Items filtered by date: December 2021
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.
Foot Surgery
In most cases, foot surgery is often chosen as the last available option for conditions that have otherwise been unsuccessfully treated. Surgery may be necessary for several reasons, including the removal of foot deformities (e.g. bone spurs or bunions), arthritis problems, reconstruction due to injury, and congenital malformations (e.g. club foot or flat feet). Regardless of one’s age, foot surgery may be the only successful option for treatment for certain conditions.
The type of surgery one undergoes depends on the type of foot condition the patient has. For the removal of a bunion growth, a bunionectomy is necessary. If the bones in the feet need to be realigned or fused together, a surgical fusion of the foot is needed. For pain or nerve issues, a patient may require surgery in which the tissues surrounding the painful nerve are removed. Initially, less invasive treatments are generally attempted; surgery is often the last measure taken if other treatments are unsuccessful.
While in many cases surgery is often deemed as the final resort, choosing surgery comes with certain benefits. The associated pain experienced in relation to the particular condition is often relieved with surgery, allowing patients to quickly resume daily activities. The greatest benefit, however, is that surgery generally eliminates the problem immediately.
Podiatry history has shown that foot treatments continue to evolve over time. In the field of foot surgery, endoscopic surgery is just one of the many advanced forms of surgery. As technology vastly improves so too will the various techniques in foot surgery, which already require smaller and smaller incisions with the use of better and more efficient tools. Thanks to such innovations, surgery is no longer as invasive as it was in the past, allowing for faster and easier recoveries.
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.
How to Care for Your Child's Feet
It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.
It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.
Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.
As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.
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.
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.
Foot Pain
The feet, being the foundation of the body, carry all of the body’s weight and are therefore prone to experiencing pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing foot pain, it is important to determine where in the foot you are experiencing this pain to help discover the cause of it. While pain can be experienced virtually anywhere in the foot, the most common sites of foot pain are in the heel and ankle.
Heel pain can be due to a multitude of conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and heel spurs. Pain experienced in the ankle can be a sign of an ankle sprain, arthritis, gout, ankle instability, ankle fracture, or nerve compression. In more serious cases, pain in the foot can be a sign of improper alignment or an infection.
Foot pain can be accompanied by symptoms including redness, swelling, stiffness and warmth in the affected area. Whether the pain can be described as sharp or dull depends on the foot condition behind it. It is important to visit your local podiatrist if your foot pain and its accompanying symptoms persist and do not improve over time.
Depending on the location and condition of your foot pain, your podiatrist may prescribe certain treatments. These treatments can include but are not limited to prescription or over-the-counter drugs and medications, certain therapies, cortisone injections, or surgery.
If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, it is important to consult with your foot and ankle doctor to determine the cause and location. He or she will then prescribe the best treatment for you. While milder cases of foot pain may respond well to rest and at-home treatments, more serious cases may take some time to fully recover.
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.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. When this band of connective tissue becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis occurs. Fortunately, this condition is treatable.
There are several factors that may put you at a greater risk for developing plantar fasciitis. One of the biggest factors is age; plantar fasciitis is common in those between the ages of 40 to 60. People who have jobs that require them to be on their feet are also likely to develop plantar fasciitis. This includes factory workers, teachers, and others who spend a large portion of their day walking around on hard surfaces. Another risk factor is obesity because excess weight can result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.
People with plantar fasciitis often experience a stabbing pain in the heel area. This pain is usually at its worst in the morning, but can also be triggered by periods of standing or sitting. Plantar fasciitis may make it hard to run and walk. It may also make the foot feel stiff and sensitive, which consequently makes walking barefoot difficult.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis depends on the severity of the specific case of the condition. Ice massage applications may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy is often used to treat plantar fasciitis, and this may include stretching exercises. Another treatment option is anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.
If you suspect that you have plantar fasciitis, meet with your podiatrist immediately. If left untreated, symptoms may lead to tearing and overstretching of the plantar fascia. The solution is early detection and treatment. Be sure to speak with your podiatrist if you are experiencing heel pain.
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.
