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Items filtered by date: April 2024

Tuesday, 30 April 2024 00:00

Facts About Posterior Heel Pain

Posterior heel pain can be caused by various conditions that can significantly impact daily life. Achilles tendinopathy, often induced by excessive mechanical loading or certain medications, results in achy or sharp pain that worsens with activity or pressure. Diagnosis of posterior heel pain involves clinical examination by a podiatrist, revealing tenderness along the tendon and sometimes visible thickening. Treatment strategies, including activity modification and specialized exercises, necessitate personalized guidance from a podiatrist. Similarly, Haglund deformity, marked by a prominence at the back of the heel, can lead to retrocalcaneal bursitis. It may require tailored interventions, such as footwear adjustments, certain medications, and in severe cases, surgery. In children between eight and 14 years old who are active in sports, pain in the heel may indicate the onset of Sever’s disease. Ceasing the activity and changing to more supportive footwear, can help. Consulting a podiatrist is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of posterior heel pain, as these foot doctors possess the expertise to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. To regain mobility and ensure that heel pain does not impede daily activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Ali Davis, DPM of The Foot Clinic. 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 Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Heel Pain
Tuesday, 23 April 2024 00:00

Foot Pain From Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the buttocks and into each leg. When the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it can lead to various symptoms, including sharp, shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet. In some cases, sciatica can also cause toe pain, often described as a burning sensation or electric shock-like discomfort. This toe pain may result from nerve compression affecting the branches of the sciatic nerve that innervate the feet and toes. A podiatrist can play a vital role in managing sciatica-related foot pain by conducting a comprehensive evaluation to identify contributing factors, providing treatments to alleviate symptoms such as orthotic devices, and coordinating care with other healthcare providers as needed for optimal pain management and functional improvement.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. 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 Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 16 April 2024 00:00

Causes of Swelling in the Feet

Swollen feet, or edema, can arise from various factors, including prolonged immobility, excessive salt intake, pregnancy, obesity, and certain medications. Underlying health conditions, such as  congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and venous insufficiency can also contribute to edema in the feet. Prolonged sitting or standing can impede proper circulation, leading to fluid retention in the lower extremities. High salt consumption can add to this by causing the body to retain water. Pregnancy puts additional pressure on the veins in the legs, leading to fluid accumulation. Excess body weight can strain the circulatory system, also increasing the risk of edema. Swollen feet can be a side effect of taking certain medications, particularly those that dilate blood vessels or increase fluid retention. If you notice that your feet and ankles are persistently swollen, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and diagnosis.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, contact Ali Davis, DPM of The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

  • Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
  • Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
  • Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
  • Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
  • Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Overland Park, KS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.


 

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Tuesday, 09 April 2024 00:00

Understanding and Treating Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, or unguium, is a common fungal infection that affects the toenails, often leading to discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nails. The condition is caused by various types of fungi, primarily dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes or communal bathing areas. Risk factors for toenail fungus include poor hygiene, wearing tight-fitting shoes, walking barefoot in public places, and having a weakened immune system. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and may include nail scrapings or clippings for laboratory testing. Podiatrists can offer various treatments for toenail fungus, including topical antifungal medications, oral antifungal drugs, laser therapy, and surgical nail removal, in severe cases. If you have signs of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for proper treatment.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Ali Davis, DPM of The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

 

Read more about Toenail Fungus
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Tuesday, 02 April 2024 00:00

Explaining High Ankle Sprains

High ankle pain, which is often referred to as a syndesmotic ankle sprain, occurs when the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula are injured. This type of lower leg bone injury typically happens when the ankle is twisted forcefully, which causes the ligaments to stretch or tear. Athletes, especially those involved in sports like football and skiing, are more prone to incurring high ankle sprains. Symptoms can include less swelling than typical ankle sprains, difficulty moving the ankle up and down, and trouble bearing weight on the affected leg. Sometimes bruising appears a few days after the injury. It is important to differentiate high ankle sprains from other conditions like fractures or regular ankle sprains to ensure proper treatment. If you experience persistent ankle pain, difficulty walking, or notice swelling and bruising after an injury, it is suggested that you schedule an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Pain at the sight of the tear
  • Bruising/Swelling
  • Ankle area is tender to touch
  • In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
  • Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

  • Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
  • Stretching before exercises and sports
  • Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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

Read more about Three Grades of Ankle Sprains

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