CONDITIONS AND TREATMENT
When you are suffering from foot pain or injury that requires expert attention, we are the provider you need. Our office is prepared to perform x-rays, provide bracing or orthotics, and facilitate same-day procedures if needed. Additionally, our physicians are on staff at local hospitals and surgical centers, should there be a need for surgical intervention. We have extensive experience with a wide range of foot and ankle issues and are ready to help place you on the road to recovery.
You can be assured - we have a commitment to excellence when it comes to the level of care we provide.
HEEL PAIN
The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which may also include heel spurs. Other possible causes include Achilles tendonitis, pinched nerve (Baxter's neuritis), stress fracture, autoimmune diseases, or bone cysts.
Most patients can be diagnosed through clinical exam and x-ray. As most causes of heel pain are due to mechanical overuse, initial treatment typically consists of stretching, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and possibly orthotics.
INGROWN AND/OR FUNGAL TOENAILS
Ingrown and fungal toenails are one of the most common problems that podiatrists see.
An ingrown nail occurs when the nail cuts into the surrounding skin. This can be the results of improper trimming, ill-fitting shoes, congenital defects to the nail, or foot deformities. For mild ingrown nails, the corner can be cut back to relieve the pain and pressure. If the nail becomes a chronic issue, a procedure can be performed to permanently remove the ingrown border of the nail.
Toenail fungus is common in all ages and may be the result of previous trauma to the nail. It is also often associated with fungal infection of the skin (athlete's foot). Treatment options for fungal nails include oral medication, topical polish or creams, and laser treatment.
CALLUSES
In the foot, calluses are typically seen on the heels, balls of the feet, and on the outer side of the big toe. Calluses can have their own nerves and sacks of fluid that act as cushioning, which can cause pain over time.
Pumice stones and foot soaks are great ways to treat minor calluses and preemptively stop them from occurring. Over the counter callus removers are generally painful to apply and tricky to use effectively.
To prevent calluses, wear well-fitting shoes and consider orthotics. In our offices, we can help you with a custom treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the callus from the foot.
FOOT WOUNDS/ULCERS
Foot wounds can occur for a variety of reasons, including puncture wounds, toenail injuries, and diabetic foot wounds, among others. The foot can be a high risk area due to decreased circulation or sensation, particularly in diabetic patients.
Those with foot wounds that do not heal predictably or quickly should be seen by a podiatrist. In addition to monitoring for any infection, we can provide the latest technology in wound care as well as referrals to relevant services such as vascular surgery.
FOOT AND ANKLE SPORTS INJURIES
Whether it is chronic injury from repeated impact or acute injury from a movement gone wrong, injuries to the foot and ankle are common in many sports.
Ankle sprains, stress fractures, tendonitis, and tendon or ligament strains/ruptures are an unfortunate complication that can occur from a variety of sports.
Most injuries can be treated conservatively but we are available for surgical intervention when necessary.
BUNIONS AND HAMMERTOES
Bunions are painful bony deformities of the big toe joint. The toe becomes misaligned, causing a partial dislocation of the joint. This movement of the joint results in a painful "bump."
Hammertoes are bending at the knuckles of the toes, which can cause painful rubbing or corns on the tops of the toes.
Both bunions and hammertoes can be treated conservatively with padding, changes to shoe gear, and orthotics. Corns and calluses can also be reduced in the office. However, these deformities cannot be corrected without surgical intervention.
ACUTE GOUT
Gout is a form of arthritis that can be excruciatingly painful and commonly presents in the big toe joint. A gout attack can occur suddenly and the joint may be red, swollen, and extremely tender to touch.
There are many risk factors, including diet, and gout can be a recurring problem for many patients. Treatment consists of changes to diet and activity as well as oral medications to treat pain and inflammation and prevent further flare-ups.
NEUROMAS/NERVE PAIN
Neuromas are enlarged, benign growths of nerves, typically found between the third and fourth toes. Enlargement is caused by tissue rubbing against the nerves, oftentimes caused by poorly fitting shoes or abnormal bone structure.
Symptoms may include pain in the ball of the foot as well as sensations of thickness, burning, or numbness. Treatments include wearing corrective shoes, orthotics, and cortisone injections. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS/INSERTS
Many times chronic foot pain can be alleviated with the use of custom orthotics, or inserts, for your shoes.
During your visit, a cast will be made of your feet which will then be sent to a lab for fabrication of the orthotics. We are able to make any accommodations necessary for your specific diagnosis and area of pain.
WARTS
Warts are caused by a viral infection which penetrates the skin through tiny or “invisible” cuts/abrasions. If left untreated, warts can grow as large as an inch or more in circumference and even spread out into smaller clusters. Warts can appear anywhere on the foot and toes and appear as fleshy grey or brown raised bumps.
Warts are spread through touching, scratching, blood from an irritated wart, and even by contact with skin shed from another wart.
Warts can be very resistant to treatment and have a tendency to recur. Over-the-counter wart treatments are very often ineffective, destroying surrounding tissue and leaving the wart(s) intact. Our treatments include prescription ointments, medications, and laser cautery for severe cases.
FRACTURES/SPRAINS
Fractures and/or sprains can easily occur in the foot and ankle. Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries. Either condition may cause severe pain, inablility to bear weight, swelling, and bruising, and an x-ray may be required to determine whether a fracture is present.
Some injuries may require a period of time weightbearing or nonweightbearing in a walking boot. More severe injuries such as an acute displaced fracture or a chronic sprain may require surgical intervention.
DIABETIC FOOT CARE
Our diabetic patients are at extremely high risk for lower extremity complications. Due to decreased sensation in feet as well as limited blood flow and degeneration of eyesight, most diabetic patients should see a podiatrist every 3-6 months for routine nail and callus care. It is also very important to have regular diabetic foot evaluations by a trained professional.
We also offer casting or prescriptions for diabetic accommodative orthotics and/or diabetic shoes to minimize the risk of ulceration.