Blog Archive

Goals of the night splint: Ability to apply gentle stretch to the plantar fascia and achilles tendon. Limit the excessive movements of the foot and ankle. Purpose of the night splint: This medical durable equipment will make sure that the foot and ankle remain in a neutral position. The night...

What is a CAM WALKER (e.g Walking Boot)?  It is a speacial shoe that provides significant medical benefits and helps to speed up the healing process as well.  What are some reasons to wear a walking boot? The walking boot protects the foot and ankle from different kinds of injuries...

What causes nerve damage? Peripheral neuropathy: this condition causes damage to the nerves that are located in the legs and feet.  Hormonal imbalanace Vitamin deficiency  Injuries Arthtritis Tarsal tunnel syndrome Diabetes Environmental elements The vast majority of nerve damage is due to diabetes causing persistent tingling or numbing sensation.  We,...

What are common symptoms? Pain on the bottome of heel bone Red or purple bruising  What can cause a brusied heel? Repetitive pounding of the foot  Wearing loose fitting shoes  Walking or running on hard surface  Stepping on hard stone Diagnosis: Physical examination by preferred podiatrist Xray Treatment: Prescribe anti-inflammatory...

As people get older, joint damage is more frequent and prevalent causing pain or swelling that can lead to different conditions affecting the foot or ankle.  Conditions linked to joint pain in foot or ankle:  Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis  Ligament/ tendon rupture or strain Gout Persistent strain  What are some common...

A tendon rupture is an injury that affects the back of your lower leg. It mainly occurs in people playing recreational sports. Common symptoms: Pain Swelling near the heel Inability to stand on injured leg and foot Popping or snapping sound when injury occured What can cause a ruptured tendon?...

When injuries occur it is important for these ligaments to heal appropriately so that chronic pain and instability do not develop. This is very important in young teenagers and athletes who want to participate in sports. Common signs and symptoms: Mild to moderate swelling in and around the ankle. Mild...

Most children's feet gradually straighten as they grow older and their walking and running abilities improve.  What causes in-toeing? Curved feet (metatarsus adductus) is usually present at birth. Twisted shin is common among children ages between 1-3 years old. Twisted thighbone is common among children ages between 3-8 years old....

What can cause an infected toe? Cut the nail too short May be an ingrown nail Nail may have fungus  Calluses can cause rubbing against the toenail  Exposure to a lot of moisture  Common symptoms: Redness Soreness or pain  Pus-filled blisters Thickened or yellow toenail (indicating fungus) Diagnosis: physical examination...

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Common symptoms:  Tender, warm swollen joints Joint stiffness Fatigue  What can cause rheumatoid arthritis? This condition is an autoimmune disease where one's own immune system begins attacking healthy...

Surgical procedures depend on the severity of the bunion, age, health, and activity level as well.  Types of procedures:  Mild bunion: Requires removal of enlarged portion of the bone and realign muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the joint.  Moderate bunion: Requires cutting the bone and shifting it back to nuetral...

Heel spurs commonly start in the front of and underneath your heel. They eventually affect other parts of your foot and can get up to half an inch in length. Common symptoms:  pain inflammation swelling at the front of your heel What can cause heel spurs? Usually, heel spurs are...

Crossover toe is a common condition that can occur at any age. Many confuse crossover toe with a hammertoe because both conditions involve a toe that is not in a normal position. What can cause a crossover toe? Injury  Excessive amount of weight-bearing pressure Common symptoms:  Pain Swelling in affected...

Sciatica commonly occurs when a herniated disk or a bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine compresses ( or 'pinches') part of the nerve. This pinching can cause sharp pain, inflammation, and even numbness.  Common symptoms:  Radiating pain  Muscle weakness Numbness Burning sensation Discomfort when walking or...

Friction is one of main and most common reasons why most foot blisters develop. Other common causes: Fungal infections Bacterial infections Allergic reaction  Chemical Exposure  Sun exposure  Risk factors:  Standing or walking for a long period of time Tight shoewear  Diagnosis:  Physical examination by preferred podiatrist Teatment:  Clean and disinfect...

This condition can develop at any age and can occur is on or both feet as well. What can cause high-arched feet? Neurological disorders Other medical conditions (e.g cerebral palsy, polio, stroke) Inherited abnormality  Common symptoms:  Pain when standing or walking Unstable foot  Calluses on the ball, side, or heel...

What causes fallen arches? An abnormality present from birth stretched or tore tendons Inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon Broken bone Other health conditions What can increase risk of fallen arch? Obesity Diabetes Pregnancy  Aging Symptoms: Feet tire easily Painful or achy feet  Bottoms of feet become swollen Foot movement...

 A talar dome lesion is an injury to the cartilage and underlying bone of the talus within the ankle joint. These kinds of lesions are usually caused by an injury, such as an ankle sprain. Common signs or symptoms? Chronic pain deep in the ankle Occasional clicking in the ankle...

Stress fractures are common in foot and ankle bones because people continually place force on their feet by standing, walking, running and jumping.  What causes a stress fracture? Practicing incorrect training or sport technique  Doing repetitive activity in high-impact sports such as basketball, tennis, dance, gymnastics. Wearing improper footwear  Low...

Foot ulcers or open sores affect almost 85 percent of diabetic patients, however, these wounds can be preventable to avoid amputations and worsening of symptoms.  What causes foot uclcers? Paitents using insulin are at higher risk of getting these kinds of wounds. Being overweight and substance abuse can increase the...

This toe deformity is often a result of nerve damage caused by diseases like diabetes and alcoholism , which can weaken the muscles in your foot. Worsening of symptoms and permanent damage if condition goes untreated.  Common Symotoms:  Toes are bent upward from the joints at the ball of the...

Damage of the tibial nerve usually occurs when the nerve is compressed due to consistent pressure. Common symptoms: sharp, shooting pains pins and needles an electric shock burning What causes Tarsal Tunnel Symdrome? Severly flat feet Varicose veins  Inflammation from arthritis  Injures or truama (ex. ankle sprains) Diabetes Diagnosis: Examination...

Sesamoid bones are within the tendon that help the range of motion of the tendons that control the big toe. Sesamoid bones are subjected to massive pressure and forces.  What causes sesamoiditis? This foot condition develops when the small bones are repeatedly irritated and injured due to overuse and trauma....

There are many cases among children and teenagers that experience pains in their lower extremities that may cause malalignment problems as well.  What causes these growing pains? Flat feet or feet that point to the outside  Children who are knock-kneed  Tight muscles or muscle tiredness Poor posture What are common...

Several types of arthritis can cause a lot of pain in your feet and ankles. Overtime this condition can worsen and lead to a more severe case.  Different types of arthrities that can affect the feet and ankles? Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Gout  Psoriatic Arthritis Post-traumatic Arthritis  Common Symptoms: Tenderness in...

Performing daily activities and errands bear stress and strains on our feet and nails as well. Portions of the nail can be damaged when too much stress, strain, or trauma is placed upon the nail bed.  What causes nail disorders?  Improper trimming Repetitive trauma Minor injuries Genetic What are some...

The ligaments help hold the bones together, stabalize ankle position, and provides a range of motion. Injury to the ligaments can take a long time to heal and limit the range of motion of the foot.  Symptoms:  Pain, especially when your put weight on the affected ankle and foot.  Tenderness...

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that can worsen over time and can also be linked to individuals that use high-heeled shoes as well.  Common Symptoms: A burning sensation at the ball of the foot and may radiate around the toes Tingling or numbing in the toes Sharp or stinging...

Causes: wear tight-fitting shoes Keep feet wet for long periods of time Sweating a lot within socks or shoes Walking in public areas such as locker rooms, saunas, and swimming pools Symptoms: Scaly red rash Itchiness Burning or stinging pain Blisters  Diagnosis/Treatment: Examination by perferred podiatrist Skin culture  Send skin...

This condition is the overuse of the tissue that connects the the calf muscles of the back of the lower leg to the heel bone. Symptoms: Mild ache pain in the back of the lower leg Stiffness or sensitivity in the morning Pain may increase during running, walking up stairs,...

Dry and cracked heels commonly results from diabetes and also is affected by nerve damage that may prevent patients from knowing they have dry or cracked feet and legs.  What medical causes can lead to dry and cracked heels?  Fungal infection Psoriasis Aging Obesity Diabetes Common symptoms: Flaky skin Itching...

Plantar faciitis commonly causes stabbing pain in affected area that may be frequent among athetes, overweight individuals, and individuals that wear inadequate footwear.  Common symptoms: Stabbing pain Inflammation Throbbing sensation Risk Factors that can worsen condition: Obesity Certain types of exercises  Foot mechanics Age  Diagnosis & Treatment options:  Examination by...

The circulatory system can be negatively affected from lack of physical activity, sitting for long periods of time, not stretching throughout the day, and obesity as well. Signs of poor circulation: Muscle pain stiffness or weakness Numbness or crampness in the legs Sometimes, poor blood circulation in the feet and...

Symptoms: Corn Vs. Calluses Thick, rough skin around the affected area  Raised bumps Tenderness or pain under the skin Corns are usually smaller than calluses and are painful when pressed; While calluses are rarely painful and ususally develop under the heel or balls of the feet.  What causes corns or...

There are different ways to injure the bone and joint area: causing stress beyond the strength of the bone and joints, if only ligaments give way and tear it is known as 'sprained ankle,' and if the bone gives way and tear then it means that you might have fractured...

What causes bunions? Overpronation Hypermobility Foot Injuries Tight-wearing shoes that may increase symptoms  Types fo Arthritis What are some common symptoms? Pain and soreness  Numbness Burning sensation Redness Stiffness of the affected toe Some complication may rise from these structural probems in the bone. Some may experience reduce mobility in...

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail starts to grow into the skin srrounding the nail. Common physical signs are redness, swelling, pain, drainage, and may cause infection as well. Treating ingrown nails as soon as possible can prevent worsening symptoms.  Diagnosis:  Evaluation from perferred podiatrist Examination of...

How do you know if you have experienced a sports injury? If you hurt youself after any sport or exercising, you may feel immediate pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, or stiffness. Usually the individual will begin to feel or see symptoms hours after the exercsing or playing sports.  What causes a...

Plantar warts are caused by coming in direct contact with HPV virus. The HPV virus is commonly known to cause warts in other parts of the body as well. This virus can enter the body through minor cuts and breaks at the bottom of the feet. They become hard and...

The arch in the foot provide support to the step and help to accurately distribute the body weight across the feet and legs. Using effective support to minimize stress on the arch of the foot. Individuals with flat feet tend to roll over more to the inner side of their foot...

There is no definite answer as to why or how diabetes is caused in an individual. There are many factors that may play a role in the development of diabetes such as genetics, bacterial infection, blood sugar levels, and obesity. Although, many of us know there is no cure for...

Gout is usually caused by a condition known as hyperuricermia, where there is too much uric acid being produced. Typically, the body will make uric acid to break down purine, which is a molecule found in foods consumed such as beer, red meats, or seafood. Common symptoms are joint pain,...

The cause of plantar faciitis is commonly related to flat feet, overly-arched feet, or foot deformities. Individuals affected with this condition can have significant limitations in activities of daily living, exercise, and work-related activities. This condition can be resolved through non-surgical or surgical treatment.  Symptoms:  Pain on the bottom of...

Nail Fungus can develop in people at any age. Most fungus infections can derive from moist or wet areas such as the gym or swimming pools; contaminated nail clippers from nail salons, and sport activities most commonly known as athletes foot.  Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of fungal...

Custom Molded orthotics replace the insoles in any shoe wear. They provide more comfort and support.    Who would benefit from Custom Molded Orthotics:   1) Diabetics- prevent wounds 2) Athletes- running marathons, sport injuries, all kinds of sports that require high impact or a lot of activity 3) Heel...

Telemedicine is use of video conferencing, sending images for diagnosis and it is real time interactive services. Telephone visits are clinical exchanges that occur via telephone between the provider and the patient. During the times of COVID -19 these are great services to take advantage of. There is no need...