Foot Conditions

 
 

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Flip Flops Can Cause Hammertoe

footAccording to an article from Siouxland Matters, writer Allison Warren reported on the various conditions caused by an excessive wearing of flip-flops. Dr. Valerie Tallericoa stated that, “People will come in with heel pain, or even ankle injuries from slipping in their flip-flop shoes. Another concern is tendonitis or capsulitis of their digits, even in the future, hammertoe deformities.”

With this in mind, be sure to consider all options when purchasing flip-flops that best support your feet. Mike Pape of Rudolph’s Shoe Mart said, “There are different types of what they call orthotics or foot beds that are in the various shoes and sandals . . . Now there’s all the different components that go into making the different arches.”

Hammertoe can be an incredibly painful condition. To learn more about the effects of flip-flops on your feet, speak to Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is little-known a painful condition that affects the second, third and fourth toes involving different joints of the toe and foot. Hammertoe can be caused by many other conditions such as RA (rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis, trauma or injuries to your foot, it can be hereditary and it can also be caused by a cerebral vascular accident. If you wear shoes that are too narrow or short for your feet, it may exacerbate any pain you already have.

It is really important to your overall well-being to seek out medical attention at the first signs of foot pain or anything that may hinder your ability to walk in a normal manner. Taking care of your feet is one of the first steps to being able to live a full and healthy life.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

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Woman Limited by Nerve Disorder

 iStock 000000723538XSmallLittle under two years ago, Serena Clarkson was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder nearly eighteen months ago. As a result, the Hartsford resident had to receive six surgeries within a single day. In order to maintain her condition now and provide some mobility, Clarkson wears an ankle-foot orthotic.

 “Even with the AFO I’m up to 2,249 feet a day and that’s it,” Clarkson said, “that’s all I can walk. I have an ankle stabilizer I wear on the left leg, and I’m pending surgery on that one.” According to statistics, 2.5 million Americans suffer from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder.

Nerve disorders affects more than mobility. If you are struggling with foot or ankle pain, see podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can treat your podiatric needs.

Nerve Disorders of the Foot and Ankle

There are two nerve disorders of the foot and ankle called Interdigital Neuroma and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. These conditions affect the hands as well, and are caused by stress and genetics. People who suffer from Interdigital Neuroma and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome are prone to serious pain and inflammation in the area.

Pain that is associated with Interdigital Neuroma is often from local inflammation in the nerves in the front of the foot. Symptoms include pain, burning, and/or tingling sensations of the toes.

There are several steps a doctor will take to determine if one has Neuroma such as: radiographs, MRIs, and bone scans. Surgery is not required in many instances, and should only be considered when the patient is suffering from persistent pain.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that is less common than Interdigital Neuroma. It only seems to affect patients who have severe ankle pain which begins in the bottom of the foot extending all the way to the calf.  In other instances one may encounter partial numbness and atrophy if the cases are extreme.

EMG tests are often provided to diagnose Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. If a patient shows signs of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrom, an MRI will be used to see the compression of the nerve. As always, if symptoms do persist, surgery may be required.   

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

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Feet Reveal Startling Aspects of Your Health

ice-on-footAccording to TIME magazine, the condition of your feet can reveal a lot about your overall health. For example, hairless toes and feet can be strong indicator of potential circulation problems. Baldness in the feet can indicate that there is not enough blood flow to sustain hair growth. Another example would be sores or wounds that do not heal. Sores and wounds that do not heal are often red flags for diabetes or skin cancer and need to be addressed immediately.

An enlarged big toe may be an indicator of gout while skin that is flaky, peeling or itchy could be a sign of a fungal infection. All symptoms of the feet and ankles need to be addressed immediately, as they can always be a sign of a more serious infection or condition. Without treatment, more serious conditions could lead to deterioration and even amputation of the lower legs and limbs.

All feet deserve everyday foot care, not just celebrity feet. If you require a professional opinion, see podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can address your foot concerns.

Every Day 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. After all, 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 example.

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.

Also, 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. Also make sure that the socks fit properly and are not uncomfortably tight.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

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Soccer Star Claims Minor Foot Injury

Footballer Neymar, a winger for Team Barcelona, made a troubling statement so close to the coming World Cup. After his first season in Spain with the Barcelona team, Neymar revealed that he suffered a foot injury. However, Neymar insists that his injury is minor and will not affect his performance.

"It's swollen because it's not returned to what it was, but the foot is fine. Physically I'm 100%. It was a year of learning. It was not the year I thought it would be, I imagined winning titles and making millions of goals, but that's not how things work. Do not say it was a bad year." Neymar told Globo TV reporters.

A sports related foot or ankle injury can happen unexpectedly. If your foot or ankle was injured, see podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can treat your podiatric injuries.  

Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries 

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

•           Plantar Fasciitis

•           Plantar Fasciosis

•           Achilles Tendinitis

•           Achilles Tendon Rupture

•           Ankle Sprains

Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries.

Bunions Can Result from Fashionable Footwear

bunion-skeletonWRIC Newsroom says that most people opt for fashion over size or comfort when it comes to footwear. "I adore shoes," 17 year old Alaini Snoot says while shopping at Saxon Shoes. Snoot claims that she owns more shoes than she is able to count on her two hands. "Every shoe I go for is going to be fun and cute." Snoot adds.

Gary Weiner, president of Saxon Shoes, says that "When they like something, they really want it. Sometimes size goes out the window."  Unfortunately, foot conditions such as bunions can occur when someone wears the wrong size shoe.

Bunions are both uncomfortable and unsightly. If you suffer from bunions, see podiatrist Paula F. Raugellis, DPM of Greene Podiatry Assoc Inc. Dr. Raugellis can provide treatment for your foot and ankle needs.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or boney growth enlargement, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big to become inflamed and often painful.

Why do Bunions Form?

  • Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary, particularly among Caucasians
  • Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that place undue stress on feet, such as heels and stilettos, can cause bunions to form
  • Blood Tests – to help rule out other conditions while finding underlying causes to bunions, especially from disease
  • Radiological Exam- X-rays can show whether there are any joint enlargements near the toe’s base, which can indicate a bunion

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

Podiatrists knowledgeable in anatomy and foot structure can be able to diagnose bunions through the following two methods:

To learn more about treatment procedures on bunions, please follow link below.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to meet all your needs.

Read the full article on Bunions