Foot stress fractures occur when the bones of the foot are subjected to repeated force without enough time to repair and recover. These hairline cracks often develop in the metatarsals, heel bone, navicular, or sesamoid bones near the toes, and they typically worsen with continued activity. People often experience gradually increasing pain, especially during sports or repetitive movement, and tenderness when pressure is applied. Because swelling is not always obvious, diagnosis of stress fractures often requires imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans. Certain foot fractures are considered to be a higher risk and can take longer to heal, sometimes requiring surgery to restore stability and function. Others are lower risk and may improve with guided changes in activity and temporary offloading. A podiatrist can evaluate the location and severity of the stress fracture, recommend appropriate treatment, and provide long-term strategies to reduce the risk of recurrence. If you have foot pain from repetitive sports or other activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Runners
People affected with Osteoporosis
Tennis or basketball players
Gymnasts
High impact workouts
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
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.
Peripheral artery disease, also known as PAD, develops when plaque builds up in the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the feet and ankles. One of the earliest warning signs of PAD is foot or calf cramping while walking, which may ease with rest, but can return with activity. Other symptoms include feet that feel unusually cold and pale, bluish skin on the toes, brittle toenails that grow slowly, and wounds or ulcers on the feet that do not heal properly. Some patients also notice thinning hair on the lower legs or ongoing pain that becomes constant as the condition advances. To confirm a diagnosis of peripheral artery disease, a podiatrist may check circulation using the ankle-brachial index, which compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm, or imaging tests like duplex ultrasound to evaluate blood flow. If you are experiencing symptoms of PAD, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.
Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PAD include:
Claudication (leg pain from walking)
Numbness in legs
Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
Paleness of the skin
Erectile dysfunction
Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
Coldness in one leg
It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.
Diagnosis
While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.
Treatment
Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.
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.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Total ankle replacement is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore movement for people with severe ankle arthritis or injury. During the procedure, damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with artificial components that mimic the natural joint, allowing smoother motion and better flexibility. Unlike ankle fusion, which limits movement, this advanced technique preserves joint mobility and can improve overall balance and gait. Recovery takes time and involves targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and improve the range of motion. Wearing supportive footwear and a gradual return to activity can help protect the new joint. Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved quality of life after surgery. If chronic ankle pain or stiffness limits your ability to walk comfortably, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can evaluate whether total ankle replacement is the right option to help you move freely again.
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 Ali Davis, DPM from The Foot Clinic. 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 Overland Park, KS. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
