Archive for the ‘We Treat Feet’ Category

Heel Pain in Children :: Severs Syndrome

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012

Heel pain should never be ignored, especially in growing children. It could be the first sign of a more serious problem.

Causes of Heel Pain in Children

  • Growth plate inflammation on the back and the bottom of heel in children between 8 and 14.years of age
  • Seen in active children who often go barefoot
  • Poor foot posture such as low arch or extremely high arch feet causes overload of the heel
  • May occur during growth spurts

Signs and Symptoms of Heel Pain in Children

  • Pain to the heel bone at the end of an activity.
  • Occasionally painful to the Achilles tendon
  • Stiffness after sitting and getting up to walk
  • Limping after sitting and getting up to walk, particularly after completion of athletic or exercise activity
  • No evidence of redness or swelling
  • Usually associated with tight lower extremity muscles
  • Tenderness to press the area of the growth plate (area is demonstrated on picture below)

If you are experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms, schedule an appointment with We Treat Feet as soon as possible. And, most importantly, Don’t Ignore Heel Pain! Early intervention can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery. So contact the podiatric specialists at We Treat Feet when the first symptom arises.

Treatment of Heel Pain in Children

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Custom molded prescription orthotics (shoe inserts) to support poor foot posture(low arch or high arch feet)
  • Heel lifts in the early stages of treatment to help decrease the pull of the tight calf muscle and Achilles tendon
  • Stretching exercises to help stretch the tight calf muscles
  • Physical Therapy Modalities to help reduce the inflammation
  • Night splinting to prevent tightness or low grade spasm of the calf muscles while sleeping
  • In severe cases, cast immobilization to allow the area to rest completely

If you want to learn more about Heel Pain in Children or wish to schedule an appointment with a qualified podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

What are “Growing Pains” and how do they affect Children? :: Podiatric Tips

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

The term “Growing Pains” is an overarching term for foot, ankle, and leg problems in growing children. And while growing pains may be fairly harmless, they could be the first signs of a more serious underlying problem, such as lower extremity malalignment.

Causes of Growing Pains in Children

  • Flat feet or feet that appear to point to the outside.
  • Children who are knock-kneed.
  • Tight muscles, especially the calf, hamstrings and external rotator muscles of the hips.

Symptoms of Growing Pains in Children

  • Pain during physical activity, especially along the inside of the shinbone, ankle, and foot.
  • Premature fatigue during strenuous physical activity.
  • A sedentary lifestyle or a general avoidance of activity and sports.
  • Leg pain, especially at night.
  • Lower back pain.

Treatment of Growing Pains in Children

  • The Right Footwear: Changing to more supportive shoes will help support the feet and lower extremity better.
  • Orthotics: Custom molded prescription orthotics (shoe inserts) realign the lower extremity. In many cases this will have a relatively quick positive effect on the leg pains these children are experiencing.
  • Physical Therapy: A more hands-on approach, like physical therapy, can help improve overall muscle flexibility and improve muscle strength, coordination and balance.

If you want to learn more about Growing Pains or wish to schedule an appointment with a qualified podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

 

Running Tips: Proper Footwear & the Aches and Pains of Running

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

The human foot is the perfect combination of 26 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, and a network of tendons, nerves, and blood vessels – all working together to achieve graceful synergy. But when one of these perfectly balanced components is out of line, the results can be excruciating.

Running Tips

  • See Your Podiatrist: Before starting any running program or regimen, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist. Your podiatrist will examine your feet and identify potential problems, discuss conditioning, prescribe an orthotic device that fits into a running shoe (if needed), and recommend the best style of footwear for your feet.
  • Stretch: Proper stretching is important (5-10 minutes). When your muscles are properly warmed up, the strain on muscles, tendons, and joints is reduced.
  • Proper Footwear: Shoe choice should be determined by weight, foot structure, and running regimen.
  • Proper Socks: Fit your shoes with the socks that you plan to wear during your running. This is the only way to ensure the proper fit.
  • Build Up Your Endurance: Start small and build up your distance slowly.
  • Aches and Pains: Do not ignore foot pain; see your podiatrist. Common medical problems associated with running include: runner’s knee and shin splints.

If you want Running Tips or wish to schedule an appointment with a qualified podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

InBone Total Ankle Replacement

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

Up until recently, there had been very limited options for ankle replacement in the United States. Well, that was then and this is now. The INBONE™ Total Ankle was developed as a viable surgical solution to ankle arthritis.

Benefits of the InBone Total Ankle

  • Pain reduction
  • Restored mobility
  • Avoid the problems associated with an Ankle Fusion (Arthrodesis)

The InBone Total Ankle was developed after carefully studying the reasons previous ankle implant designs failed. With that knowledge in hand, The InBone team designed a total ankle replacement that could stand the test of time.

Features of the InBone Total Ankle

The prosthesis consists of two main pieces: a tibial component (that goes up into the leg) and a talar component (the replaced part of the ankle that articulates with the foot). Other features include:

  • Long Anchoring Stems: The prosthesis has anchoring stems to secure it in place, within both the tibia and talus, reducing the chances of the implant loosening over time.
  • Physician Customized for Patient Needs: One size does not fit all. The modular design of the tibial stem (component that goes into the leg) allows us to select the appropriate number of pieces based on patient size and bone structure.
  • Anatomical Matching to the Human Ankle: The INBONE™ Total Ankle closely matches the shape of your natural ankle.

If you want to learn more about InBone Total Ankle Replacement or wish to schedule an appointment with a qualified podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Foot Health, Your Child, and Athletics

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

Every year, millions of American children lace up their cleats and participate in warm weather sports (soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, etc.).

“Sports play a significant role in the lives of millions of young athletes,” says Dr. Michael King, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “Parents need to be aware that sports, which require a substantial amount of running, turning, and contact, can translate to injuries. Protecting children’s feet from injuries, and bringing them to a podiatrist when problems occur, can help keep kids in the game and make the sport more enjoyable.”

Tips for Good Foot Health this Sports Season

  • Protective taping of the ankles can help prevent sprains or fractures.
  • Shoes and cleats specifically designed for a sport will not only help improve your child’s performance in that specific sport, but also protect him or her from serious foot and ankle injuries.
  • The right socks can make all the difference. Athletic socks should consist of a natural/synthetic blend, which is best at wicking away moisture, minimizing foot odor, and preventing blisters.

“Sports-related foot and ankle injuries are on the rise as more children participate actively in sports,” King says. “Parents need to be vigilant to ensure children’s feet remain healthy and safe. And remember – lack of complaint by a child is not a reliable sign that everything is fine. The bones of growing feet are so flexible that they can be twisted and distorted without the child being aware of it.”

If you want to learn more about foot health or wish to schedule an appointment with a qualified podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

A Parent’s Guide to Foot Health for Athletic Kids

Are Sore Feet Ruining Your Plans?

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

The average person walks 8,000-10,000 steps per day. That number increases drastically when you travel. And if you are wearing the wrong shoes, you could be in for a great deal of pain.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends the following steps:

Proper Footwear: Do not sacrifice health and comfort for convenience or fashion. Instead, choose footwear that is both supportive and comfortable.

Carry Those Dress Shoes: If you are traveling on business, consider packing your dress shoes in your carry-on luggage and only put them on when you need them.

Airport Security: Even though you have to take your shoes off to go through airport security, never go barefoot. Be sure to always wear socks to give yourself a little extra cushioning and comfort. Keeping your socks on will also help protect your feet from dirt and bacteria.

Get Up & Walk Around: Try to get up and walk around every 45 minutes. Sitting for extended periods of time restricts blood flow to the legs and feet, which can lead to swelling and, in extreme cases, blood clots.

Stick With What You Know: Vacation is not the time to break in a new pair of shoes. Instead, stick to your old reliable shoes.

Foot Care Emergency Kit: Be prepared. Vacation walking can create a lot of foot emergencies. Pack a foot care emergency kit that includes:

•      Adhesive bandages

•      Antibiotic cream

•      Tweezers

•      Nail clippers

•      Foot lotions

If you want to learn more about foot health or wish to schedule an appointment with a qualified podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Don’t let sore feet trip up your travel plans

Could Your Foot Fracture be an Early Sign of Osteoporosis?

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

An unexplained foot fracture may be an early warning sign of osteoporosis, also referred to as the “silent crippler.” Osteoporosis is a bone thinning disease that often progresses without any symptoms. Because of this, osteoporosis is often not diagnosed until a person experiences pain from a fracture.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is most common in women over age 50, but the degenerative bone disease also affects younger people and men. Symptoms include:

•      Increased pain with walking

•      Redness

•      Swelling on the top of the foot

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with We Treat Feet as soon as possible. And, most importantly, Don’t Ignore Foot Pain! Early intervention can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery. So contact the podiatric specialists at We Treat Feet when the first symptom arises.

Osteoporosis currently affects over 28 million Americans and accounts for 1.5 million bone fractures a year.

Are you at risk? We Treat Feet can help you find out.

Testing for Osteoporosis

Our foot and ankle surgeons are able to diagnose osteoporosis through bone densitometry tests, which measure calcium and mineral levels in the bones through low-dose radiation x-ray, or possibly through a routine x-ray.

Treatment for Osteoporosis

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s important to protect your feet from stress fractures. Wear shoes that provide support and cushioning, such as athletic running shoes, to provide extra shock absorption and protection. Custom orthotics may also be recommended to protect the foot from pressure and provide shock absorption, particularly during exercise.

If you have any questions about Osteoporosis or if you are suffering from foot pain and wish to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

How Do Shoes Affect Your Health?

Tuesday, March 13th, 2012

“The shoes you wear can make you feel slim, sexy and stylish — or they can leave you wincing in pain,” wrote Natalie Mackenzie on FoxNews.com.

So how do the different shoes we wear affect our foot health?

Flip-Flops: Only a thin strap and your bunched toes keeping your flip-flops from flying off. This constant gripping action makes it impossible to flex your arch normally, compromising the way your forefoot pushes off when you step forward. This forces your hips and knees to absorb most of the impact. Furthermore, flip-flops shorten your stride, which, over time, may lead to lower-body fatigue.

High Heels: If you wear high heels most of the time, you may be doing long term damage to your body. A 2011 Danish study found that walking in heels can increase the risk of osteoarthritis by as much as six times. Furthermore, studies have found that wearing high heels daily can actually the decrease your calorie burn, adding as much as 5-pounds over a year’s time!

Flats: These shoes lack the internal support found in sneakers. Because of this, wearing flats can cause the ligaments and tendons along the bottom of your foot can overstretch and the arch can collapse. This can lead to painful foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis. Studies have also found that women wearing flats put about 25 percent more impact on the heel with each step.

So before reaching for your favorite fashionable pair of shoes, stop and think about the long-term damage you could be doing to your body.

If you have any questions about Foot Health or if you wish to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Are Your Shoes Making You Fat?

Is Foot Pain Linked to Obesity?

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Is foot pain making you fat? Well, it actually could be.

According to a recent survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), 72% of Americans say they do not exercise because of their foot pain. The study surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults, 18 years of age and older.

It is probably not far fetched to draw a connection between the frequency of foot pain in Americans and the soaring rates of US obesity as reported by the Centers for Disease Control.

Other Findings

•      Americans view their feet as the least important body part in terms of their health and well-being.

•      Feet were the number one body part to experience pain, even more so than the teeth or skin. 

The survey results support the launch of the Today’s Podiatrist campaign, which increases awareness about the specialized medical training and unique qualifications a podiatrist has in treating the foot and ankle.

Foot pain contributes to several health issues. Signs of diabetes, arthritis, and nerve and circulatory disorders can all be detected in the feet. That is why it is important to seek podiatric care immediately if any problems arise.

“Podiatrists are physicians, surgeons and specialists who treat diseases, injuries and deformities of the foot and ankle,” said APMA president Kathleen Stone, DPM. “We should be part of everyone’s health-care team, but it is especially important for those experiencing regular foot pain to seek care from a podiatrist.”

If you have any questions about Foot Pain or if you wish to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Laser Treatments NOW FDA APPROVED!

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

The Q-Clear Laser, which is essentially two lasers in one, was recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for use in general and plastic surgery, dermatology, and podiatry, for the incision, excision, and vaporization of soft tissues. In the field of podiatry, this means the Q-Clear Laser is approved for the following uses:

  • Matrixectomy: The process of surgically, chemically, or electrically destroying all or part of the base nail portion called the nail matrix.
  • Removal of Warts: Including periungal, subungal, and plantar warts.
  • Treatment of Foot Fungus.
  • Radical Nail Excision: A simple method of treatment for Ingrowing toenails by radical excision of the affected nailfold.
  • Neuromas: A painful condition, also referred to as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes that brings on pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot.
  • And More!

The Q-Clear Laser can provide superior effect with exceptional patient comfort.

If you have any questions about We Treat Feet’s use of the Q-Clear Laser or if you wish to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatric specialists, please contact We Treat Feet Podiatry in Maryland by visiting our website or click here to view our various locations and phone numbers!

About We Treat Feet Podiatry:

We Treat Feet! That’s what we do. From the simplest nail problems, to the most complex foot deformities, we provide exceptional care in a kind and compassionate manner. We offer board certified physicians that have spent years learning the intricate structures and functions of the human foot and ankle. No knees or elbows here, only the best foot and ankle care in Maryland.

From heel pain, bunions, Sports medicine injuries, broken bones, neuromas, hammertoes, and flatfeet to Achilles tendon problems, we have the most modern technology available to help you, including digital x-ray, diagnostic ultrasound, and vascular testing equipment.

You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

Q-Clear Laser