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Items filtered by date: December 2020
Tuesday, 03 August 2021 00:00
6 Possible Causes of Heel Pain
While the most common form of heel pain occurs when the long band of tissue on the sole of the foot becomes damaged or torn (plantar fasciitis), there are other causes of heel pain. Some of them include: heel spurs—calcium deposits that develop on the heel bone after repeated strain on ligaments and muscles, bursitis—swelling of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) which cushions and lubricates the back of the heel, fractures—breaks in the heel bone from a fall or other accident, and Sever’s disease—when the Achilles tendon pulls repeatedly on a growing child’s heel bone growth plate during physical activity, causing irritation in the middle of the heel bone. If you have any kind of pain in your heel, see a podiatrist who can properly diagnose the cause, and treat it appropriately.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor 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 office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 03 August 2021 00:00
Heel Pain
Have you ever gotten up from a chair or out of bed in the morning, and upon taking that first step, feel like your heel has stepped on a tack? Many people experience a feeling of sharp pain which radiates into their arch from their heel and which does not allow them to put their heel on the floor. Sometimes they need to sit back down, stand only on their toes and use the wall for balance. If you can take a few steps, it seems to go away and lessen, allowing you to then resume your activity. Later, throughout your day and after a period of rest, it can happen again. If this sounds familiar you may be suffering from your first attack of heel pain.
Heel pain is a debilitating condition that affects day to day activities. Running and walking both causes stress on the heel because the heel is the part of the foot that hits the ground first. This means that the heel is taking on your entire weight. Diagnosis and treatments for heel pain can be easily found through your podiatrist.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the main causes of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot, from the toe to the bottom of the heel. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of these tissues, resulting in heel pain. People who do not wear proper fitting shoes are often at risk of developing problems such as plantar fasciitis. Unnecessary stress from ill-fitting shoes, weight change, excessive running, and wearing non-supportive shoes on hard surfaces are all causes of plantar fasciitis.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Similar to plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause heel pain due to stress fractures and muscle tearing. A lack of flexibility of the ankle and heel is an indicator of Achilles tendonitis. If left untreated, this condition can lead to plantar fasciitis and cause even more pain on your heel.
Heel Spur
A third cause of heel pain is a heel spur. A heel spur occurs when the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, leading to a separation of the ligament from the heel bone entirely. This results in a pointed fragment of bone on the ball of the foot, known as a heel spur.
Tuesday, 27 July 2021 00:00
Parts of a Running Shoe
If you are a runner looking for the ideal pair of shoes that best fit your specific needs, it may help to have an understanding of the different parts of a running shoe and what they do. The “upper” is any part of the shoe above the sole. When shoe shopping, you should look for shoes with an upper that is smooth and shaped like your foot. The “ankle collar” is the wrap at the top part of the shoe opening. Its function is to hold the heel in place. You should look for an ankle collar that prevents your heel from slipping and sliding and doesn’t irritate the back of your ankle. The “toe box” encompasses the area between the laces and the front of the shoe. Look for a toe box that allows your toes to flex and spread out, without rubbing against it. To learn more about how to find the right running shoes, please consult with a podiatrist.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
- Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
- Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
- Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.
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.
Tuesday, 27 July 2021 00:00
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
Running may seem like a simple to do. However, running is actually a complex movement that puts stress on the ligaments, bones, and joints of the body. Selecting the correct running shoe is important for increasing performance and avoiding risk of injury. Running shoes should be selected based on your foot type. Considerations such as trail versus road shoes are important. Your foot type dictates the degree of cushioning, stability and motion control you require. The most accurate way to learn your foot type is to visit a local shop that specializes in running shoes. Professionals can measure your arch type, stride and gait and help you with your shoe needs.
The design of running shoes is created around the idea of pronation. Pronation is the natural rolling movement of your ankle from the outside to inside when your foot strikes the ground. If you run properly you strike the ground on the outside of your heel and roll in the direction of your big toe before pushing off once more. Pronation is beneficial because it assists the lower half of your body in absorbing shock and storing energy. Those considered neutral runners pronate correctly and do not need running shoes that help correct their form. Neutral runners can choose from a wide variety of shoes, including barefoot or minimal types. However, those who have arch problems or who adopt an incorrect form while running may experience too much or too little pronation. They may require running shoes that offer additional support.
Those who overpronate experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling. Even while standing, those who severely overpronate display ankles that are angled inward. It is not uncommon for them to have flat feet or curved legs. The tendency to overpronate may cause many injuries. Areas that tend to become injured are the knees, ankles, and Achilles tendon. If you find that you have a tendency to overpronate, you should look at shoes that provide extra stability and motion-control. Motion-control shoes are straight and firm. Shoes of this type do not curve at the tip. The restricted flexibility along the middle of the shoe prohibits the foot from rolling too far inward as your foot strikes the ground.
A less common problem is underpronation. Underpronation, also called supination, is when the feet are unable to roll inward during landing. Those who underpronate have feet that lack flexibility and high arches. This prevents any kind of shock absorption, even though it does place less rotational stress on ankles and knees. This added force can cause fractures, ligament tears, and muscle strains because the legs are trying to compensate for the impact. Those who underpronate need shoes with more cushioning and flexibility. If you have a tendency to underpronate, selecting stability or motion-control shoes may cause you more problems by continuing to prevent pronation.
Tuesday, 20 July 2021 00:00
What Is Total Ankle Replacement?
Total ankle replacement is a surgical procedure in which a defective ankle joint is removed and replaced with plastic or metal pieces. This surgery is usually done to combat pain and disability from late-stage ankle arthritis. People with this condition often have such significant joint degeneration that they can barely move their ankle. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the diseased lower part of the shin bone (tibia) and upper part of the foot bone (talus), then replaces them with an artificial joint. Recovery can be a lengthy process. It often takes at least 4 months to return to full activity. Nevertheless, those who undergo the procedure often find that their increased mobility and reduced pain is worth it. To learn more about total ankle replacement please consult with a podiatrist today!
In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?
Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.
Arthritis in the Foot
Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.
Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot
The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.
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.
Tuesday, 20 July 2021 00:00
Joint Replacement Surgery
When conservative, noninvasive treatments prove unsuccessful, podiatrists will often turn to surgery as the last line of treatment for their patients. If patients are suffering from joint pain, issues in mobility, or are seeking to correct a deformity, joint replacement surgery is an effective option. Joint replacement surgery is also successful in treating arthritis, which is the most common cause of improperly working joints.
Patients with symptoms that include joint pain, stiffness, limping, muscle weakness, limited motion, and swelling are typically considered for joint replacement surgery. Range of motion and activity post-surgery will vary between patients and depending on the specific surgery performed, the affected joint, and the damage that will need to be repaired.
Joint replacement surgery replaces the damaged cartilage and bone, the latter if required. The damaged cartilage is typically replaced with a prosthesis that is attached to the bone, allowing the implant to grow into the bone. Following surgery, the patient will typically undergo physical therapy to become familiar with movement using the replaced joint.
Wednesday, 14 July 2021 00:00
Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!
Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!
Tuesday, 13 July 2021 00:00
What Are the Symptoms of an Ingrown Toenail?
The big toe is most commonly affected when an ingrown toenail develops. An ingrown toenail is defined as the nail growing into the skin instead of over it. This can develop for several reasons including a recent toe injury, wearing shoes that do not fit properly, or from trimming the toenails incorrectly. A common symptom of this condition is pain in the big toe and surrounding areas, followed by redness and swelling. Mild relief may be found when the affected toe is soaked in warm water, and this can make it easier to gently pull the skin away from the toenail. It is also beneficial to wear shoes that have ample room for the toes to move freely in, in addition to refraining from putting pressure on the ingrown toenail. If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail it is strongly suggested that you meet 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.
Tuesday, 13 July 2021 00:00
Ingrown Toenail Care
An ingrown toenail is a toenail that grows sideways into the nail bed, causing pain and swelling. Ingrown toenails can worsen and cause drainage, turning into a serious infection.
Several factors affect whether a person is at risk from an ingrown toenail. The many causes include being overweight, diabetes, participating in sports, having a fungal infection of the toe, and cutting your nails too short. Ingrown toenails also have a genetic predisposition, causing some people to be more prone to receive the condition than others. Other causes include improperly fitting shoes and shoes that keep the feet damp.
Ingrown toenails can be preventable with certain measures. For starters, allowing your toe nails to grow slightly longer in length will help prevent them from becoming ingrown. If you have already developed an ingrown toenail, soak the affected toe in warm water. This will alleviate the pain and help prevent an infection from forming. Antibiotic soap or Epsom salts may be added to further help the relieving process and avoid infection. Placing cotton beneath the affected area is also suggested, as this may help the toenail grow upwards and not into the nail bed. Swelling and redness can be reduced by resting with your feet elevated.
A podiatrist should be seen if the pain becomes so serious that it prevents you from doing your everyday activities. If a red streak running up your leg appears or if you suspect your infection has spread, contact a podiatrist immediately. Fast treatments can be undertaken to lessen your pain and have you walking comfortably.
An ingrown toenail can be easily treated with a Band-Aid. Simply wrap the affected toe with a Band-Aid to prevent infection and keep the nail from growing out at a painful angle.
In more serious cases, your podiatrist may decide to make a small incision to remove a portion of your toenail. To prevent the nail from growing back, medication will be placed directly into the nail bed. This procedure would be performed under local anesthesia and is a faster method to alleviate discomfort from an ingrown toenail. Post-procedure directions will have you stay off the affected foot for a day. Afterwards, normal activities can be resumed.
Tuesday, 06 July 2021 00:00
Elevating the Feet May Help Nighttime Ankle Pain
The function of the ankle is to connect the foot with the leg. Ankle pain can occur after incurring an injury and this can cause severe pain and discomfort. Intense pain can be a result of torn ligaments that link the bones together. Some patients even experience nighttime ankle pain, which can come from bruising and swelling. Existing medical conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, can possibly be a factor in developing ankle pain at night. This ailment can cause numbness and tingling sensations, and it can be difficult to walk. Additionally, a pinched nerve inside the heel or ankle may contribute significantly to severe ankle pain. Mild relief may be felt when the feet are elevated while sleeping, and it often helps to wear shoes that fit correctly. Ankle pain can be bothersome regardless of its source. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat ankle pain.
Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be 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
- 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.
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