on bone as the cartilage deteriorates and results in bone spurs. Did you know… there are more than 100 types of arthritis? Many of them can affect the joints of the foot and ankle, causing pain and stiffness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 52 million adults – 1 in 5 – have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis in the U.S. Of them, many suffer from debilitating foot and ankle pain that makes even the simplest everyday tasks like walking or exercising much more complicated. Frequently Asked Questions What causes foot and ankle arthritis? A person can develop foot and ankle arthritis as a result of many different causes or ‘triggers’. For example, osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which the cartilage surrounding a joint slowly wears […]
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Tendonitis
The tendons are special tissues that connect the bones to the muscles. When tendons are put under repetitive stress or suffer a direct injury, they may become inflamed or begin to break down. This can lead to pain and limited mobility in the affected area. Tendonitis can affect nearly any tendon in the body, including the knees, elbow, hips and shoulder. Did you know… the most common risk factor for tendonitis is age? Though the condition can affect anyone, tendonitis is most often found in men and women over the age of 40, as well as athletes who participate in activities like skiing, golfing, tennis or baseball. Some occupations and hobbies, such as gardening, painting and styling hair may also increase the risk factor for developing tendonitis. Frequently Asked Questions What are the symptoms of tendonitis? You may have tendonitis if you experience sudden and severe pain near a tendon caused by an injury. Tendonitis may often cause gradual pain that worsens over time – perhaps due to repetitive motions. Tendonitis in the shoulder may cause a loss of motion, which is also referred to as ‘frozen shoulder’. What should I do if I suspect I have tendonitis? If you […]
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Wound Care / Ulcers
Wounds require special care and attention to ensure a complication-free healing process. If you are wounded – perhaps due to an accident or medical procedure – you need the care of medical professionals trained and experienced in wound treatment and management. A wound care provider will clean your wound and change its dressings, and oversee the healing process from start to finish. This includes monitoring your wound for symptoms or changes that could indicate infection or other healing impediments. Did you know… that more than 6 million people in the U.S. suffer from chronic wounds? There are many factors that can affect wound healing. In addition to infection, some patients may experience slowed rates of wound healing if they suffer from diabetes or otherwise have poor blood flow to the site of the wound. Even some medications – such as anticoagulation agents – can delay the healing process. Frequently Asked Questions Do I need wound care? You may need professional would care if a doctor has referred you to a wound specialist or you otherwise have a wound or sore that has been slow to heal. Most skin wounds should improve significantly within a month and heal completely within two […]
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Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails are nails that have grown into the soft skin that surrounds the nail bed. In many cases, it is the corner of the nail that curves downward into the skin. However, the entire side of the nail may grow into the skin as well. Many ingrown toenails can be resolved at home by frequently soaking the foot in warm water. However, some ingrown nails do not resolve with home remedies and instead require medical attention. Did you know… that ingrown toenails are a very common condition? In fact, 1 in 20 people get one every year. Both genders are susceptible to ingrown toenails, but women are most likely to develop the condition – often due to the strain placed on feet from narrow, pointed, high-heeled shoes. In most cases, it is the big toe affected by an ingrown nail. Frequently Asked Questions How do I know if I need ingrown toenail treatment? You may need to visit an urgent care center if you have severe pain or swelling around one of your toenails. The toe may also be reddened and tender near the ingrown nail. It is important to seek medical attention for an ingrown toenail to ensure […]
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Chronic Ankle Instability
What Is Chronic Ankle Instability? Chronic ankle instability is a condition characterized by a recurring “giving way” of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle. This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains. Usually the “giving way” occurs while walking or doing other activities, but it can also happen when you’re just standing. Many athletes, as well as others, suffer from chronic ankle instability.
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Heel Pain
The heel is the largest bone in the foot and responsible for bearing the weight of the entire body. Many people develop heel pain at some point in their lives, whether on the underside or back of the heel. In most cases, heel pain is not a symptom of a serious underlying health condition. However, it can affect a person’s quality of life, including the ability to stand, walk or exercise without discomfort. Did you know… many conditions that cause heel pain can be avoided by wearing properly fitted shoes? Many people wear the wrong types and sizes of shoes, resulting in crowding and poor foot support. To get the right fit, shop at the end of the day rather than in the morning, and always try on shoes before buying to ensure you have plenty of toe room. Avoid high heels when possible, and look for shoes with an adjustable fit. Frequently Asked Questions What types of conditions can cause heel pain? Heel pain can be caused by many different conditions, some more common than others. Often, patients who visit a podiatrist for heel pain are suffering from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis. However, other conditions can also cause […]
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Ankle Pain
The ankles are complicated joints comprised of several different bones, tendons and ligaments. Together, these components facilitate movement and bear the weight of the entire body. However, ankles are also prone to conditions that cause pain and discomfort. In many cases, ankle pain goes away on its own – especially when it is the result of a minor injury. But sometimes medical intervention is necessary to relieve discomfort and restore mobility. Did you know… Did you know that sprains are the most common cause of ankle pain? In fact, ankle sprains are responsible for more than four out of five ankle injuries. This usually occurs when the foot rolls inward, forcing the ankle to twist toward the ground. Many people experience pain, swelling and bruising caused by tears or inflammation in the underlying ligaments. However, many ankle sprains begin to improve within one to two weeks. Frequently Asked Questions What types of conditions cause ankle pain? Ankle pain may be caused by one of many different conditions. Examples include arthritis, sprains, gout, bone spurs, tendonitis, and fractures. Ankle pain may also be caused by a condition known as ‘flatfeet’, in which the feet are missing arches. When should I see […]
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Sports Foot Injury
An athlete’s feet are under a lot of stress, making them especially susceptible to injury. When athletes push their bodies to perform, they put pressure on the feet. From training to competing, people who actively participate in athletic activity are constantly putting themselves at risk for injury. At our podiatry office, we aim to treat sports foot injuries as quickly and efficiently as possible, helping athletes to recover and return to their usual activities in as little time as possible. Did you know… that the feet must sustain up to 20 times a person’s body weight during certain sports activities? Perhaps that is why approximately 25 percent of all sports-related injuries involve either the foot or ankle. Nearly all sports and activities increase the risk of foot and ankle injuries, including: Basketball Baseball Dance Cheerleading Soccer Track and field races Weight lifting Wrestling Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the most common foot injuries found in athletes? Athletes can injure any part of their feet though certain types of injuries are more prevalent than others. Examples include: Plantar fasciitis Achilles tendonitis Sprains Strains Overuse injuries How do I know if I have a foot injury? Some sports-related foot injuries are […]
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Warts
Warts are growths caused by viruses beneath the skin. They can appear anywhere on the body – including the feet. When warts appear on the soles of the feet, they are known as ‘plantar warts’, which are hard and may even grow inward due to pressure on the heels and balls of the feet. Though foot warts are not a serious health threat, they are often a source of discomfort and embarrassment. Did you know… that plantar warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)? Despite there being more than 100 strains of HPV, foot warts are only caused by a few of them. The virus is usually contracted by walking on contaminated surfaces, where the virus comes in contact with tiny breaks in the skin. You can avoid getting foot warts by wearing shoes when walking in gym locker rooms or near swimming pools. Frequently Asked Questions What are the symptoms of foot warts? Many people mistake foot warts for calluses. Those that grow on the bottom of the feet may be hard, grainy and flat. Warts that grow on other areas of the feet, such as the toes, are typically soft and raised. In many people, foot […]
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