Items filtered by date: December 2024

Hammertoes, a deformity where the toe bends upward at the middle toe joint, can cause significant discomfort. When conservative treatments fail, surgery may provide lasting relief. Several surgical options are based on the flexibility of the affected joint, often in the second toe. Tendon transfer surgery is often used for a flexible hammertoe, where tendons are repositioned to straighten the toe and restore balance. For rigid hammertoes, surgery involves cutting tendons and ligaments, sometimes removing part of the bone, and stabilizing the toe with temporary pins. Fusion surgery may also be performed, which removes parts of the joint to allow bones to fuse together, resulting in a straighter, more stable toe. In severe cases, amputation may be considered, but this is rare and typically reserved for extreme pain when no other treatments work. A podiatrist can assess the type and severity of a hammertoe to determine the most appropriate surgical approach to relieve pain and restore foot function. If you are experiencing pain from a hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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.

Pregnancy can bring a range of foot conditions due to the body’s changing hormones, weight distribution, and circulation. Flat feet are common, as the increased weight can cause the arches to flatten, leading to foot pain and discomfort. Swelling, or edema, is another frequent issue, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, as the body retains more fluid, and the growing uterus puts pressure on veins in the legs and feet. Causes of pregnancy-related foot conditions include hormonal changes, extra weight, and changes in posture or gait. Swollen feet and flat arches can lead to pain, fatigue, and difficulty walking. Treatment often includes elevating the feet, wearing supportive shoes, using compression stockings, and performing foot exercises. A podiatrist can provide specialized care, such as custom orthotics for flat feet or advice on managing swelling. If you are experiencing foot pain or swelling during pregnancy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Leonard Talarico, DPM from Georgia. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the 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 needs.

Wearing worn-out running shoes can lead to foot, toe, and ankle problems as a result of inadequate support and cushioning. Over time, the foam and tread in running shoes degrades, reducing their ability to absorb shock and stabilize the foot. This can increase pressure on the arches, contribute to overpronation or underpronation, and lead to conditions like arch pain or Achilles tendon discomfort. Signs of wear include new foot pain, flattened midsoles, or uneven tread patterns. For runners with flat feet or for those who overpronate, worn out shoes can aggravate these structural issues, increasing the risk of foot and other injuries. Experts suggest that active runners replace their shoes every 300 to 500 miles, or approximately every six months. A podiatrist can assess a runner’s foot alignment, gait, and running habits to help them choose appropriate footwear and reduce injury risks. If you are experiencing foot pain after running, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Leonard Talarico, DPM of Georgia. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

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.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. In more severe cases, the area may become infected, with pus or drainage present. The condition often affects the big toe and can make walking or wearing shoes difficult. The most common causes of ingrown toenails are improper nail trimming, wearing tight shoes, or trauma to the toe. Other factors, such as poor foot hygiene, abnormal nail growth, or hereditary factors, can also contribute to the condition. Treatment options for ingrown toenails vary depending on severity. In mild cases, soaking the foot and properly trimming the nail may provide relief. In more severe or recurring cases, a podiatrist may need to perform a procedure to remove part of the nail or realign it to prevent future issues. If you are struggling with an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive expert care and effective treatment.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. 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 are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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.

Ankle fusion surgery, also known as ankle arthrodesis, involves fusing the bones in the ankle to alleviate chronic pain, often caused by severe arthritis. By removing damaged cartilage and stabilizing the bones with screws or other hardware, this surgery eliminates joint movement while reducing pain significantly. However, the resulting lack of joint mobility may affect activities that require flexibility in the ankle. Benefits of ankle fusion surgery include substantial pain relief and potential reduction in the need for pain medications. However, long-term risks include altered gait mechanics, increased stress on surrounding joints, and the possibility of complications like infection or bone healing issues. Also, recovery from fusion surgery often requires weeks of immobilization and exercises to restore strength and functionality. A podiatrist can evaluate whether ankle fusion surgery is suitable for you, guide your recovery, and manage complications or biomechanical adjustments. If you have chronic ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

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 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 office located in Pooler, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.