Items filtered by date: August 2021

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons for heel pain. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed. This is typically caused by tiny, repetitive trauma to the area during walking, running, standing for prolonged periods of time, or wearing ill-fitting shoes. The heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis is usually at its worst when you take your first few steps in the morning or after a long period of rest. This is thought to be because of the plantar fascia being slightly contracted while in bed or at rest. When you take your first few steps the ligament is stretched, which can bring about heel pain. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists  from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

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Friday, 27 August 2021 00:00

Are You Suffering From Nerve Damage?

Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.

Tuesday, 24 August 2021 00:00

What You Need to Know About Cuboid Syndrome

The cuboid bone is one of seven tarsal bones in the foot. It is located on the outside of the foot, midway between the heel and the pinky toe. Cuboid syndrome occurs when this bone becomes dislocated from overuse or from an injury such as a sprained ankle. It may also be caused by foot conditions such as pronated feet. Cuboid syndrome often affects dancers, athletes, and runners. Pain can be felt in various parts of the foot—often in the middle of the foot or at the base of the two smaller toes, or elsewhere in the foot or ankle. Other symptoms may include difficulty walking, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the ankle and foot. Because it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the pain is emanating from, it is important to have your foot examined and properly diagnosed by a podiatrist if you are experiencing any of the symptoms in order to recieve proper treatment.

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 one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Tuesday, 17 August 2021 00:00

Grading the Severity of Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries. They can occur when the ligaments that connect the bones and stabilize the ankle joint become overstretched or partially/fully torn. In a Grade I sprain, ligaments are stretched, while in Grade II & III sprains, ligaments are partially or fully torn, respectively. Grade II & III sprains are usually more painful and typically require more extensive treatment than a Grade I sprain. Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity, and may include pain, swelling, and the inability to put any or all weight on the affected ankle. More severe sprains may make it difficult or even impossible to walk, and there may be some bruising due to broken blood vessels under the skin. Since improperly healed sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability and additional sprains, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist right away to receive proper treatment.

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors 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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 10 August 2021 00:00

What Is Foot Drop?

Foot drop is often caused by a compression of the nerve that controls the muscles that lift the foot. When this occurs the front part of the foot and toes are difficult to lift or move due to muscular weakness or paralysis. Foot drop may also cause the foot to drag on the ground while walking. This is usually a sign of an underlying problem such as muscular damage, nerve damage like neuropathy, or a brain or spinal injury. While foot drop usually only affects one foot, it can affect both feet depending on the cause. It is most commonly temporary, but in severe cases it may be permanent. People who are finding it difficult to lift the front part of their foot off the ground should consult with a podiatrist who can help diagnose the underlying condition. A podiatrist will also be able to prescribe custom made orthotics or shoe inserts as well as other treatment options depending on the severity.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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

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Tuesday, 03 August 2021 00:00

What Does a Foot Wart Look Like?

Plantar warts are fleshy growths that can appear on the soles of the feet. They are caused by a strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Unlike warts that affect other parts of the body, plantar warts are typically flat and cause a buildup of the top layer of skin. These warts may grow inward as the body’s weight puts pressure on the soles of the feet, causing pain. Plantar warts can appear as a single wart or a constellation of multiple warts. They have a rough, grainy texture and small block dots in the middle. Plantar warts are contagious and can spread between individuals. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available. If you find a wart on the bottom of your foot, a podiatrist can help find the right treatment for you. 

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

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