Items filtered by date: December 2021

Most people who are knowledgeable about the different ways to maintain proper foot health likely know the dangers of wearing flip-flops. One of the often overlooked negative impacts that flip-flops can have on the feet is potential toe pain. There are many different reasons for this. Most importantly, flip-flops can make the toes scrunch up into abnormal contortions to keep the shoe from slipping off of the foot. An individual who wears flip-flops might also experience toe pain because wearing this kind of shoe makes one more susceptible to stubbing the toes. Lastly, flip-flops can cause toe pain because they ultimately offer next to no toe support or cushion. If you are concerned about preventing toe pain, contact a podiatrist today, especially if you typically wear flip-flops.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. 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.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as 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.

Athlete's foot can be uncomfortable. It is a foot condition that causes the skin on the feet to itch and become red, and in severe cases, may cause small blisters. It is caused by a fungus called trichophyton and is found in warm and moist environments. These include public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors. Research has shown it is a common foot ailment, and approximately 70 percent of people worldwide will be infected at some point during their lives. The common symptoms that are associated with athletes’ foot consist of flaking skin and burning between the toes. Athlete’s foot is contagious, and many cases may be prevented by wearing appropriate shoes while in these types of areas. Water shoes and flip flops fall into this category, and wearing these types of shoes may help to reduce the chances of getting athlete's foot. If you or someone you know has this infection, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer you prescribed medication that can cure this ailment.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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.

A broken toe can be painful, annoying, and often causes difficulty in completing daily activities. It can happen if a heavy object drops on it, or if it is stubbed against a piece of furniture. There are various treatments for a broken toe, and a popular one for mildly fractured toes is known as the buddy taping method. This is done by taping the affected toe to the toe next to it, which can provide adequate support as the healing process occurs. Holistic options can include applying specific kinds of essential oils several times per day, which may accelerate the recovery time. Research has shown that it may be beneficial to include certain types of foods as part of daily eating habits, consisting of salmon, sea vegetables, pumpkin seeds, beef, and spinach. These foods are known for their calcium and zinc properties, which may help to support healthy bone growth. It is beneficial to avoid foods such as refined sugars, soda, and caffeine. If you have broken your toe, please consult with a podiatrist who can guide you towards a healthy and speedy recovery.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

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.

The feet carry and support the weight of one’s entire body. Each foot has 28 bones as well as numerous joints, ligaments, and tendons, which all work together to provide support, mobility, and balance. The feet are very complex structures, and each foot has three arches. The medial longitudinal arch is supported by the plantar fascia, and the muscles of the foot guide this arch while walking or standing on tiptoes. The arch that is located on the outside of the foot is called the lateral longitudinal arch and is dependent on the cuboid bone. This bone is often out of alignment, and it must be stable for this arch to function properly. The third arch is called the metatarsal arch and it connects the tarsal bones to the metatarsal heads. Poor functioning of this arch may result in irritation of the nerve that is located between the third and fourth toes, possibly leading to the development of Morton’s neuroma. The foot is an interesting part of the body and if you would like to know more about your foot structure, please consult a podiatrist.

If you have any concerns about your feet, 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.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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.

Research has shown the majority of falls happen at home. This can invoke a fear of falling and may cause difficulty in completing daily activities. The feet are often affected during and after a fall and may result in incurring a broken toe, ankle, or foot. Many people can prevent falls from occurring when they implement specific methods, in addition to getting regular physical and eye examinations. These can include improving the lighting in the household, removing worn rugs from the steps, and clearing clutter from the common areas. Some patients find it beneficial to have a grab bar installed in the toilet and shower area, and using a non-slip bath mat in and out of the shower can be helpful in preventing falls. A podiatrist is qualified in informing you of how the feet are often affected by falling and can steer you toward fall prevention techniques that are customized to your home. For more information, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist at your earliest convenience.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious 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.