Super User

Super User

Wednesday, 20 April 2022 00:00

Several Forms of Ankle Pain

Ankle pain can be sharp or dull depending on the type of injury that has occurred. While some patients experience pain from ankle sprains or strains, ankle pain may stem from arthritis as well. An Achilles tendon injury can cause severe ankle pain, and this can happen due to an injury that overstretched this strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Symptoms of a fractured ankle can include swelling surrounding the ankle, and it is often difficult to walk. Soft tissue damage can come from an ankle sprain or strain and can cause significant pain. Additionally, a medical condition known as gout can also cause ankle pain, and it is necessary to seek immediate treatment. If you have ankle pain for any reason, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Ankle Pain

When you feel pain in the ball of the foot it could be a sign of metatarsalgia. This condition can have several causes, some more simple to correct than others. For instance, in some cases just changing your footwear from high-heeled shoes to flatter heels, therefore reducing the pressure on the ball of the foot, can help. Many runners develop metatarsalgia from overuse, caused by running longer distances more often. Sports that involve jumping may also bring about this injury. Being overweight, having a hammertoe or bunion that affects your gait, or having stiffness in the ankle or Achilles tendon, can also cause more stress on the metatarsal bones. The pain generated by metatarsalgia usually starts gradually and gets worse the more you stand, walk, run, or further aggravate the foot. A podiatrist can examine your foot with X-rays or other imaging tests, make a proper diagnosis, and suggest treatment options depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the pain. If you are struggling with pain in the ball of your foot it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with your local podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 18 January 2022 00:00

Ways to Treat Your Feet With Care as You Age

Sometimes we tend to take our feet for granted. But as we get older, the need for proper foot care increases, especially as it becomes more difficult to reach the feet and toes. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to give your feet the attention they so well deserve. One way is to soak your feet in Epsom salts for about 10 minutes. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Next, treat your feet to lotion or cream to keep them from drying out and cracking, as that may lead to sores and infection. Keep the toenails trimmed straight across to avoid the formation of ingrown toenails, which can be painful and possibly become infected. Wear comfortable and stable shoes that have non-slip soles and provide good support. Be sure to examine your toes and feet often and look for any changes to the skin, such as blisters, corns or calluses. Most importantly, if you experience pain in the feet or toes, be sure to make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination and possible treatment options.

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.

Read more about Elderly and their Feet
Tuesday, 26 October 2021 00:00

Where Does Your Foot Hurt?

There are a variety of bones, ligaments and tendons in the foot, and any condition that affects these can be very painful. Foot pain can ruin daily life and become very complicated. Depending on the area of the foot that hurts, a variety of different injuries may be considered. Heel pain, which is one of the most debilitating forms of foot pain, is often a sign of heel spurs or plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissues along the bottom of the foot). Conditions such as sesamoiditis, metatarsalgia, or Morton’s neuroma, which is a thickening of tissues around the nerves, can lead to pain in the ball of the foot. Patients who are experiencing pain in the arch of the foot may be suffering from flat feet or fallen arches. Other issues such as gout, bunions, hammertoes, and turf toe can cause pain in the toes. Patients who are struggling with foot pain should consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.   

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 05 October 2021 00:00

What Is a Tailor’s Bunion?

A tailor’s bunion, also known as a bunionette, occurs when the 5th metatarsal bone (the bottom bone on the little toe) begins to shift outwards. Tailor’s bunions are very similar to a normal bunion which occurs on the big toe, but instead, they occur on the pinky toe. A tailor’s bunion will present itself as a swollen bump on the outside of the pinky toe, and it may get larger over time. They can be red and painful, and they tend to get worse as they rub against the shoe. Some of the reasons Tailor’s bunions may form include shoes that don’t fit correctly, an inherited structural foot problem, loose ligaments in the foot, or an inverted foot that leans outwards. Patients who are struggling with a painful Tailor’s bunion should consult with a podiatrist for suggestions on both relieving the pain and treating the bunion. 

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Mark Isenberg, DPM of Center for Podiatric Excellence. 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 Pensacola, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Bunions
Tuesday, 05 October 2021 00:00

Bunions

A bunion is a bump that forms at the base of the big toe. Bunions form when the big toe pushes against the next toe, which forces the big toe joint to get bigger and stick out.  As a result, the skin over the bunion may start to appear red and it may feel sore.

There are risk factors that can increase your chances of developing bunions. People who wear high heels or ill-fitting shoes are more likely to develop them, in addition to those who have a genetic history of bunions or have rheumatoid arthritis.

The most obvious way to tell if you have a bunion is to look for the big toe pushing up against the toe next to it. Bunions produce a large protrusion at the base of the big toe and may or may not cause pain. Other symptoms are redness, swelling, and restricted movement of the big toe if you have arthritis. 

Nonsurgical methods are frequently used to treat bunions that aren’t severe. Some methods of nonsurgical treatment are orthotics, icing and resting the foot, taping the foot, and pain medication. Surgery is usually only required in extreme cases. However, if surgery is needed, some procedures may involve removing the swollen tissue from around the big toe joint, straightening the big toe by removing part of the bone, or joining the bones of your affected joint permanently.

Your podiatrist will diagnose your bunion by doing a thorough examination of your foot. He or she may also conduct an x-ray to determine the cause of the bunion and its severity.

Monday, 29 March 2021 00:00

Blisters on the Feet

Blisters are a common ailment of people who wear shoes that are either too tight or rub against the feet in an uncomfortable way. Knowing the basics of blisters is important for understanding how they are formed and what treatments should be used for them.

A blister on the foot, or any other part of the body, is a small pocket that is filled with fluid. It usually forms on the upper layer of the skin because these layers are loose enough to allow a blister to form. The most common fluid in a blister is just a clear, watery-like fluid that usually isn’t cause for concern. However, blisters can fill up with blood if they are deep enough and pus if they have become infected with bacteria.

Blisters almost always form on the feet due to shoes rubbing up against the foot, where the friction causes blisters. These can occur after you have walked for a long period of time or when your shoes do not fit you properly. Your feet are also more prone to blisters if they are moist, so keeping them dry and clean is one preventative step you can take.

Preventing infection should be the number one concern when treating blisters, as well as relieving the pain they can cause. Using a bandage to cover up the blister will help it heal and prevent bacteria from entering it. New skin will form under the blister and eventually cause it to pop. You can also take a sterilized pin and try to pop it yourself.

If the blister is filled with pus or blood, seeking treatment from a doctor is ideal. Antibiotics may need to be taken in order to completely eliminate the bacteria inside the blister. See a doctor to have an antibiotic prescribed.

The best way to treat blisters is to prevent them all together. Keeping your feet dry and making sure that your shoes fit properly are just two of the steps you can take to prevent blisters. Shoes that are too tight or shoes that are too loose and allow your feet to slide in them will cause blisters. Applying a bandage to an area where you think a blister is about to form is another way you can prevent them.

Page 4 of 4

Connect With Us

Advanced Podiatry Services in the Brent, FL and East Hill, North Hill, Cordova Mall, Estates, Bayou Texar, College Park, Azalea park, Bonair in Pensacola, Florida areas