Items filtered by date: October 2024

Tuesday, 15 October 2024 00:00

Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress, often affecting athletes or those who suddenly increase their activity levels. Common symptoms include localized pain that worsens with activity, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes bruising surrounding the affected area. You may also notice pain that eases with rest but returns when you resume activity. Treatment typically involves resting the affected foot or ankle to allow the bone to heal. In more severe cases, a podiatrist might recommend immobilization with a brace or boot to protect the fracture. Gradual return to activity guided by a podiatrist is vital to preventing recurrence. If you suspect a stress fracture or experience persistent foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This type of doctor can perform a thorough evaluation and recommend an effective treatment plan to ensure a full recovery.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Edward Fryman, DPM, FACFAOM from Seaford Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Seaford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Foot pain can originate from various sources, depending on which part of the foot is affected. Pain in the heel, often attributed to conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis, can result from excessive stress or inflammation. The ball of the foot may hurt due to metatarsalgia or neuromas, often caused by high-impact activities or wearing poor footwear. Pain in the arch can indicate issues such as flat feet or arch strain. Toe pain, on the other hand, might be due to bunions, hammertoe, or gout, conditions that affect toe alignment or joint health. Each area of the foot can be vulnerable to specific problems, so identifying the precise location and nature of the pain is vital for effective treatment and management, ensuring relief and improved mobility. If you have pain in one or more areas of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Edward Fryman, DPM, FACFAOM from Seaford Foot Care Center. Our doctor 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 Seaford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Tuesday, 01 October 2024 00:00

Non-Surgical Treatment for Bunions

Bunions, a bony bump at the base of your big toe, can result from a misalignment of bones and tissues that pushes the toe inward. While surgery is the only way to completely remove a bunion, nonsurgical bunion treatments can effectively manage symptoms and slow progression. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and low heels can reduce pressure on the bunion. Custom orthotics can help with proper foot alignment. Toe spacers and splints can also relieve discomfort by preventing further misalignment, although they will not permanently correct the bone structure. Stretching exercises may increase flexibility and ease pain, but they will not reverse the bunion itself. If your bunion is causing discomfort, consulting a podiatrist early can lead to treatment options that delay or prevent further complications. If you have pain caused by a bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Edward Fryman, DPM, FACFAOM of Seaford Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Seaford, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Bunions

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