Items filtered by date: November 2020

A plantar fibroma is a noncancerous or benign growth in the arch of the foot that slowly grows over time. It develops on the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. A fibroma appears as a small bump typically less than an inch in size, and can occur in one or both feet. Often, a plantar fibroma does not cause symptoms. However, a fibroma can cause pain and discomfort if it grows in size, and it may be especially painful if pressure is applied to the area. Some experts say genetics play a factor, but it is not clear what exactly causes plantar fibroma or why, there’s no known way to prevent its occurrence. If you suspect that you have a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Irritation of the growth plate on the heel can occur in young and teenaged children from participating in running and jumping activities. This is a condition that is referred to as Sever’s disease, and it can cause severe pain and discomfort. Childhood and adolescence is a time of life when the bones in the leg can grow faster than the muscles and tendons, possibly causing heel conditions. Some of the symptoms that can be associated with Sever’s disease include heel pain after arising in the morning and difficulty walking and running. It is suggested that your child stop the activity that may have caused this condition, and mild relief may be found when specific stretches are performed. If you notice that your child is limping or complaining of heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat Sever’s disease.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Pain in the ankles can have a variety of causes that range from a sprain or fracture to conditions such as arthritis. Ankle pain can also present itself with different symptoms such as burning, aching or throbbing pain that is either sudden or increases gradually, and ankle bruising or redness. If you are unsure of the cause of your ankle pain, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist. Other reasons to see a podiatrist include a deformity in the ankle, inability to comfortably walk, pain that occurs at night, pain that lasts more than a few days, swelling, an inability to bend the ankle, or if you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or warm skin. Upon visiting a podiatrist the doctor will perform a physical exam, and an X-ray or other tests may be taken to obtain a proper diagnosis. After the source of pain is found, proper treatment methods can begin.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor 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 office located in Pooler, GA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are a joint misalignment that occur as bony bumps at the base of the big toe, and they can be extremely painful. Bunions tend to form over time and cause the big toe to bend towards the other toes. Bunions can be caused by pressure on the forefoot, wearing poorly fitted shoes, including high heels, or trauma to the foot. Biomechanical factors such as overpronation of the foot can also lead to bunions. Treating a bunion will involve reducing pain and correcting any biomechanical issues. While orthotics are often recommended, surgery may be needed for more severe cases. If you are suffering from a bunion, consult with a podiatrist for proper treatment. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

• Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
• Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation
• Pain and tenderness
• Callus or corns on the bump
• Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

The condition that is referred to as ingrown toenails is quite a common ailment. It occurs as a result of the outer edges of the toenail growing into the surrounding skin. The big toe is often affected when this condition develops, and it may happen for several reasons. These can consist of genetic factors, certain medical conditions, and wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Patients who are diabetic or who have poor circulation, may be prone to developing ingrown toenails. Some of the symptoms that are associated with ingrown toenails can include tenderness around the affected toe, swelling, and in severe cases, a discharge may be evident. Possible prevention techniques can include trimming the toenails correctly, and wearing shoes and socks that fit properly.  If you are afflicted with an ingrown toenail or seem to have reoccurring ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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