Heel pain is a common problem that many podiatrists see daily in their busy practices. As foot and ankle physicians, we treat this malady quite frequently with a variety of treatment methods. Before we concern ourselves with the actual treatment plans, let us understand a little background information about this condition.
Monday, September 28, 2015
3 Week Post-Op Patient Testimony after Arthritic Spur Surgery with Dr. W...
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC101 6th Street N.W.Winter Haven, FL 33881Phone: 863-299-4551http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com
Thursday, September 3, 2015
2 Week Post-Op Ankle Arthroscopy with Dr Wellens
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC101 6th Street N.W.Winter Haven, FL 33881Phone: 863-299-4551http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Quell Patient Testimony only 1 week and 1/2 after using it - Dr Wellens
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC101 6th Street N.W.Winter Haven, FL 33881Phone: 863-299-4551http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com
Thursday, August 20, 2015
12 Days Post-Op Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Patient Testimony with Dr. Wel...
Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center101 6th St Nw Winter Haven, Fl 33881Phone: (863) 299-4551www.FLFootandAnkle.com
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Post Op Tarsal Tunnel Surgery Patient Testimony with Dr Wellens
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC101 6th Street N.W.Winter Haven, FL 33881Phone: 863-299-4551http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com
Patient Testimony after Arthritic Bone Spur Surgery with Dr Wellens
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC101 6th Street N.W.Winter Haven, FL 33881Phone: 863-299-4551http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com
Monday, April 20, 2015
Patient Testimony after Plantar Fasciitis Heel Pain Surgery with Dr Wel...
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC101 6th Street N.W.Winter Haven, FL 33881Phone: 863-299-4551http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Ankle Sprains
Treatment
includes resting and elevating the ankle and applying ice to reduce swelling.
Compressive bandages, braces or even a cast (in stage 4 severe ligament
injury) also may be used to immobilize and support the injury during
healing. Serious ankle sprains, particularly among competitive athletes, may
require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments. Chance of surgery
does increase if ankle sprains are not treated correctly.
To
prevent ankle sprains, try to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility in
the foot and ankle through exercising, stretching, and wearing well-fitted
shoes. no flip flops or crocks when running or exercising.
Ankle
sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the
foot, which may result in excessive stretching or tearing of one or more
ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The severity of the sprain can impact
the degree of damage as well as the type and duration of treatment. If not
properly treated, ankle sprains may develop into long-term problems.
In
everyday practice at CFFA I see many examples where patients go to ER right
after the injury and get Xrays and if there is no fracture present, they are
told that it is just a sprain but no ankle brace and other offloading device is
given therefore directly putting patient at risk for not correctly healing the
injury. This incorrect treatment can cause future problems, specifically
lateral ankle instability that requires surgery if early treatment is not
performed.
I
always recommend that patients have ultrasound to evaluate the degree of
Anterior Talo-Fibular ligament injury to determine the correct treatment
protocol for them. Correct diagnosis is very important.
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC 101 6th Street N.W. Winter Haven, FL 33881 Phone: 863-299-4551 http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com
Monday, August 4, 2014
All about Bunions
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe -- the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint -- that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. This forces the toe to bend toward the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot. Since this joint carries a lot of the body's weight while walking, bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated. The MTP joint itself may become stiff and sore, making even the wearing of shoes difficult or impossible. Bunions- from the Latin "bunio," meaning enlargement-can also occur on the outside of the foot along the little toe, where it is called a "bunionette" or "tailor's bunion."
Symptoms
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe -- the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint -- that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. This forces the toe to bend toward the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot. Since this joint carries a lot of the body's weight while walking, bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated. The MTP joint itself may become stiff and sore, making even the wearing of shoes difficult or impossible. Bunions- from the Latin "bunio," meaning enlargement-can also occur on the outside of the foot along the little toe, where it is called a "bunionette" or "tailor's bunion."
- Development of a firm bump on the outside edge of the foot, at the base of the big toe.
- Redness, swelling, or pain at or near the MTP joint.
- Corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes.
- Restricted or painful motion of the big toe.
How Do You Get a Bunion?
Bunions form when the normal balance of forces that is exerted on the joints and tendons of the foot becomes disrupted. This can lead to instability in the joint and cause the deformity. They are brought about by years of abnormal motion and pressure over the MTP joint. They are, therefore, a symptom of faulty foot development and are usually caused by the way we walk, and our inherited foot type, our shoes, or other sources.
Although bunions tend to run in families, it is the foot type that is passed down -- not the bunion. Parents who suffer from poor foot mechanics can pass their problematic foot type on to their children, who, in turn, are also prone to developing bunions. The abnormal functioning caused by this faulty foot development can lead to pressure being exerted on and within the foot, often resulting in bone and joint deformities such as bunions and hammertoes.
Other causes of bunions are foot injuries, neuromuscular disorders, or congenital deformities. People who suffer from flat feet or low arches are also prone to developing these problems, as are arthritic patients and those with inflammatory joint disease. Occupations that place undue stress on the feet are also a factor; ballet dancers, for instance, often develop the condition.
Wearing shoes that are too tight or cause the toes to be squeezed together is also a common factor, one that explains the high prevalence of the disorder among women. Read more here.
Bunions form when the normal balance of forces that is exerted on the joints and tendons of the foot becomes disrupted. This can lead to instability in the joint and cause the deformity. They are brought about by years of abnormal motion and pressure over the MTP joint. They are, therefore, a symptom of faulty foot development and are usually caused by the way we walk, and our inherited foot type, our shoes, or other sources.
Although bunions tend to run in families, it is the foot type that is passed down -- not the bunion. Parents who suffer from poor foot mechanics can pass their problematic foot type on to their children, who, in turn, are also prone to developing bunions. The abnormal functioning caused by this faulty foot development can lead to pressure being exerted on and within the foot, often resulting in bone and joint deformities such as bunions and hammertoes.
Other causes of bunions are foot injuries, neuromuscular disorders, or congenital deformities. People who suffer from flat feet or low arches are also prone to developing these problems, as are arthritic patients and those with inflammatory joint disease. Occupations that place undue stress on the feet are also a factor; ballet dancers, for instance, often develop the condition.
Wearing shoes that are too tight or cause the toes to be squeezed together is also a common factor, one that explains the high prevalence of the disorder among women. Read more here.
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC 101 6th Street N.W. Winter Haven, FL 33881 Phone: 863-299-4551 www.FLFootandAnkle.com
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis of the feet, also termed plantar hyperhidrosis, is characterized by excessive sweating of the feet that is not onset by any cause, such as exercise, fever, or anxiety. Most people suffering from hyperhidrosis of the feet also experience hyperhidrosis of the hands, or palmar hyperhidrosis. Approximately 1-2% of Americans suffer from this disorder.
Sweating is a healthy process utilized by the body in order to cool itself and maintain a proper internal temperature, which is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. In individuals with hyperhidrosis, the sympathetic nervous system works in "overdrive", producing far more sweat than is actually needed.
Sweating is a healthy process utilized by the body in order to cool itself and maintain a proper internal temperature, which is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. In individuals with hyperhidrosis, the sympathetic nervous system works in "overdrive", producing far more sweat than is actually needed.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered primary hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating that occurs in an area other than the feet, hands, or armpits, and this indicates that is related to another medical condition, such as menopause, hyperthyroidism, or Parkinson's disease.
The symptoms of hyperhidrosis of the feet can include foot odor, athlete's foot, infections, and blisters. Because of the continual moisture, shoes and socks can rot which creates an additional foul odor and can ruin the materials, requiring shoes and socks to be replaced frequently. In addition to the physical symptoms, emotional health is often affected as this disorder can be very embarrassing.
If left untreated, hyperhidrosis will usually persist throughout an individual's life. However, there are several treatment options available. A common first approach to treating hyperhidrosis of the feet is a topical ointment. Aluminum chloride, an ingredient found in antiperspirants, can be effective at treating hyperhidrosis if used in high concentration and applied to the foot daily. Some individuals can experience relief this way, while others encounter extreme irritation and are unable to use the product. Another procedure is the use of Botulinum Toxin A, commonly referred to as Botox. This is injected directly into the foot, and is effective at minimizing the sweat glands in the injected area. These injections must be repeated every 4 to 9 months.
If these treatments are ineffective, oral prescription medications may be taken in an effort to alleviate the symptoms. Again, some will experience relief while others do not. Going barefoot reportedly provides relief for most sufferers.
A final approach to combating hyperhidrosis of the feet is through surgery. Surgery has been less successful on patients with plantar hyperhidrosis than on those with palmar hyperhidrosis. It is only recommended when sweating is severe and other treatments have failed to work. This kind of surgery usually involves going into the central nervous system, and cutting nerves to stop the transmission of signals telling the foot to sweat.
The symptoms of hyperhidrosis of the feet can include foot odor, athlete's foot, infections, and blisters. Because of the continual moisture, shoes and socks can rot which creates an additional foul odor and can ruin the materials, requiring shoes and socks to be replaced frequently. In addition to the physical symptoms, emotional health is often affected as this disorder can be very embarrassing.
If left untreated, hyperhidrosis will usually persist throughout an individual's life. However, there are several treatment options available. A common first approach to treating hyperhidrosis of the feet is a topical ointment. Aluminum chloride, an ingredient found in antiperspirants, can be effective at treating hyperhidrosis if used in high concentration and applied to the foot daily. Some individuals can experience relief this way, while others encounter extreme irritation and are unable to use the product. Another procedure is the use of Botulinum Toxin A, commonly referred to as Botox. This is injected directly into the foot, and is effective at minimizing the sweat glands in the injected area. These injections must be repeated every 4 to 9 months.
If these treatments are ineffective, oral prescription medications may be taken in an effort to alleviate the symptoms. Again, some will experience relief while others do not. Going barefoot reportedly provides relief for most sufferers.
A final approach to combating hyperhidrosis of the feet is through surgery. Surgery has been less successful on patients with plantar hyperhidrosis than on those with palmar hyperhidrosis. It is only recommended when sweating is severe and other treatments have failed to work. This kind of surgery usually involves going into the central nervous system, and cutting nerves to stop the transmission of signals telling the foot to sweat.
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC 101 6th Street N.W. Winter Haven, FL 33881 Phone: 863-299-4551 http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)