North Shore Foot & Ankle
Foot & Ankle Conditions Treated
Arthritis
Arthritis
Arthritis can take many forms when developing in the feet and ankles. This includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis to name a few which have destructive effects on joints. Osteoarthritis typically affects the joints where a significant amount of weight will travel when you walk such as your big toe joint, the middle of your foot or your ankle. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis typically affects both feet and may cause more degeneration and deformity than osteoarthritis in a much smaller time frame. Gout normally affects the big toe joint, arises from needle-like crystals which trigger inflammation in the joints. Psoriatic arthritis causes significant inflammation and sausage-like swelling in the toes. Lastly, ankylosing spondylitis can lead to significant bone spur formation in multiple areas especially the plantar fascia at the heel and the Achilles tendon which cause significant chronic pain.
Many factors contribute to arthritis and pain in feet and ankles. This includes obesity, the aging process or significant use, trauma, as well as genetic tendencies for arthritis. To help prevent problems, wear supportive shoes, possibly with inserts. For some individuals certain over the counter options work well, but for others a good pair of custom inserts may give the support needed to limit discomfort.
If you’re experiencing any discomfort or continued pain due to one of the above forms of arthritis, consider using over-the-counter pain medication and investing in supportive footwear. Anti-inflammatory medication along with well comfortable and well-made footwear is a great first step to to ease the pain that accompanies arthritis. If you’re overweight, think about setting a weight loss goal to ease some of the pressure on your feet and continue to stay as active as possible. If you have painful flares, applying ice or heat to the affected area is a quick way to calm the swelling and discomfort you may experience.
If these over-the-counter conservative measures are not helping to relieve the pain and once a thorough exam is performed, many other conservative treatments may help. Treatments such as prescription anti-inflammatories, injection therapy, bracing options and possible surgical intervention may be options to help with your pain relief.
If you have tried many of these treatment options and you continue to have significant pain, please make an appointment with one of the great podiatrists at North Shore Foot and Ankle as soon as possible to learn about potential treatment options and if necessary surgical procedures, to get you back to living life.
Many factors contribute to arthritis and pain in feet and ankles. This includes obesity, the aging process or significant use, trauma, as well as genetic tendencies for arthritis. To help prevent problems, wear supportive shoes, possibly with inserts. For some individuals certain over the counter options work well, but for others a good pair of custom inserts may give the support needed to limit discomfort.
If you’re experiencing any discomfort or continued pain due to one of the above forms of arthritis, consider using over-the-counter pain medication and investing in supportive footwear. Anti-inflammatory medication along with well comfortable and well-made footwear is a great first step to to ease the pain that accompanies arthritis. If you’re overweight, think about setting a weight loss goal to ease some of the pressure on your feet and continue to stay as active as possible. If you have painful flares, applying ice or heat to the affected area is a quick way to calm the swelling and discomfort you may experience.
If these over-the-counter conservative measures are not helping to relieve the pain and once a thorough exam is performed, many other conservative treatments may help. Treatments such as prescription anti-inflammatories, injection therapy, bracing options and possible surgical intervention may be options to help with your pain relief.
If you have tried many of these treatment options and you continue to have significant pain, please make an appointment with one of the great podiatrists at North Shore Foot and Ankle as soon as possible to learn about potential treatment options and if necessary surgical procedures, to get you back to living life.
Bunions
Bunions
Bunions are a very common foot deformity affection up to 33% of people. This deformity is a significant bony prominence with painful swelling on the outside of the first joint at the big toe. Bunions form and worsen when the great toe begins to move toward the second toe and in extreme cases will move under or over the second toe causing a new area of pain. Bunions can be extremely painful due to your body weight pressing on joint and great toe each time you take a step. Everyday activities, such as walking and wearing shoes, may cause you extreme pain as a bunion develops and worsens. If bunions continue to worsen the bump will continue to grow and the great toe will begin to rotate and move toward the second toe and cause other deformities such as hammer toes.
There are many different reasons a person may develop a bunion. Some people may form bunions due to genetic factors, complications with arthritis, or a weakening of ligaments within the foot. General aging with certain tendon weaknesses, neuromuscular issues or progressively flattening feet can also play a role in the formation of a bunion and worsening of a bunion deformity.
If you notice a bunion with a bony bump on your big toe and experience swelling, redness with tenderness to the area, there are some treatment options to try at home. To help alleviate the pain try icing the affected area as needed. Wear wide-fitting shoes without a seam over the area to leave plenty of space for your toes and to minimize rubbing. Look into shoe inserts that can help position your foot correctly especially if your bunion is a result of ligament or tendon problems.
Because bunions can progress to other painful foot problems, such as hammertoes, bursitis and wounds, please make an appointment with one of the great podiatrists at North Shore Foot and Ankle as soon as possible to learn about potential treatment options and if necessary surgical procedures, to get you back to living life.
There are many different reasons a person may develop a bunion. Some people may form bunions due to genetic factors, complications with arthritis, or a weakening of ligaments within the foot. General aging with certain tendon weaknesses, neuromuscular issues or progressively flattening feet can also play a role in the formation of a bunion and worsening of a bunion deformity.
If you notice a bunion with a bony bump on your big toe and experience swelling, redness with tenderness to the area, there are some treatment options to try at home. To help alleviate the pain try icing the affected area as needed. Wear wide-fitting shoes without a seam over the area to leave plenty of space for your toes and to minimize rubbing. Look into shoe inserts that can help position your foot correctly especially if your bunion is a result of ligament or tendon problems.
Because bunions can progress to other painful foot problems, such as hammertoes, bursitis and wounds, please make an appointment with one of the great podiatrists at North Shore Foot and Ankle as soon as possible to learn about potential treatment options and if necessary surgical procedures, to get you back to living life.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic Foot Care
Unfortunately, foot problems are often accompany having diabetes and the loss of feeling to the feet and toes. As time goes by, diabetes and elevated blood sugars can cause significant nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy. This can lead to a tingling or painful sensation to the toes and bottom of the feet. Neuropathy may also cause you to lose feeling in parts or all of your feet. The loss of feeling in your feet can become incredibly dangerous, especially if you can longer sense a blister or cut on the bottom of your foot, leading to wounds and infections.
There are many ways to maintain healthy feet when dealing with diabetes. Most importantly, you want to manage your blood sugar levels appropriately. Also, you should ensure that you’re checking your feet daily and especially the bottoms. It’s important to recognize if your feet have cuts, sores, blisters, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or other troubling foot conditions to stay ahead of the issues and prevent worsening problems. Along with daily foot checks, wash and dry your feet daily using lukewarm water, too warm of water may cause your skin to dry out. You may find in certain cases you need to moisturize your feet a few times a week, especially if you’re prone to dryness which is common in diabetics with neuropathy. When using lotions try to avoid moisturizing between the toes as they may not dry properly and cause skin breakdown. Another rule you may want to follow is to ensure you’re cutting your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. You should also refrain from digging into the sides of the toe nails, by digging and scrapping into the nail folds you may create splinters of nails or push material into the skin and cause an infection.
If you happen to develop a corn or callus, never treat them yourself as an abscess can be lurking beneath surface or even a part of bone if located over a bone prominence, these are best cared for with the help of a professional. Wearing white socks is also beneficial as well as socks made specifically for those with diabetes to help provide your feet with extra cushion and sweat absorption. Try to refrain from walking barefoot to minimize cuts and avoid smoking, as it restricts the blood flow to your feet.
In certain serious instances you may notice a cut, blister, or bruise which is not healing after a few days. If this occurs, as soon as possible seek the help of a professional to avoid infections and wounds. Other warning signs which are problematic include redness, swelling, a callus with dried blood in the skin, or drainage that causes discoloration of the foot and an odor.
If you’d like more information on how to maintain healthy feet while living with diabetes, please make an appointment with one of the great podiatrists at North Shore Foot and Ankle as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back to activity.
There are many ways to maintain healthy feet when dealing with diabetes. Most importantly, you want to manage your blood sugar levels appropriately. Also, you should ensure that you’re checking your feet daily and especially the bottoms. It’s important to recognize if your feet have cuts, sores, blisters, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or other troubling foot conditions to stay ahead of the issues and prevent worsening problems. Along with daily foot checks, wash and dry your feet daily using lukewarm water, too warm of water may cause your skin to dry out. You may find in certain cases you need to moisturize your feet a few times a week, especially if you’re prone to dryness which is common in diabetics with neuropathy. When using lotions try to avoid moisturizing between the toes as they may not dry properly and cause skin breakdown. Another rule you may want to follow is to ensure you’re cutting your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. You should also refrain from digging into the sides of the toe nails, by digging and scrapping into the nail folds you may create splinters of nails or push material into the skin and cause an infection.
If you happen to develop a corn or callus, never treat them yourself as an abscess can be lurking beneath surface or even a part of bone if located over a bone prominence, these are best cared for with the help of a professional. Wearing white socks is also beneficial as well as socks made specifically for those with diabetes to help provide your feet with extra cushion and sweat absorption. Try to refrain from walking barefoot to minimize cuts and avoid smoking, as it restricts the blood flow to your feet.
In certain serious instances you may notice a cut, blister, or bruise which is not healing after a few days. If this occurs, as soon as possible seek the help of a professional to avoid infections and wounds. Other warning signs which are problematic include redness, swelling, a callus with dried blood in the skin, or drainage that causes discoloration of the foot and an odor.
If you’d like more information on how to maintain healthy feet while living with diabetes, please make an appointment with one of the great podiatrists at North Shore Foot and Ankle as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back to activity.
Heel Pain
Heel Pain
Heel pain is a very common problem for active patients and can be extremely uncomfortable and painful if not properly diagnosed or treated. Heel pain can take on many forms, whether occurring at the bottom of the heel or the back of the foot, these symptoms usually occur if you injure or overuse the heel. If left uncared for, the affected area may worsen and significantly limiting your mobility, making everyday activities difficult to perform such as working and walking.
There are many different causes of heel pain, including strains or sprains of muscles or ligaments, tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, bone spurs and heel bursitis. One of the most common causes of heel pain for children and teenagers specifically is Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease can develop due to overuse or repetitive microtrauma of the heel bone's growth plates causing significant inflammation. This condition is treated with multiple conservative measures with anti-inflammatories and heel pads with some decrease in sporting activities.
Other causes of heel pain may include issues with poor circulation, poor posture when walking or running, a soft tissue mass, and bone spurs near the Achilles tendon. One of the first conservative treatment options to ease the discomfort of general heel pain, it’s advised to get plenty of rest, apply ice to the affected area, and wear shoes that fit properly. In more serious cases, a podiatrist might recommend the use of custom orthotics, shoe inserts for extra support or anti-inflammatories.
If you’re experiencing continued heel pain, please make an appointment with one of the great podiatrists at North Shore Foot and Ankle as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back to activity.
There are many different causes of heel pain, including strains or sprains of muscles or ligaments, tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, bone spurs and heel bursitis. One of the most common causes of heel pain for children and teenagers specifically is Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease can develop due to overuse or repetitive microtrauma of the heel bone's growth plates causing significant inflammation. This condition is treated with multiple conservative measures with anti-inflammatories and heel pads with some decrease in sporting activities.
Other causes of heel pain may include issues with poor circulation, poor posture when walking or running, a soft tissue mass, and bone spurs near the Achilles tendon. One of the first conservative treatment options to ease the discomfort of general heel pain, it’s advised to get plenty of rest, apply ice to the affected area, and wear shoes that fit properly. In more serious cases, a podiatrist might recommend the use of custom orthotics, shoe inserts for extra support or anti-inflammatories.
If you’re experiencing continued heel pain, please make an appointment with one of the great podiatrists at North Shore Foot and Ankle as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back to activity.
Ingrown Nails
Ingrown Nails
Unfortunately, foot problems are often accompany having diabetes and the loss of feeling to the feet and toes. As time goes by, diabetes and elevated blood sugars can cause significant nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy. This can lead to a tingling or painful sensation to the toes and bottom of the feet. Neuropathy may also cause you to lose feeling in parts or all of your feet. The loss of feeling in your feet can become incredibly dangerous, especially if you can longer sense a blister or cut on the bottom of your foot, leading to wounds and infections.
There are many ways to maintain healthy feet when dealing with diabetes. Most importantly, you want to manage your blood sugar levels appropriately. Also, you should ensure that you’re checking your feet daily and especially the bottoms. It’s important to recognize if your feet have cuts, sores, blisters, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or other troubling foot conditions to stay ahead of the issues and prevent worsening problems. Along with daily foot checks, wash and dry your feet daily using lukewarm water, too warm of water may cause your skin to dry out. You may find in certain cases you need to moisturize your feet a few times a week, especially if you’re prone to dryness which is common in diabetics with neuropathy. When using lotions try to avoid moisturizing between the toes as they may not dry properly and cause skin breakdown. Another rule you may want to follow is to ensure you’re cutting your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. You should also refrain from digging into the sides of the toe nails, by digging and scrapping into the nail folds you may create splinters of nails or push material into the skin and cause an infection.
If you happen to develop a corn or callus, never treat them yourself as an abscess can be lurking beneath surface or even a part of bone if located over a bone prominence, these are best cared for with the help of a professional. Wearing white socks is also beneficial as well as socks made specifically for those with diabetes to help provide your feet with extra cushion and sweat absorption. Try to refrain from walking barefoot to minimize cuts and avoid smoking, as it restricts the blood flow to your feet.
In certain serious instances you may notice a cut, blister, or bruise which is not healing after a few days. If this occurs, as soon as possible seek the help of a professional to avoid infections and wounds. Other warning signs which are problematic include redness, swelling, a callus with dried blood in the skin, or drainage that causes discoloration of the foot and an odor.
If you’d like more information on how to maintain healthy feet while living with diabetes, please make an appointment with one of the great podiatrists at North Shore Foot and Ankle as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back to activity.
There are many ways to maintain healthy feet when dealing with diabetes. Most importantly, you want to manage your blood sugar levels appropriately. Also, you should ensure that you’re checking your feet daily and especially the bottoms. It’s important to recognize if your feet have cuts, sores, blisters, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, or other troubling foot conditions to stay ahead of the issues and prevent worsening problems. Along with daily foot checks, wash and dry your feet daily using lukewarm water, too warm of water may cause your skin to dry out. You may find in certain cases you need to moisturize your feet a few times a week, especially if you’re prone to dryness which is common in diabetics with neuropathy. When using lotions try to avoid moisturizing between the toes as they may not dry properly and cause skin breakdown. Another rule you may want to follow is to ensure you’re cutting your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails. You should also refrain from digging into the sides of the toe nails, by digging and scrapping into the nail folds you may create splinters of nails or push material into the skin and cause an infection.
If you happen to develop a corn or callus, never treat them yourself as an abscess can be lurking beneath surface or even a part of bone if located over a bone prominence, these are best cared for with the help of a professional. Wearing white socks is also beneficial as well as socks made specifically for those with diabetes to help provide your feet with extra cushion and sweat absorption. Try to refrain from walking barefoot to minimize cuts and avoid smoking, as it restricts the blood flow to your feet.
In certain serious instances you may notice a cut, blister, or bruise which is not healing after a few days. If this occurs, as soon as possible seek the help of a professional to avoid infections and wounds. Other warning signs which are problematic include redness, swelling, a callus with dried blood in the skin, or drainage that causes discoloration of the foot and an odor.
If you’d like more information on how to maintain healthy feet while living with diabetes, please make an appointment with one of the great podiatrists at North Shore Foot and Ankle as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back to activity.
Sports Injuries
Sports Injuries
With any sporting activity, injuries of the foot and ankle are fairly common from kids to weekend warriors.
Some sports may have more injuries in terms of the foot and ankle as compared to others. These sports include basketball, running, football, soccer, and dancing. Sports that require tight shoes and focus on jumping or pivoting typically run a higher risk of injury. Feet are considered the foundation of the body which allows you to put energy into performance but also enable us to perform our everyday activities. For this reason, your feet and ankles are necessary for nearly all activity and professional help should be sought at the first instinct that something is not right.
Common contributors leading to foot and ankle injuries include not stretching properly, failing to warm up, wearing the incorrect footwear for your particular sport, as well as not providing your feet and ankle with the needed support. Without support, there are many foot and ankle conditions that can develop and worsen over time. The most common conditions related to sports injuries include Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, ligament instability and stress fractures, only to name a few.
Chronic or acute Achilles tendinitis can affect one of the largest tendons in the body, the Achilles tendon. This injury typically occurs from chronic overuse. The main function of the Achilles tendon is to transmit power from the calf muscles to the heel and the foot. When this tendon is damaged, this can lead to extreme pain and may progress to further complications including tearing, ruptures, scar formation, bone spur formation, tendinosis, tendinopathy, and bursitis of the surrounding tissue.
Plantar fasciitis may occur when the ligament which supports the arch of your foot experiences too much stress or chronic overuse. This tissue can become strained from frequently performing sporting activities or too tight calf muscles, thus causing inflammation and pain at the bottom of the heel with weight bearing and your first few steps.
Stress fractures arise due to a lack of conditioning, improper use of equipment or incorrect technique, but most commonly from repetitive stress placed on the foot and ankle. A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone that will become very painful and cause a great deal of discomfort which any weight placed on the lower extremity.
Ligament laxity, especially of the ankle is very common with activities which require pivoting such as soccer and basketball. This type of injury will result after multiple ankle sprains, but can happen after only one severe injury. With significant or repeated injury to the ankle ligaments, they become stretched and do not function to stabilize the joint which can be felt with pain, increased mobility of the joint or problems with balance. Commonly bracing options or taping can be incorporated into your routine to help with activity and pain. When the ligaments become more problematic, physical therapy and strengthening will help. With some individuals, the ligaments have been injured to a point the tissues will not heal on their own, in this case as surgical procedure to repair and strengthen these ligaments may be the best way to get you back to your activities.
If you commonly participate in sporting activities and would like more information on how to maintain healthy feet and ankle with your specific activities, please make an appointment with one of the great podiatrists at North Shore Foot and Ankle as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back to activity.
Some sports may have more injuries in terms of the foot and ankle as compared to others. These sports include basketball, running, football, soccer, and dancing. Sports that require tight shoes and focus on jumping or pivoting typically run a higher risk of injury. Feet are considered the foundation of the body which allows you to put energy into performance but also enable us to perform our everyday activities. For this reason, your feet and ankles are necessary for nearly all activity and professional help should be sought at the first instinct that something is not right.
Common contributors leading to foot and ankle injuries include not stretching properly, failing to warm up, wearing the incorrect footwear for your particular sport, as well as not providing your feet and ankle with the needed support. Without support, there are many foot and ankle conditions that can develop and worsen over time. The most common conditions related to sports injuries include Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, ligament instability and stress fractures, only to name a few.
Chronic or acute Achilles tendinitis can affect one of the largest tendons in the body, the Achilles tendon. This injury typically occurs from chronic overuse. The main function of the Achilles tendon is to transmit power from the calf muscles to the heel and the foot. When this tendon is damaged, this can lead to extreme pain and may progress to further complications including tearing, ruptures, scar formation, bone spur formation, tendinosis, tendinopathy, and bursitis of the surrounding tissue.
Plantar fasciitis may occur when the ligament which supports the arch of your foot experiences too much stress or chronic overuse. This tissue can become strained from frequently performing sporting activities or too tight calf muscles, thus causing inflammation and pain at the bottom of the heel with weight bearing and your first few steps.
Stress fractures arise due to a lack of conditioning, improper use of equipment or incorrect technique, but most commonly from repetitive stress placed on the foot and ankle. A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone that will become very painful and cause a great deal of discomfort which any weight placed on the lower extremity.
Ligament laxity, especially of the ankle is very common with activities which require pivoting such as soccer and basketball. This type of injury will result after multiple ankle sprains, but can happen after only one severe injury. With significant or repeated injury to the ankle ligaments, they become stretched and do not function to stabilize the joint which can be felt with pain, increased mobility of the joint or problems with balance. Commonly bracing options or taping can be incorporated into your routine to help with activity and pain. When the ligaments become more problematic, physical therapy and strengthening will help. With some individuals, the ligaments have been injured to a point the tissues will not heal on their own, in this case as surgical procedure to repair and strengthen these ligaments may be the best way to get you back to your activities.
If you commonly participate in sporting activities and would like more information on how to maintain healthy feet and ankle with your specific activities, please make an appointment with one of the great podiatrists at North Shore Foot and Ankle as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to get you back to activity.
