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An unfused Os trigonum is a small, extra bone that very few people experience at the back of the ankle, just behind the ankle joint. Having an unfused Os trigonum typically doesn’t cause any problems, however, when an ankle injury occurs, Os trigonum syndrome can develop. This condition is often caused by repetitive overuse and trauma and is particularly common among ballet dancers, runners, and football players who have an unfused Os trigonum. Symptoms of this condition can include pain at the back of the ankle, swelling, tenderness, and a small, hard lump near the Achilles tendon. Conservative treatments are frequently effective in treating os trigonum syndrome and may include resting, icing, and immobilizing the foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and doing strengthening and stretching exercises. To learn more about this condition, please consult with a podiatrist.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are wounds that occur on the feet of diabetic patients. These wounds may heal poorly, slowly, and have an increased risk of becoming infected. Because of this, prompt and proper wound care is necessary. Your podiatrist may treat your DFU by keeping pressure off of the wound using casts, boots, specialty shoes, or off-loading devices. The wound may also need to be debrided, which involves removing dead or damaged tissue and any foreign objects from the wound. You will then need to keep the foot clean and dry and moisturize the area with a prescribed cream to promote healing. Your doctor might also suggest ways to improve your circulation or prescribe additional therapies to encourage the wound to heal. For more information about caring for DFUs, please consult with a podiatrist.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Many patients with flat feet have found that frequently performing specific exercises may help their feet feel better. The pain from this condition is normally felt in the bottom of the foot, and it can make accomplishing daily activities difficult to complete. Flat feet, or fallen arches, can be a result of overstretched tissues which may lead to additional foot conditions. Stretching the heel can help the entire foot. This can be done by standing with your hands resting against a wall. As one leg is extended behind you, a gentle stretch can be felt in the Achilles tendon when the body is pushed toward the wall. Research has indicated that rolling the heel on a tennis ball can also help to strengthen the arch. If you have flat feet, please speak with a podiatrist to learn about what exercises and stretches may help your condition.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Distal subungual onychomycosis is considered to be one of the most common types of toenail fungus. It can cause the nails to turn yellow, which is often a result of keratin in the affected nail. The infection usually begins on the sides of the nail and may gradually spread to the entire nail, if left untreated, additional symptoms can include brittle nails, splitting, and the texture can become rough. It is considered to be contagious, so it is beneficial to refrain from sharing towels, shoes, and socks. There are several types of treatments that are available for toenail fungus infections. If you are afflicted with toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you place yourself under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with the correct treatment choice.If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
Treatment
If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.
Prevention
In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.
In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.
Many people take their feet for granted, despite their importance despite the fact they are the foundation of the body. There are simple techniques that can improve the overall health of your feet which will have a positive effect on the rest of your body. These helpful tips can include washing and drying the feet thoroughly every day, followed by applying a good moisturizer. When the toes are trimmed properly, painful foot conditions such as ingrown toenails may be prevented. Maintaining a hygiene routine for your feet may play a significant role in preventing athlete's foot, which can make the feet feel itchy and uncomfortable. If you would like additional information about the importance of practicing everyday foot care techniques, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Everyday Foot Care
Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.
It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Preparing your feet for a hike can help you to prevent an injury and make your excursion more relaxing and enjoyable. Start with a pair of comfortable hiking boots or shoes that provide plenty of room in the toe box and ensure that the feet don’t slip out of the shoes at the heel or arch area. It is also important to gradually break the boots in before going on a long hike. Choose moisture-wicking socks, or even toe-socks that separate the toes—preventing them from rubbing together and possibly even helping to distribute your weight more evenly. Bring an extra pair of socks to switch out if your feet get too sweaty or wet during the hike. Before you hit the trail, do some gentle stretching in your bare feet such as rolling your arches on a tennis ball, stretching out your toes, circling your ankles slowly, and stretching your calves. If you have spots on your feet that are prone to blistering, apply some tape, moleskin, or a bandage to the area, and pack extra supplies to apply to any hotspots you start feeling on the trail. For advice on choosing shoes or getting custom orthotics that are best for your specific feet on or off the trail, please consult with a podiatrist today.
Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Exercise for Your Feet
Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.
Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.
Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Poor circulation is a common condition that typically develops from other health issues such as diabetes, obesity, peripheral artery disease, blood clots, or heart conditions. Poor circulation limits the blood flow, and thereby the amount of nutrients, blood, and oxygen throughout the body, but most commonly to the lower extremities. If you have poor circulation you may experience numbness, tingling, pain, or muscle cramps in the legs and feet. A podiatrist can help you manage circulation issues that affect the feet, which is especially important for those afflicted with diabetes.
While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:
Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
We often use the term “baby-smooth” to describe a desired skin texture, but what if your baby has dry, cracked heels? Like adults, children can experience unpleasant dryness, roughness, and cracks on the skin of their feet. Dry skin on the feet is sometimes referred to as tennis shoe dermatitis. When the heels become too dry, deep, painful cracks can form. In some cases, the cracks can bleed, increasing the risk of infection. Cracked heels in children are often caused by chronic overexposure to moisture, be that from wearing wet or sweaty socks, swimming, or taking excessively long baths. Other reasons that their heels may be dry include using harsh soaps, living in a dry climate, hereditary factors, and skin conditions such as eczema. If your child has dry, cracked heels and the cracks are deep, painful, or bleed, it is strongly suggested that you take them to see a podiatrist.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
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