Items filtered by date: October 2022

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 00:00

What Is Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis?

As a child grows and matures into a young adult, there are several different foot afflictions that can prevent the child from reaching their full potential to have healthy feet. Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis is one such condition and it is defined as symmetrical and shiny peeling of the skin on the feet in children. The condition can also be defined as a certain kind of fissuring on the feet. Many things about this foot condition remain unclear and unknown. However, it is thought that some combination of moisture and repeated friction is the likely cause. Although each case is different, typically a medical professional will recommend that the patient remedies this condition by controlling the extent to which their feet produce and come into contact with moisture. Take your child to a podiatrist today if they are suffering from Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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, 21 October 2022 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Tuesday, 18 October 2022 00:00

Common Causes of Foot Deformities

There are many deformities that can inhibit your daily activities, cause pain, and affect all or part of the foot. Among the most common foot deformities are bunions, hammertoe, flat feet and high arches, claw toe, and clubfoot. Foot deformities are sometimes caused by lifestyle choices, such as wearing shoes that do not fit properly. Wearing high heels for long periods can result in bunions, as well as pain in the ball of the foot. Shoes with narrow and pointed toe boxes may also contribute to the formation of hammertoes, as well as other toe deformities, like claw toes. Other causes of deformities are injury and genetics. Additionally, foot deformities may be the result of underlying medical conditions, including several types of arthritis and diabetes. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease, often results in bony formations and distortions in the bones of the feet. Some foot deformities, such as clubfoot, are congenital. In many cases, this deformity can be corrected if treated early in the child’s life. Slightly deformed feet may sometimes be corrected with special bracing or custom orthotics. More severe deformities may require surgery. If you have questions about a deformity of your foot, please consult a podiatrist. 

Foot Pain

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

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 New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 11 October 2022 00:00

Plantar Fasciitis in Seniors

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common sources of heel pain. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel bone to the toes. The plantar fascia plays an important role in supporting the arch of the foot and absorbs shock from walking. Plantar fasciitis can feel like a deep, stabbing pain at the front part of the heel and is often worse after arising from sleep, standing on hard surfaces, or sitting for long periods. Things that may cause plantar fasciitis include participating in activities that stretch or tear the tissue, being overweight, or having an abnormal gait. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially those that cramp the toes or with poor support, including high heels, is also problematic. The biggest risk factor for this condition is advanced age because of the wear and tear from a lifetime of foot use. This can be debilitating to this age group and interfere greatly with mobility and quality of life. If you are a senior and suffer from plantar fasciitis, it is important to obtain treatment from a podiatrist before the pain becomes chronic.

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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Tuesday, 04 October 2022 00:00

Deformities of Newborn Feet

Parents often hope for their newborn infant to have 10 fingers and toes. This hope is realized more often than not. The two most common foot deformities in newborns are metatarsus adductus and calcaneovalgus. Both conditions develop from how the baby’s feet have been positioned inside the uterus. Happily, these two problems usually improve on their own, without treatment. Metarsus adductus is a curve in the middle of the foot that happens when the feet are folded inward. The crookedness of the foot means how flexible it is and whether it can be straightened when pushed into its normal position. When the feet are stiff and do not correct themselves, they may benefit from casting, but this is usually not necessary. Calcaneovalgus is the opposite of metatarsus adductus. It is when the foot is pushed up and out. It may be difficult to point an infant’s foot down all the way. With both conditions, stretching the newborn's foot while feeding or during diaper changes could not hurt. If you are expecting a baby or are a parent of a newborn, consulting with a podiatrist can help deal with possible foot problems at birth, in addition to answering any questions you may have, and helping to ensure the health of your child’s feet.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

  • Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
  • Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
  • Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
  • Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
  • Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
  • Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

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

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