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October 2022

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 00:00

Foot Stress Fracture Symptoms

When an individual suffers a stress fracture, they essentially have developed tiny cracks in the bone, often due to repetitive or prolonged pressure. There are a number of different symptoms that are characteristic of a stress fracture. Namely, if you suffer from a stress fracture, you may develop bruising on the skin in the affected area. Typically, this might involve discoloration of some sort around the skin. The skin, for example, may appear to have a red, blue, or purple tint. Additionally, stress fractures may create poignant, localized pain at the site of the fracture. This pain can be worse when putting weight on the feet. Many individuals suffer from stress fractures—if you are one of them, consult with a podiatrist today.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. 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 Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 18 October 2022 00:00

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetes is a chronic condition and it negatively impacts the process by which an individual can use food for energy. Diabetics should be aware of their susceptibility to suffering from several foot conditions, including the development of foot ulcers. A foot ulcer is essentially a foot sore, and many diabetics who lose feeling in their feet may not even feel pain from the ulcer. One contributing cause of foot ulcers is putting too much pressure on a specific area of the foot. A medical professional may treat an ulcer in different ways. For example, debridement may be performed whereby dead skin and tissue are removed from the affected area. A medical professional may also instruct a diabetic with a foot ulcer to care for the wound by reducing pressure on the feet and maintaining good blood sugar levels. If you suffer from diabetes, contact a podiatrist today for more information and the treatment of your feet.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 11 October 2022 00:00

Serious Problems Indicated by Foot Pain

Feet can be barometers for health problems that occur in the body. The feet are often neglected, especially when there is no pain.  However, major changes in foot comfort can be an indication of a larger health issue going on. Problems you can have with your feet include foot cramping, a sore or abscess that will not heal, or constantly cold feet. Foot cramping is when a muscle in the foot suddenly squeezes and cannot relax properly. This can signal dehydration, nerve and circulation problems, or neurological disease. An abscess that will not heal can be the result of diabetes or peripheral artery disease and if not treated, can become infected and gangrenous. Feet that feel cold even after putting on warm socks can be due to poor blood circulation, which can be associated with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, or anemia. There are many other health problems that can cause foot pain. If you are experiencing discomfort with your feet, consult with a podiatrist who can help you with a proper diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jeannette Velazquez, DPM from Bare Foot Care Specialist. 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 Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Published in Blog
Wednesday, 05 October 2022 00:00

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

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.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 04 October 2022 00:00

How Children’s Feet Grow

Children’s feet are not just smaller than adult feet. They are shaped differently, and will change as they grow. During the first year of life, children’s feet are soft and supple and have ample fat pads on the soles. The arch of the foot begins to develop when a child starts to walk. The muscles become stronger as the feet grow in length and width. Before children begin to walk, their feet do not need to be covered except for warmth and hygiene. In fact, footwear that is too tight can interfere with the growth and development of their feet. Even when a child starts to walk, shoes are not needed indoors. Walking barefoot can help their feet grow normally, develop muscle tone, strength, and toe grasping action. While outside, a child’s feet should be protected by lightweight, flexible footwear. Shoes for young children should provide a degree of foot cushioning, stability, and foot flexibility. It is wise to check your child’s feet frequently to make sure their footwear is the correct size which may help to prevent foot issues from arising. If you are unsure of how to take care of your child’s feet or have questions about choosing appropriate footwear, consult a podiatrist who can help you.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Jeannette Velazquez, DPM of Bare Foot Care Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

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