Items filtered by date: February 2023

Tuesday, 28 February 2023 00:00

Blunt Force Trauma and Feet

The term “trauma” might not be immediately intuitive for many patients. In everyday usage, this term can refer to emotional damage. However, in the field of podiatry, it means something entirely different. Trauma, or blunt force trauma, is essentially some kind of direct force applied to the foot. This force can be the result of having someone step onto your foot or some other kind of direct blow. If the force impacts the muscles, then it is a possibility that you might experience a foot contusion as a result of the blunt force trauma. This could lead to pain in the foot or even swelling in some cases. If you are interested in learning more about trauma in the feet and what can be done to prevent it, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information. This foot specialist will be able to answer any questions you might have and provide treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, consult with Edward Orman, DPM from Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Muscle strains
  • Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
  • Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

  • Bruising
  • Inflammation/ Swelling
  • Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 21 February 2023 00:00

Various Reasons to Have Heel Pain

A common cause of heel pain is overuse. People who enjoy running are apt to experience heel pain at some point, and protective measures can be implemented which may help to minimize it. Conditions such as flat feet and obesity may lead to developing heel pain, in addition to having an abnormal foot structure. An injury to the Achilles tendon will generally affect the heel. This tendon is located in the calf, and it connects the heel to the calf muscles. The heel often becomes inflamed and walking can be difficult. Additionally, some people develop stress fractures in the heel, which can be very painful, and prompt medical attention is often sought. Other forms of heel pain can include osteomyelitis, which is a bone infection, and a contusion, or bruised heel bone. It is important to obtain a proper diagnosis of any type of heel pain, which consists of having an X-ray taken, or possibly undergoing an ultrasound or MRI. Treating heel pain requires the expert advice of a podiatrist, and it is strongly suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can help you with the correct treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Improved circulation may help people who have rheumatoid arthritis. This may be accomplished by performing gentle stretches which may ease joint stiffness. Additionally, the range of motion can increase from the joint fluids moving easier. When this condition affects the feet, it is often difficult to complete daily tasks. The gait may become altered to accommodate for the pain, and many people find they begin to limp. When the ankle is flexed and stretched, existing swelling may be relieved, and the ankle joints may become strengthened. Performing toe curls may help the balls of the feet and toe joints. This is done by curling the toes down while sitting in a chair, followed by extending them upward. If you are afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis in the feet, please consult a podiatrist for additional pain relief methods.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 07 February 2023 00:00

Symptoms and Causes of Achilles Tendonitis

When the back of the heel hurts, it may be caused by a condition known as Achilles tendonitis. This ailment occurs when the strong Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, largely the result of overuse or a sudden increase in activity. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and discomfort above the area of the heel that is used when stretching or standing on your toes. There are two types of Achilles tendonitis, insertional and noninsertional. The former is the result of tiny tears that occur when the lower portion of the tendon breaks down. The latter is when the tears occur in the middle part of the tendon. Common ways the Achilles tendon becomes compromised include failing to warm up before exercise, wearing high heels, and increasing activity too quickly. Other causes include overpronation, bone spurs, and gout. To find out more about dealing with the pain of Achilles tendonitis, please consult a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

  • Inflammation
  • Dull to severe pain
  • Increased blood flow to the tendon
  • Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

  • Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
  • Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

  • Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
  • Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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