Items filtered by date: October 2022

Tuesday, 25 October 2022 00:00

When a Stubbed Toe Is Serious

A stubbed toe is usually a minor injury that occurs when one suddenly hits or jams their toe. It can happen from kicking something hard, tripping, or catching the toe on an object. Pain that is felt after stubbing one’s toe typically subsides after a few minutes but in some cases, the pain can worsen as time goes on. The toes have lots of nerves and little to no fat cushioning, which can make this injury quite painful. Stubbing one’s toe can cause fractures, sprains, broken nails, and infections, and if one of these things happens, it can be more serious. There is a possibility the toe is broken if it is excessively painful to put weight on it after the injury. Similarly, if the toe and foot swell or appear discolored, if a bone is out of place or poking through the skin, or if one has trouble moving the toe, it may be broken. If you feel you have sustained more than a minor injury to your toe, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Tuesday, 18 October 2022 00:00

Why Does My Foot Hurt?

A common cause of foot pain can come from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. The shoes may be too tight, or they may be large in width and length. When shoes don’t fit properly, they can be uncomfortable and cause various foot conditions to arise. Bunions can easily develop from wearing shoes that do not have enough room for the toes to move freely in, and larger shoes may have to be purchased to accommodate the bunion. Hammertoe is a deformity, and the muscle imbalance in the toes may cause them to shift toward each other. A corn can cause debilitating foot pain when it develops on the side of the pinky toe. An ingrown toenail can develop when the toe constantly rubs against the top of the shoe and can become infected if not promptly treated. Many people develop gout which is a form of arthritis, and this can happen from eating foods that have high amounts of purines. This can contribute to having excess uric acid levels and may cause crystals to form in the joints of the big toe. If you are suffering from foot pain for any reason, please consult a podiatrist who can help you determine what the cause is and treat it appropriately.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain

Plantar fasciitis is a common running injury that can cause severe pain and discomfort in the heel and arch areas.  Wearing orthotics may be a viable option that can help to reduce this kind of foot pain. Orthotics are insoles that are worn inside the shoeand are made of materials that can enhance and possibly restore natural foot function. Orthotics are often custom-made. This is done by having the patient's feet put into molds that will determine what the exact width and length need to be when they are constructed. They are made to fit the foot structure and can adapt to the walking style. They retain their shape, and can provide correct arch support that each patient needs. Additionally, there are other foot conditions that may benefit from wearing orthotics, and it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can determine if orthotics are right for you.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Foot Orthotics
Wednesday, 05 October 2022 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 04 October 2022 00:00

Deformities of Newborn Feet

Parents often hope for their newborn infant to have 10 fingers and toes. This hope is realized more often than not. The two most common foot deformities in newborns are metatarsus adductus and calcaneovalgus. Both conditions develop from how the baby’s feet have been positioned inside the uterus. Happily, these two problems usually improve on their own, without treatment. Metarsus adductus is a curve in the middle of the foot that happens when the feet are folded inward. The crookedness of the foot means how flexible it is and whether it can be straightened when pushed into its normal position. When the feet are stiff and do not correct themselves, they may benefit from casting, but this is usually not necessary. Calcaneovalgus is the opposite of metatarsus adductus. It is when the foot is pushed up and out. It may be difficult to point an infant’s foot down all the way. With both conditions, stretching the newborn's foot while feeding or during diaper changes could not hurt. If you are expecting a baby or are a parent of a newborn, consulting with a podiatrist can help deal with possible foot problems at birth, in addition to answering any questions you may have, and helping to ensure the health of your child’s feet.

Congenital foot problems require immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Summit Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Congenital foot problems are deformities affecting the feet, toes, and/or ankles that children are born with. Some of these conditions have a genetic cause while others just happen. Some specific foot ailments that children may be born with include clubfeet, polydactyly/macrodactyly, and cleft foot. There are several other foot anomalies that can occur congenitally. What all of these conditions have in common is that a child may experience difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, as well as trouble finding footwear that fits their foot deformity. Some of these conditions are more serious than others. Consulting with a podiatrist as early as possible will help in properly diagnosing a child’s foot condition while getting the necessary treatment underway.

What are Causes of Congenital Foot Problem?

A congenital foot problem is one that happens to a child at birth. These conditions can be caused by a genetic predisposition, developmental or positional abnormalities during gestation, or with no known cause.

What are Symptoms of Congenital Foot Problems?

Symptoms vary by the congenital condition. Symptoms may consist of the following:

  • Clubfoot, where tendons are shortened, bones are shaped differently, and the Achilles tendon is tight, causing the foot to point in and down. It is also possible for the soles of the feet to face each other.
  • Polydactyly, which usually consists of a nubbin or small lump of tissue without a bone, a toe that is partially formed but has no joints, or an extra toe.
  • Vertical talus, where the talus bone forms in the wrong position causing other bones in the foot to line up improperly, the front of the foot to point up, and the bottom of the foot to stiffen, with no arch, and to curve out.
  • Tarsal coalition, when there is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot leading to severe, rigid flatfoot.
  • Cleft foot, where there are missing toes, a V-shaped cleft, and other anatomical differences.
  • Macrodactyly, when the toes are abnormally large due to overgrowth of the underlying bone or soft tissue.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is nothing one can do to prevent congenital foot problems, raising awareness and receiving neonatal screenings are important. Early detection by taking your child to a podiatrist leads to the best outcome possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Wilmington, Whiteville, and Wallace, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Congenital Foot Problems

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