Items filtered by date: July 2024

Tuesday, 30 July 2024 00:00

What Can Cause Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of this tissue, can stem from various biomechanical factors. Problems like an abnormal lower leg structure, limited ankle movement, and inward or outward heel or foot angles can strain the plantar fascia. These abnormalities can alter foot mechanics, leading to excessive tension and micro-tears in the fascia. Symptoms include sharp heel pain, especially after prolonged periods of standing or walking, which tends to improve with rest but worsens upon resuming activity. Early morning stiffness and tenderness in the heel or arch are also common. Addressing these biomechanical issues through proper footwear, orthotics, stretching exercises, and avoiding excessive strain on the feet can help to  manage symptoms and prevent recurrence of this ailment. If you have been afflicted by plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer you various effective treatment methods.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Having high arches in your feet
  • Other foot issues such as flat feet
  • Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
  • Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

  • Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 23 July 2024 00:00

Managing Your Flat Feet

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. While some individuals have flat feet from childhood, others may develop them later in life. A primary cause of flat feet is genetics. If your parents or grandparents had flat feet, there is a higher likelihood of inheriting the condition. Additionally, injuries or stress to the feet's tendons and ligaments or standing for long periods of time can lead to flat feet. Symptoms may include foot pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to reconstruct the arches. To accurately diagnose the extent of flat feet and determine what the most effective treatment plan is, it is important to consult a podiatrist. They can provide expert assessment, recommend appropriate interventions like custom orthotics, and ensure ongoing management to alleviate symptoms and improve foot function. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized care and relief from flat feet.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

  • Pain around the heel or arch area
  • Trouble standing on the tip toe
  • Swelling around the inside of the ankle
  • Flat look to one or both feet
  • Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Flat Feet
Tuesday, 16 July 2024 00:00

What Does Diabetic Limb Salvage Mean?

Diabetic limb salvage is a medical approach focused on preventing amputations in patients with diabetes. Diabetes can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, particularly in the lower extremities, increasing the risk of severe infections and ulcers. Limb salvage involves a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at healing these ulcers, improving blood flow, and managing infections. This multidisciplinary approach includes wound care, surgical interventions, and lifestyle modifications to control blood sugar levels and enhance overall foot health. The goal is to preserve the patient's limbs, improve quality of life, and prevent the devastating impact of amputation. Timely intervention and continuous care are essential to the success of diabetic limb salvage, emphasizing the importance of regular medical check-ups and early treatment of any foot issues in diabetic patients. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can evaluate your condition, and educate you about methods that may help to avoid amputation.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Diabetic Limb Salvage
Tuesday, 09 July 2024 00:00

Foot Blisters May Be Linked to Diabetes

Diabetic foot blisters are a concerning complication for people managing diabetes, primarily due to nerve damage and poor circulation. Friction blisters often occur in diabetics with neuropathy, where the lack of pain sensation leads to unnoticed skin rubbing and blister formation. One type of blister specific to diabetes can appear spontaneously and without inflammation, while posing a high risk for secondary infections. Certain fungal infections also contribute to blister formation, especially in warm, moist areas, such as between the toes. A podiatrist plays an essential role in managing these complications by providing regular foot exams and identifying early signs of blister formation. This foot doctor also can educate patients on proper foot care practices to prevent blisters, such as choosing suitable footwear and maintaining good hygiene. For fungal infections, a podiatrist can prescribe effective antifungal medications and monitor the healing process. If you are experiencing diabetic foot blisters, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

  • Bubble of skin filled with fluid
  • Redness
  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Blisters

Constant care and regular evaluation are important for a foot or ankle fracture. If left untreated, foot or ankle fractures can worsen over time and create more serious problems.

Don't wait to be examined if you believe you've experienced a foot or ankle fracture.

Tuesday, 02 July 2024 02:00

Causes of Ankle Pain in Runners

Ankle pain, which plagues many runners, stems from the repetitive stress placed on the joints with every step. Runners take approximately 1,700 steps per mile, each one contributing to the cumulative strain on their ankles. The primary causes of ankle pain in runners include ankle sprains, strains, tendonitis, and stress fractures. Ankle sprains involve stretched or torn ligaments, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving the ankle. Strains, which are injuries to the tendons, can cause pain, muscle spasms, and cramping. Tendonitis, the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, is often triggered by overuse, wearing improper footwear, repetitive motion, and conditions like low arches or flat feet. Symptoms can include a dull ache, tenderness, and limited swelling. Stress fractures, which are tiny cracks in the bones caused by repetitive force and overuse, can result from excessive mileage, in addition to sudden increases in running distance and changes in running surfaces. Symptoms include worsening pain that diminishes with rest and limited swelling. If you are experiencing ankle pain from running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Complete Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Bellefontaine, OH and Springfield, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Ankle Pain

Connect With Us

scroll to top