Items filtered by date: January 2023

The foot condition known as hammertoe is easy to notice. It causes the second or third toe to bend downward at the tip, forcing the toe upward at the middle joint resembling a hammer. It is considered to be a deformity and corns may develop on top of the joint as it rubs against the shoe. Additional symptoms may include swollen toes, pain in the affected joint, and difficulty walking. Practicing toe stretches can be an effective hammertoe exercise. This is done by getting into a runner’s starting position and shifting the body’s weight over the toes. Hold for several seconds while the toes are pressed against the floor. Another exercise is called toe flexion and extension and starts with sitting with the legs straight out. After placing the affected foot over the opposite knee, the toes can be pulled back and pointed as best as possible. This may be difficult to accomplish, depending on the severity of the hammertoe. If you are afflicted with this condition, you must be under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment which may include surgery to permanently straighten the toes.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Rheumatoid arthritis impacts about 1% of the world’s population. Often referred to as RA, rheumatoid arthritis is sometimes referred to as an “invisible disease,” but it is highly visible and can be quite debilitating. Symptoms include joint pain, skin inflammation, and fatigue. It causes swelling, deformity, and even disability. RA is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects joints. It is commonly seen on the joints of the feet. It can begin at any age but usually happens between the ages of 30 and 60. RA is considered an autoimmune disease, meaning one’s body defenses work against their joints like they are foreign bodies instead of being part of them. Because of its autoimmune nature, the affected joints become swollen and painful without trauma. If you have rheumatoid arthritis in your feet, consult a podiatrist who can provide treatment and suggestions that will make living your life more comfortable.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Foot conditions may increase as people grow older. This is often the result of reduced fat pads that act as shock absorbers, possibly leading to plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Additional ailments that affect the feet that are prevalent among the elderly include toenail fungus, arthritis, and hammertoe. These may affect the foot structure and may cause the foot to look deformed. A sense of independence may be compromised, and the feet may develop a reduced range of motion. Many foot conditions in seniors can be remedied by choosing shoes that fit correctly and having routine podiatry visits. A podiatrist can correctly trim the toenails and detect uncomfortable conditions such as Morton’s neuroma, peripheral artery disease, and foot ulcers in diabetic patients. If you have questions about possible conditions that can happen to the feet as the aging process occurs, please confer with a podiatrist who can accurately address any concerns you may have.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Children who frequently participate in sporting activities may be prone to developing Sever’s disease. It is a condition that affects the growth plate in the heel in children and young teenagers, and limping is a noticeable sign. The foot grows to its full size during early puberty and often grows faster than the surrounding tendons and muscles. The foot can become less flexible and can cause extra pressure where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel. A diagnosis that is referred to as the squeeze test is often performed, which is done by squeezing both sides of the heel. Flexibility may be limited, and it may be painful to walk. Effective prevention methods can include having your child wear shoes that have additional cushioning in the heel area, and performing specific stretches that can strengthen the heel. If your active child has heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose Sever’s disease, and offer correct treatment options.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Many different foot afflictions primarily impact a bone in the feet. Cuboid syndrome is one such condition, and it primarily targets the cuboid bone. The cuboid bone is a cube-shaped bone on the outer side of the foot. When it moves out of alignment, this is known as cuboid syndrome. There are several different ways that a medical professional might go about treating cuboid syndrome. One common way is by performing what is known as a “cuboid whip,” which is essentially a manual manipulation of the bone back into alignment. The medical professional can perform this manual procedure by making the patient lie down, relax the leg, and extend the knee while the professional pops the cuboid bone back into place. As a result of this manipulation, the patient might hear some kind of pop sound when the bone shifts back into place. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Mark Isenberg, DPM from Center for Podiatric Excellence. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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