Items filtered by date: November 2022

Tuesday, 29 November 2022 00:00

High Heels and Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that can develop in women who frequently wear high heels. This condition can result from having inadequate room for the toes to move freely in and can cause the nerve between the third and fourth toes to become compressed. Irritation and inflammation may accompany this, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Patients who have Morton’s neuroma often say the sensation they feel is similar to having a pebble or marble in the shoe, in addition to numbness and tingling. Mild relief may also be found when soft insoles are worn, the feet are elevated, and shoes that are worn have a wide toe area. Existing medical conditions may contribute to Morton’s neuroma. These can include flat feet, bunions, and hammertoes. If you feel you may have this foot condition, it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist who can properly treat this ailment.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
  • Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
  • Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different 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 care needs.

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Tuesday, 22 November 2022 00:00

A Small Bony Growth May Indicate a Heel Spur

Stress and tension on the heels may result in a heel spur forming. It is defined as a small bony growth that forms on the bottom of the heel and is the body's natural defense against heel damage. The pain from a heel spur can be uncomfortable and can travel to the bottom of the foot where the plantar fascia lies. This is the band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes, and plantar fasciitis may gradually develop if inflammation occurs. A heel spur may be misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis because it affects the heel. A proper evaluation is needed to differentiate between the two conditions, and this consists of having an X-ray taken. The heel spur is often noticeable in the X-ray and is done so the proper treatment can begin. Heel spurs can develop for various reasons, including wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, being overweight, or if the muscles in the back of the leg are tight. Mild relief may be found when comfortable shoes are worn, in addition to performing specific stretches that can ease heel pain. If you have a heel spur, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can determine what the best treatment is for you.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Sunday, 20 November 2022 00:00

Heel Pain in the Morning?

Heel pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life. Simple activities like walking can become incredibly uncomfortable or painful due to heel pain.

Don’t live with heel pain and get treated.

People who stand on their feet for work all day often suffer from aches and pains at the end of the day, and long-term health consequences can result. Nursing, food service, construction, and retail are examples of professions where this is often required. Some health conditions that can come on from prolonged standing are excess pressure on the joints, arthritis, swelling of the feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, and corns. It can also lead to cardiovascular disease as excess standing alters the flow of blood to the lower extremities and puts a strain on the circulatory system. If you work in an occupation where you stand for long periods of time, make sure you wear well fitting, supportive shoes. Consider compression socks as well. Take regular breaks and pay attention to posture. Also, it is suggested that you also see a podiatrist who can provide valuable pointers on how to be more comfortable on the job if you stand all day. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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, 08 November 2022 00:00

A Broken Foot Affects Daily Life

A broken foot can wreak havoc in daily life and cause severe pain and discomfort. It can also make everyday tasks impossible to complete. Most broken feet occur from a fall as the foot may twist in a different direction than the rest of the body. Conversely, it may also happen gradually, and this may be referred to as a stress fracture. Common symptoms that many people experience with a broken foot can consist of a bone that may protrude through the skin appearing displaced, and the foot may immediately become bruised or swollen. It is difficult to walk and prompt medical attention is often sought. A proper diagnosis consists of having an X-ray taken and this is successful in determining the severity of the fracture. A cast or protective boot may be prescribed for approximately six weeks. If you have broken your foot, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat it as quickly as possible.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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, 01 November 2022 00:00

Surgery for a Jones Fracture

A fracture that occurs in the bone that is found on the outside of the foot is known as a Jones fracture. It is considered to be a common foot injury, and can gradually happen from excessive repeated motion, or possibly from a sudden injury. It may take longer to heal than other fractures, which may be a result of less blood in this part of the foot. If the break is severe, surgery may be necessary for permanent healing. This is accomplished by placing a screw into the affected bone and staying in place as healing occurs. The screw is helpful in bending and twisting the bones after the healing process is over, and there may be various ways to secure the screw. The recovery time is approximately seven weeks, and it is helpful to keep weight off of the foot for the majority of that time. If you would like more information about how surgery is performed for a Jones fracture, please confer with a podiatrist who can answer any questions and concerns you may have.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

  • Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
  • Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
  • Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

  • Bunionectomy for painful bunions
  • Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
  • Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Read more about Foot Surgery

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