The foot is made up of a collection of tendons, ligaments, and muscles that connect its 26 bones and keep its many joints working. An injury to one of the tendons in the foot can cause pain and inflammation to that part of the foot that also may spread to other parts of it. Foot tendon injuries may be caused simply from wearing improperly fitting shoes, especially high heels. Other possible causes of a tendon injury include repetitive sports activity or some type of trauma to the foot. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of aging, as the tendons experience wear and tear over the years. Being overweight is thought to be a further cause of such injuries, due to the increased amount of pressure on the feet. Overstretched tendons can cause significantly painful injury from degenerative tears in the tissue, and athletes whose sport involves sudden stops and starts are more at risk for tendon injury. If you believe your foot pain may be the result of a tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause and suggest treatment options for you.
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:
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.
Cracked heels are a relatively common condition of the foot in which the heels become so severely dehydrated that the skin can essentially crack or form fissures. Fortunately, many different cases of cracked heels are relatively harmless and merely look unsightly. Many newcomers to the field of podiatry often wonder whether cracked heels affect women and men in different ways. The answer is somewhat complicated. Even though about 20% of all adults in the United States have developed cracked heels, women are about 50% more likely than men to report to their medical professional that they have cracked heels. So, therefore, the answer is not straightforward. Just because women are more likely to report cracked heels does not mean that they experience it more than men do. If you are someone that struggles with cracked heels, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for treatment or to answer any of your questions.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, 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.
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 our office located in Flowery Branch, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A stress fracture is a tiny, hairline crack in a bone, usually caused by overuse or repetitive actions. This injury is common among runners, dancers, gymnasts, and athletes involved in football, basketball and tennis. Stress fractures frequently develop when a sudden increase in intensity, frequency, and duration of activity occurs. Sometimes the muscles in the foot lack the strength to cope with the higher levels of training or activity. They may not be able to support the bones properly, increasing vulnerability and causing these tiny fractures. Factors that have been found to contribute to foot stress fractures include, gender, age, biomechanics, improper footwear, and bone density. More women than men incur foot stress fractures as the result of hormonal changes and osteoporosis. Flattening arches can cause the bones to absorb more of the force in activity. Stress fractures can be easy to ignore and difficult to detect because when the activity is ceased, the pain and possible swelling often recedes. A podiatrist, after taking a history of the patient’s activity levels, will often order an MRI to be taken, as these injuries can be difficult to see with an X-ray. For more information on stress fractures in the foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.
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:
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.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
