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April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

Symptoms and Causes of Morton’s Neuroma

Pain in the ball of the foot, sometimes described as having a stone in the bottom of the shoe, is generally a symptom of Morton’s neuroma. This benign condition is the result of extra nerve tissue growing between the third and fourth toes of the foot. Simply putting weight on the foot when standing or walking can set off the nerve pain from Morton’s neuroma. Among the contributing factors leading to Morton’s neuroma are wearing high-heeled shoes with narrow toe boxes and playing sports for extended periods. Not surprisingly, cases of Morton’s neuroma are more likely to be found in women between 40 and 70 years old. On the other hand, most men with this condition are under 30 years old. Symptoms include pain in the ball of the foot, a burning and tingling pain in the nearby toes, and feeling like a sock is bunched up inside the shoe. Changes to footwear and massaging the affected area can help to alleviate the pain. In more severe cases, a surgical solution may be necessary. If you believe you have Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis before deciding on treatment options.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

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Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

Foot Pain and Skateboarding

While skateboarding can be a fun activity, it can also be hard on the feet and cause foot pain. Among other things, reasons for this might include that shoes are too tight, flat feet that can cause arch and heel pain, or jumping, landing, or doing skateboarding tricks can cause foot or ankle fractures. Ways to prevent foot pain while skateboarding start with wearing skate shoes that are properly fitted and supportive footwear.  Wearing protective gear that pads joints, stretching and warming up muscles before beginning the activity, and improving technique are also ways to prevent foot pain. If you would like more information about protecting your feet and ankles while skateboarding, or if you have injured yourself in this activity, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for advice or treatment. 

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Plantar Fasciosis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

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Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

Women Are More at Risk for Heel Pain

Studies show that women experience heel pain more frequently than men. Wearing high heels is thought to be the number one cause of heel pain in women. This leaves them more at risk for developing plantar fasciitis, the main complaint of which is heel pain. The band of tissue that runs beneath the foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed resulting in pain. However, other types of footwear common among women can also contribute to heel pain. Among them are shoes of any type that have a narrow toe box and pointy toes. Changing to footwear that properly supports the foot is one sure way to lower the risk of heel pain. Try to limit the height of heels to 1.5 inches, and check footwear for ample cushioning, arch support, and flexibility in the sole. In addition, starting a regular routine of foot stretches can help relieve tightness in the arch and heel. In some cases, special orthotic inserts for the shoes can diminish pain in the heels. For any type of heel pain that impedes your daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam to determine the cause and prescribe custom orthotics if needed.  

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Various Causes of Ankle Pain

The ankle joint is a complex structure involving bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that work together to help you walk, stand, run, and jump. When any one of these elements becomes injured, you may experience mild, moderate, or severe ankle pain, depending on the cause. When the ankle becomes stiff, making it difficult to walk, the pain usually involves a sprain, a strain, or an inflamed tendon. Such stiffness may also be caused by arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. A swollen ankle can be caused by several conditions, including arthritis, blood clots, or pregnancy. Heart and kidney disease can also result in a buildup of fluid in the ankles. A crunching or grinding sound in the ankle, termed crepitus, is most commonly caused by a bone spur or by hardened or brittle ligaments. This is often the result of arthritis and is more common among seniors. General weakness or instability in the ankles may be caused by overuse or from a previous injury. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer 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 Family Foot Care. 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 tendinitis
  • 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 Valatie and Albany, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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