Glen Allen Office
(804) 747-3380
Burning pain in the joints of the big toe is a common symptom that is often associated with gout. This condition can be caused by excess uric acid in the blood levels and crystals can form in the joints. This can lead to severe pain and discomfort, and walking may be difficult. Some of the reasons gout may develop can come from genetic factors, obesity, and eating foods that have high levels of purines. These can include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Patients who are afflicted with gout may find relief when healthy eating habits are implemented, and it can be beneficial to follow a simple exercise program. People who have gout are strongly advised to be under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.
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.
The tarsal navicular bone is one of the many small bones in the foot that sits on the inside of the foot and helps support the arch of the foot. Due to the bone’s location, activities such as running or jumping can create risk for an injury to the bone, such as a stress fracture known as a navicular stress fracture. Usually stress fractures are a result of repetitive forces to the foot, and they become an overuse injury. Common risks for sustaining this particular stress fracture include an increase in sports training, low bone density, change of running shoes or training surface, poor nutrition, or an abnormal foot structure. If you believe that you are suffering a navicular stress fracture, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, 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.
How Are They Caused?
Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon. Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.
Risk Factors
Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.
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.
The Achilles tendon is known to be the largest tendon in the body. It is located in the back of the leg and connects the calf to the heel. An injury to this tendon can cause severe pain and discomfort, and can happen for a variety of reasons. These can include wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, improperly warming up before running, or increasing a workout intensity too quickly. The common symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury can consist of swelling in the heel and surrounding areas, and it may be difficult to walk and stand. After a proper diagnosis is made, which generally consists of having an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI performed, the correct treatment can begin. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who will determine what the best treatment is for you.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, 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.
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
Rupture Symptoms
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:
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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Heel pain when first getting out of bed in the morning, a burning or sharp sensation in the heel, and increased pain while walking, can all be indicative of the foot condition known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can be an uncomfortable foot condition to deal with, especially if it is left untreated. Common causes of this condition can include ill-fitting footwear, poor foot structure, certain exercises like long distance running, and occupations that require you to be on your feet for the majority of the day. Obesity may also lead to the development of plantar fasciitis, due to the excess pressure put on the foot. If you have heel pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist immediately for a proper diagnosis.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
How Can It Be Treated?
While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.
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.
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.
The apparatus that is referred to as a Brannock device is an accurate tool for measuring your foot to determine your correct shoe size. When this is accomplished, the proper size shoes can be purchased. It is important for your shoes to have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. This may be helpful in preventing painful foot conditions from developing, such as bunions and hammertoes. Additionally, it is helpful to ensure that the ball of the foot lines up with the ball of the shoe. Shoes that fit correctly will feel good when they are tried on, and it is generally unnecessary to break them in. If you would like to know more information about how to purchase shoes that fit correctly, please consult with a podiatrist.
Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:
Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.
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.
Diabetic patients are prone to getting cuts, bruises, and wounds on their feet, which can be difficult to heal. This is a result of elevated glucose levels that can cause the feet to lose sensation. Minor cuts, if left unnoticed and untreated can develop into foot ulcers. Untreated wounds may also lead to possible amputation, and research has indicated that this is responsible for two hundred amputations per day. Proper wound treatment can begin with a process that is referred to as debridement. This is typically effective in removing dead skin from the feet. This procedure provides clean edges surrounding the foot ulcer, and healthy tissue can grow, which may accelerate the healing process. If you have developed wounds on the feet, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage diabetic foot conditions.
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.
It can be easy to notice if you have flat feet. The entire foot will lie flat on the floor without a space where the arch would normally exist. The majority of babies are born with flat feet, and the arch typically develops at approximately six years of age. Patients who have flat feet may have an abnormal foot structure or weak muscle tone. Additionally, the ligaments may be loose, and this may be caused by genetic traits. Some of the symptoms that are associated with flat feet can include possible pain or tenderness in the foot, lack of energy, and it may be difficult to walk. The Achilles tendon may become inflamed, and foot conditions such as bunions may develop. It is advised for people who have flat feet to be under the care of a podiatrist who can offer effective relief methods, which may include wearing orthotics.
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.
Patients who have inflammation in the joints of their feet may be experiencing a certain type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis can make it difficult to move the feet, and may be accompanied by stiffness and pain. This can be caused by a loss of cartilage, and the affected joints may change shape and become swollen. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur when the immune system attacks the joints, and may affect the feet, in addition to other parts of the body. The feet can become weak, and it may be challenging to perform daily activities. If you would like more information on how arthritis can affect the feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide you with the proper information.
Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, 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.
Arthritic Foot Care
Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.
In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.
Alleviating Arthritic Pain
It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.
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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Many people enjoy the benefits of receiving foot massages. It is done by applying pressure to the numerous nerves that are located in each foot and may be beneficial in helping the feet to feel better. Patients who have regular foot massages may notice blood circulation has improved, and a decrease in bodily stress may be observed. After the feet are washed and dried, a proper massage is performed by stretching the toes and rubbing the bottom of the feet. Foot massages are considered to be a form of foot therapy. If you would like additional information on how to practice this type of therapy, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with 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.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
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 tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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