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- Arthritis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Foot Infection
- Bursitis
- Bunion
- Heel Pain
- Sports Injury
- Bone Spurs
- Plantar Wart
- Toenail Fungus
- Poor Circulation
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Diabetic Foot Ulcer
- Flat Feet
- Corns and Calluses
- Ingrown Nail
- Arch Pain
- Neuromas
- Hammertoes
- Burning Pain
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What is Achilles Tendinitis?
The Achilles tendon connects the muscles in the back of the lower leg to the heel bone, and when this tendon becomes inflamed or irritated, you’re suffering from Achilles tendinitis. The Achilles tendon is used when walking, running, jumping or pushing up onto your toes. An injury often results from sports that place stress on the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Achilles tendinitis can progress to a degenerative condition called Achilles tendinosis, where the tendon will become weaker and more fibrous, losing its organized structure. Continued stress to the tendon will cause it to tear or rupture and may require surgery to repair the damage.
Symptoms
• Dull ache or pain when pushing off when walking or rising on your toes
• Stiffness or Tenderness
• Mild swelling
• Crackling or creaking sound
If the pain becomes sudden with swelling around the heel, and you are unable to bend the foot downward or walk normally, you may have ruptured the Achilles tendon. If the tendon is ruptured completely, you won’t be able to raise your toes on the injured leg, and you should see a podiatric physician immediately.
Causes
• Improper conditioning for physical activity
• Doing too much, too soon when beginning a new exercise regimen
• Flattened arch (excessive pronation)
• Trauma or infection near the tendon
Treatment
To reduce your risk of Achilles tendinitis you can increase your level of activity gradually, choose your shoes carefully, stretch daily and strengthen your calf muscles. See a doctor if you have persistent pain at the back of your heel that doesn’t improve within two weeks. If you believe you’ve ruptured your Achilles tendon, see a podiatric physician immediately.
-Referenced from The Mayo Clinic
If you think that you might be suffering from Achilles tendinitis, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is Arch Pain?
Arch pain is an inflammation of the arch and oftentimes there is a burning sensation under the long arch of the foot. There are a number of structural causes, but the most common is plantar fasciitis. Arch pain can also be caused by the strain of any structure in the arch of the foot.
Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of arch pain and is from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. The plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring that supports the arch in your foot. However, if the tension becomes too great, it causes small tears in the fascia. The repetitive stretching and tearing can cause the fascia to become irritated or inflamed.
Causes
• Pronated Foot or Flat foot
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Osteoarthritis in the joints of the midfoot
Treatment
Treatment for arch pain is varied depending on the type and severity of pain. Changing the type of footwear is a recommended course of action. In some instances orthotics can help. If the pain persists, contacting a podiatric specialist to diagnose and treat the condition is advisable.
-Referenced from Foot.com
If you think that you might be suffering from arch pain, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis can be defined as inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, generally accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints. It is a frequent component of other complex diseases and can accompany more than 100 disorders. The feet are more susceptible to arthritis since each weight-bearing foot has 33 joints that can be affected. Arthritis affects almost 40 millions Americans from infancy to adulthood.
Symptoms
• Swelling in one or more joints
• Recurring pain or tenderness in any joint
• Redness or heat in a joint
• Limitation in motion of joint
• Early morning stiffness
• Skin changes, including rashes and growths
Most Common Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, frequently called degenerative joint disease. Although it can be brought on suddenly by an injury, its onset is generally gradual; pain gets progressively more severe, although it can be relieved with rest. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory system of diseases; a crippling disorder considered to be the most serious form of arthritis. Throughout the duration of the disease it can affect more than one dozen smaller joints often in a symmetrical pattern - for example: both ankles, both knees, both thumbs.
RA is often accompanied by signs and symptoms and it may affect various systems of the body, such as the eyes, lungs, heart, and nervous system. RA is characterized by periods of remission during which symptoms disappear, and exacerbation, which is marked by the return of inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Serious joint deformity and loss of motion frequently result from acute rheumatoid arthritis. Women are more likely than men to suffer RA.
Gout (gouty arthritis) is a condition caused by a buildup of the salts of uric acid in the joints. A single big toe joint is commonly the affected area, possibly because it is subject to so much pressure in walking; attacks of gouty arthritis are extremely painful, perhaps more so than any other form of arthritis. Men are more likely to be afflicted than women, suggesting that gout may be hereditary.
Treatment
The goals during treatment of arthritis are controlling inflammation, preserving joint function (or restoring it if it has been lost), and curing the disease if possible.
-Referenced from The American Podiatric Medical Association
If you think that you might be suffering from Arthritis, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is a Bone Spur?
Bone spurs are also known as osteophytes, are bone projections that develop along the edge of bones. While the bone spurs themselves aren’t painful, they can rub against nerves and other bones causing pain. A bone spur can form on any bone, but form most often in the joints. The feet have 33 joints and are a common source for bone spurs. Most bone spurs have no symptoms and can go undetected for years. However, bone spurs can cause pain and loss of motion in your joints.
Diseases and Conditions Associated with Bone Spurs
• Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Spondylosis
• Spinal Stenosis
Bone Spurs may be a normal part of aging, and have been found in older people who don’t have osteoarthritis or other diseases. The body may create spurs to add stability to aging joints and may help to redistribute weight to protect areas of cartilage that are beginning to break down.
Treatment
Some bone spurs can break off from the larger bone and become loose bodies. Often times they will float in the joint or become imbedded in the lining of the joint causing intermittent locking, which can come and go with the movement of the loose bodies. Treatment varies depending on where the bone spurs are located and how they affect your health. If they don’t limit your movement, treatment is likely not needed.
-Referenced from The Mayo Clinic
If you think that you might be suffering from a bone spur, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is a Bunion?
A bunion forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place causing an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. This forces the big toe to bend toward the others, causing a painful lump of bone on the foot. The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe, carries a lot of the body’s weight when walking, and bunions can cause extreme pain if left untreated. Wearing shoes can become difficult or impossible as the MTP joint can become stiff and sore.
Bunions tend to run in families, however it is not the bunion that is hereditary, it is the foot. Bunions are generally caused by the way we walk, the inherited foot type, and the type of shoes worn, as well as foot injuries, neuromuscular disorders or congenital deformities. Abnormal foot function caused by any of these leads to pressure being exerted on the foot can result in joint deformities such as bunions. Women are more prone to bunions than men because of the type of shoes typically worn.
Symptoms
• Redness, swelling or pain at or near the MTP joint
• Growth of a firm bump on the outer edge of the foot at the base of the big toe
• Irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes
• Restricted or painful motion of the big toe
Treatment
Treatment for bunions varies with the severity of each. Identifying the condition in its early stages is important in avoiding surgery. The primary goal of early treatment is to relieve pressure and stop the progression of the deformity. However, when early treatment fails or the bunion has progressed past a point where conservative treatment will be effective, several surgical procedures can be recommended by your treating podiatric physician. |
-Referenced from The American Podiatric Medical Association
If you think that you might be suffering from a bunion, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is a Burning Foot?
Burning feet can be caused by a number of conditions ranging from minor to serious. Burning feet can be a source of continuous pain. It is more common in individuals over the age of 50, and in those who have diabetes. A burning foot may be mild and easily treatable, however it may also be indicative of a more serious general medical problem.
Causes
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Other types of neuropathy including chronic alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies and heavy metal poisoning
• Blood disorders
• Erythromelalgia (rare circulatory disorder)
• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Sensitivity to chemical substances in socks and shoes
• Athlete’s Foot
• Sweaty feet
• Mechanical overload
Treatment
If you are suffering from burning foot pain it is very important to have it checked by a podiatric physician to make sure it is not caused by a more serious or rare condition.
-Referenced from ePodiatry.com
If you think that you might be suffering from burning feet, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is Bursitis?
The body contains more than 150 bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that lubricate and cushion pressure joints between your bones and the tendons and muscles, helping your joints move with ease and without pain. However, when the bursa become inflamed, the movement and pressure becomes painful. Bursitis often occurs in the joints in the shoulders, elbows and hips, but also affects the knee, heel and the base of the big toe.
Symptoms
• A dull ache or stiffness in the area around the shoulders, elbow, hip, knee, heel and big toe
• The area feels swollen or warm
• Skin redness
• Worsening pain with movement or pressure
Causes
Bursitis is commonly caused by overuse, stress and direct trauma to a joint. It can also result from infection such as a staphylococcal infection, and arthritis or gout, but many times the cause will remain unknown. Repetitive motion is often a contributing factor to bursitis.
Treatment
Treatment of bursitis is generally conservative and non-invasive. Very rarely is surgery recommended. If it is determined that the bursitis is caused by an infection a course of antibiotics will be recommended by your podiatrist.
-Referenced from The Mayo Clinic
If you think that you might be suffering from Bursitis, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What are Corns and Calluses?
Corns and calluses are protective layers of compacted, dead skin cells. They build up at points of pressure and over bony prominences where there is pressure from the skin rubbing up against the bony areas or in a shoe. Calluses will form on the bottom and side of the foot, while corns form on the top of the foot and between the toes.
Corns are smaller than calluses and have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns will develop on areas that are not weight-bearing, such as the tops and sides of your toes. They will be painful and have a dull ache when pressure is applied.
Calluses will develop on the soles of the feet, in particular on the heels or balls of the foot. They are rarely painful and vary in size and shape.
Symptoms
• Thick, rough area of skin
• A hardened, raised bump
• Tenderness or pain
• Flaky, dry or waxy skin
Causes
• Ill-fitting shoes
• Not wearing socks / Ill-fitting socks
Treatment
Treatment is only necessary if the corns and calluses cause discomfort. For most individuals, removing the source of friction or pressure makes the corns and calluses disappear. However, if you have diabetes or poor circulation of the feet, see a podiatric physician to treatment options since you’re at a greater risk of complications.
-Referenced from The American Podiatric Medical Association and The Mayo Clinic
If you think that you might be suffering from corns and calluses, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound on the bottom of the foot. An ulcer can develop quickly and be difficult to heal. Infection is a common complication, but not all foot ulcers are infected. Anyone with diabetes can develop a foot ulcer, however people who use insulin are at a higher risk, as are patients with diabetes-related kidney, eye and heart disease. It occurs in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes. Of those, another 6 percent will be hospitalized due to infection or another ulcer-related complication. Diabetic ulcers are the leading cause of non-traumatic leg amputations in the US.
Causes
The ulcers form due to a combination of factors, however vascular disease can complicate a foot ulcer by reducing the body’s ability to heal and increasing the risk for infection. Elevated blood glucose levels can reduce the body’s ability to fight off an infection, slowing the healing process.
• Lack of feeling in the foot (neuropathy)
• Poor circulation (PAD)
• Foot deformities
• Irritation such as friction or pressure
• Trauma
• Duration of diabetes
• Ill fitting shoes
Treatment
If you have an ulcer, see a podiatric physician immediately. Treatment can reduce the risk of infection, reduce the risk of amputation and improve the quality of life. The main goal of treatment is to heal the wound as quickly as possible. The faster the healing process, the less chance there is for infection. However, healing time is dependent on a variety of factors such as wound size and location, pressure from walking or standing, swelling, circulation, blood glucose levels and wound care. Healing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Learning to check your feet is crucial for preventative care.
-Referenced from The American Podiatric Medical Association
If you think that you might be suffering from a diabetic ulcer, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What are Flat Feet?
A flat foot is a structural abnormality which results in the lowering of the arch of the foot, also known as fallen arches. Each foot is comprised of 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. The alignment of these structures creates the arch of the foot, helping to distribute body weight across the feet and legs as you walk. Arches develop throughout childhood, however some people never develop arches, and this may or may not cause problems. Arches can also fall over time, as years of wear and tear can weaken the posterior tibial tendon which runs along the inside of your ankle. Once the tendon is damaged, the foot’s arch loses support and can flatten. Flat feet can contribute to ankle, knee and lower back pain.
Symptoms
• Uneven shoe wear and collapse of shoe toward the inside of your flat foot
• Lower leg pain or weakness
• Pain or swelling on the inside of your ankle
• Foot pain
Causes
• Ongoing stresses in your feet
• Obesity
• Trauma to the foot or ankle
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes
Treatment
For many people, having flat feet does not cause problems as the lower extremities have adapted to accommodate for having flat feet. However, if the condition is causing problems and pain, speaking with a podiatric physician can help you determine the proper course of treatment. In some instances over-the-counter insoles or arch supports can help, in others custom-designed arch supports, also known as foot orthotics, are necessary.
-Referenced from The Mayo Clinic
If you think that you might be suffering from flat feet, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is a Foot Infection?
Foot infections range from the simple to the complex. Some are commonly known, such as athlete’s foot. Others are less well known. They are broken down into three groups including soft tissue infections, bone infections and diabetic infections. Soft tissue infections of the foot consist of any infection affecting the skin, tissues, ligaments, tendons, or joints. Bones are predisposed to infection in the foot because of their close proximity to the skin and a lack of a thick protective layer around most parts of the foot.
Soft Tissue Infections of the Foot
• Cellulitis
• Paronychia
• Puncture wounds
• Immunocompromise
• Human immunodeficiency virus
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes
• Asplenia
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Trauma
• Surgical emergencies
• Necrotizing Fascitis
• Gas gangrene
Bone Infections of the Foot
• Acute osteomyelitis
• Chronic osteomyelitis
• Osteomyelitis in trauma
Diabetic Foot Infections stem from diabetic wounds. Not all wounds will become infected, however it is important to see a doctor immediately if you suffer from diabetes and have an open wound on your foot.
Treatment
Because the list of foot infections is so extensive, and what is listed here is only a sampling, it is important to see your podiatric physician to clearly determine the cause of the infection.
-Referenced from eMedicine.com
If you think that you might be suffering from a foot infection, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a bending of the toe at the first joint, called the proximal interphalangeal joint. This bending causes the toe to appear pointed, like an arrowhead when viewed from the side. Generally hammertoes affect the second through fifth toes, but the big toe can also be involved. Hammertoes are more common to females than males.
A hammertoe is formed from an abnormal balance of the muscles in the toes. This causes an increased pressure on the tendons and joints of the toe, leading to the bending. There are two types of hammertoes, flexible and rigid.
Flexible Hammertoes can be diagnosed and treated while still in the developmental stage. They are called flexible hammertoes because they are still moveable at the joint.
Rigid Hammertoes are more serious. Rigid hammertoes are found in patients with severe arthritis, or in patients who wait too long to seek medical attention. The tendons in a rigid hammertoe are tight, and the joint is misaligned and immobile. Surgery is the normal course of treatment.
Symptoms
• Pain from shoes at the top of the bent toe
• Formation of corns at the joint
• Redness and swelling at the joint
• Restricted or painful motion
• Pain in the ball of the foot and at the base of the toe
Causes
• Abnormal balance of muscles
• Heredity
• Trauma
• Arthritis
• Improper footwear
Treatment
Treatment for a hammertoe will vary with the type and severity of each, but again, identifying the condition early is critical to avoiding surgery. The longer you wait to seek medical attention the less chance you have of making a non-surgical treatment plan an option. Specialized padding and taping may be recommended, as could medication, orthotic devices and surgical options.
-Referenced from The American Podiatric Medical Association
If you think that you might be suffering from a hammertoe, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is Heel Pain?
There are many causes of heel pain, and identifying the cause of the pain is important. Heel pain is generally the result of faulty body mechanics such as an abnormal gait, which can place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissue attached to it. The heel bone is the largest of the 26 bones in the foot and pain can occur in the front, back or bottom of the heel and can sometimes be disabling. The stress can also be caused by an injury, or a bruise from walking running or jumping on hard surfaces, being overweight or wearing improper footwear.
Most Common Types of Heel Pain
Heel Spurs are a bony growth on the underside of the heel bone, visible via x-ray, and can extend forward as much as half an inch. A heel spur can be the result of strain on the muscles and ligaments of the foot. Like plantar fasciitis, the repeated stretching of the band of tissue connecting the heel to the ball of the foot can cause heel spurs.
Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain is from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. The plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring that supports the arch in your foot. However, if the tension becomes too great, it causes small tears in the fascia. The repetitive stretching and tearing can cause the fascia to become irritated or inflamed.
Excessive Pronation is excessive inward motion while walking. Normal foot movement, or pronation, is the normal flexible motion of the foot while walking - the heel contacts the ground first, shifting the weight first to the outside of the foot and then moving inward toward the big toe. However, excessive pronation creates an abnormal amount of stretching and pulling of ligaments and tendons. It can contribute to hip, knee and lower back pain.
Common diseases associated with Heel Pain
• RA
• Bursitis
• Neuroma
• Haglund’s deformity
• Achilles tendonitis
• Bone bruises
• Stress fractures
Treatment
Treatment for heel pain varies based upon the pain and other symptoms involved. In most cases conservative treatments correct the problem, and only in a relatively small number of cases does heel pain require more advanced treatment or surgery.
-Referenced from The American Podiatric Medical Association
If you think that you might be suffering from a form of heel pain, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is an Ingrown Toenail?
Ingrown toenails are the most common nail impairment, where the corners of the nail dig into the soft tissue of the nail groves. This leads to irritation redness and swelling. Generally the big toe is affected by this condition, however other toes can be affected as well. This is a serious ailment for individuals with impaired circulation, diabetes or other systemic diseases. Older adults are more prone to this condition since toenails tend to thicken with age, changing the curvature of the toenail causing ingrown toenails.
Symptoms
• Pain and tenderness in your toe and along the nail bed
• Redness around the toenail
• Swelling around the toenail
• Infection of the tissue around the toenail
Causes
• Improperly trimmed nails
• Injury
• Thickening of toenails
• Unusually curved toenails
• Heredity
• Shoe pressure and the crowding of toes
• Repeated trauma to the feet
• Poor foot structure
Treatment
Treatment for ingrown toenails can range from conservative methods to surgery. For individuals suffering from diabetes or PAD, see a podiatric physician immediately. If ingrown nails are a chronic problem, your podiatrist can perform a procedure to permanently prevent ingrown nails.
-Referenced from The American Podiatric Medical Association
If you think that you might be suffering from an ingrown toenail, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
A common cause of heel pain is from inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. The plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring that supports the arch in your foot. However, if the tension becomes too great, it causes small tears in the fascia. The repetitive stretching and tearing can cause the fascia to become irritated or inflamed.
Plantar fasciitis generally develops slowly, however it can come on suddenly and severe, often only occurring in one foot at a time. Typically, pain is usually worse in the morning than over night, as the fascia tightens overnight. Pain generally decreases during the course of the day as the foot becomes more limber, however periods of standing or getting up from a seated position can cause the pain to return. Generally, women are affected more than men.
Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by:
• Sharp pain on the inside part of the bottom of your heel
• Arch pain
• Pain after long periods of standing or getting up from a seated position
• Mild swelling in your heel
• Heel pain following exercise
Causes
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• An overload of physical activity
• Being flat-footed or having a high arch
• Wearing shoes that don’t adequately protect the feet
Treatment
Typically the condition improves with conservative, non surgical treatments. However, if after a prolonged period of time the condition hasn’t improved, more aggressive options will be pursued. The vast majority of patients respond to conservative treatment.
-Referenced from The Mayo Clinic and The American Podiatric Medical Association
If you think that you might be suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is a Plantar Wart?
Warts are a viral infection which often invades the skin through small or invisible cuts and abrasions. Plantar warts occur on the soles of the feet and can be painful. Most warts are harmless and are often mistaken for corns and calluses; however, a wart is a viral infection and needs to be treated appropriately. Children and teenagers are more prone to plantar warts than adults, and some people seem to be immune.
Symptoms
Plantar warts are generally hard and flat, having a rough surface and well defined boundaries. When appearing on the top of the foot and toes, the wart will appear raised and fleshier. Generally gray or brown, plantar warts have black pinpoints at the center. Plantar warts can be resistant to treatment and have a tendency to come back. If left untreated, warts can grow to an inch or more in circumference and can spread to clusters of several warts. Plantar warts are can be the source of sharp, burning pain when weight is put either directly on the wart, or on the side.
Causes
A plantar wart can be contracted by walking barefoot on dirty surfaces. Since it is a virus, it thrives in a warm, moist environment, and the infection is a common occurrence at pools and other communal bathing facilities. Generally, plantar warts develop on the weight-bearing parts of the foot, such as the ball of the foot or the heel. Plantar warts can spread by touching, scratching or by contact with skin shed from another wart. Also, the wart can bleed which is another way it can spread.
Treatment
Self treatment of plantar warts is not advised. Many over-the-counter treatments contain acids or chemicals that destroy skin cells, both the wart as well as the surrounding healthy tissue. A podiatric physician will safely remove a plantar wart without destroying healthy skin cells. Never use these treatments in the presence of an active infection or in persons with diabetes or cardiovascular and circulatory disorders. Sometimes more serious conditions can be misidentified as a wart, so it is best to see a podiatric physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.
-Referenced from The American Podiatric Medical Association
If you think that you might be suffering from a plantar wart, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is Poor Circulation?
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the umbrella term for a number of ailments causing poor circulation to the body’s extremities, most often occurring in the feet and legs. It is caused by the blockage or narrowing of arteries in the legs when fatty deposits build up, also called atherosclerosis. The result is reduced blood flow to the legs and feet, more commonly referred to as poor circulation. PAD affects 8-12 million Americas, and one in five people over the age of 70 suffer from the disease. Individuals suffering from PAD are two to six times more likely to die from a heart attack or stroke. PAD is one of the leading causes of foot or leg amputation in the United States.
Symptoms
Often times PAD will have mild to no symptoms. Approximately one-third to one-half of suffers develop more severe symptoms, including intermittent claudication. Intermittent Claudication is characterized by muscle pain or cramping that is triggered by activity, but disappears with a few minutes of rest. The location of the pain will depend on the clogged or narrowed artery, however calf pain is the most common.
• Leg numbness or weakness
• Sores on the toes, feet or legs that won’t heal
• Change in color of legs or feet
• Hair loss on legs or feet
• Cold legs or feet
• Changes in toenails
As the disease progresses, pain will occur when at rest, called ischemic rest pain. It can be so intense that it will wake you from sleep or prevent you from sleeping.
Causes
The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits build up on artery walls and reduce blood flow. Less commonly, blood clots, injuries to limbs, infection and unusual anatomy of ligaments or muscles. People who smoke, have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure have an increased risk of complications from PAD.
Treatment
Individuals with PAD are at a high risk of heart attack and stroke, lifestyle changes must be made. PAD can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a change in footwear, or medicine and surgical procedures. Since most people are not aware they are suffering from PAD, a podiatric physician can do a simple test, called an ABI, which compares the blood pressure in your ankles to your blood pressure in your arm. If you have an abnormal test result, your podiatric physician will determine if more tests are needed and create a treatment plan. Treatment of PAD has two main goals. The first is to manage the symptoms so that normal activity can resume. The second is to stop the progression of atherosclerosis throughout the body.
-Referenced from The Mayo Clinic and The American Podiatric Medical Association
If you think that you might be suffering from poor circulation or PAD, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is a Neuroma?
A neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue generally between the third and fourth toes that causes pain, burning, tingling or numbness between the toes and the ball of the foot. Also known as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve tumor, a neuroma is characterized by the pain between the toes when walking. The pain has been described as similar to having a stone inside your shoe, and many individuals find relief from stopping, removing their shoe and rubbing the affected area. The majority of people who suffer from neuromas are women.
Symptoms
• Pain in the front of the foot and in between toes
• Tingling and numbness in the ball of the foot
• Swelling between the toes
• Pain in the ball of the foot
Causes
There is no one cause of this condition, however a number of factors can contribute to the formation of a neuroma.
• Foot abnormalities such as a high arch or flat foot
• Trauma
• Repeated stress
• Improper footwear
Treatment
Identifying a neuroma early on is critical to avoid surgical correction. If left untreated, neuromas will get worse so you should seek treatment at the first sign of pain or discomfort. The primary goal of early treatment is to relive pressure on the area where the neuroma will develop. Specialized padding and taping may be recommended, as well medication, orthotics and in some instances, surgery. Wear shoes with plenty of room for the toes to move, low heels, and shoes with thick, shock-absorb and soles and proper insoles.
-Referenced from The American Podiatric Medical Association
If you think that you might be suffering from Neuromas, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is a Sports Injury?
Sports Injuries are injuries resulting from exercise or participation in a sporting event. Many times, sports injuries are caused by a repetitive motion used in a specific sport. Some sports injuries result from accidents; others are due to poor training practices, improper equipment, lack of conditioning, or insufficient warm-up and stretching.
Types of Sports Injuries:
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bruised Heel
• Calcaneal Stress Fracture
• Medial Calcaneal Nerve Entrapment
• Tarsel Tunnel Syndrome
• Achilles Bursitis
• Blisters
• Navicular Stress Fracture
• Extensor Tendinopathy
• Inflammation of Flexor Tendons of the Toes
• Plantar Fascia Strain
• Lateral Plantar Nerve Entrapment
• Stress Fractures
• Stress Fracture of the Talus
• Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
• Tarsal Coalition
• Midtarsal Joint Sprain
• Cuboid Syndrome
• Abductor Halucis Strain
• Lisfranc’s injury
• Inflammation or Rupture of Peroneus Brevis Tendon
• Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy
• Peroneal Tendinopathy
• Blisters
• Corns and Calluses
• Pes Cavus
• Metatarsalgia
• Morton’s Syndrome
• Bunions
• Turf Toe
• Metatarsal Fracture
• Blisters
-Referenced from SportsInjuryClinic.net
If you think that you might be suffering from a sports injury, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
What is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus occurs when a fungi infects one or more of your nails. It is characterized by a change in the toenail’s color, thickness, quality and sometimes odor. Fungus-infected nails may even cause pain or difficulty walking. Toenail fungus infections are most common among older adults, and tend to affect men more often than women. Toenail fungus may be hereditary, as resistance to a fungal infection likely has a genetic component.
Symptoms
Toenail fungus will often begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the toenail. As the fungus progresses deeper into the nail, it may cause discoloration, a thickening of the nail and develop crumbling edges.
Causes
Many times the infection will start as athlete’s foot and then spread to the toenails. Shoes and socks create a warm, dark and humid environment, which further encourages fungal growth. Heredity can also predispose an individual for a fungal nail infection, as well as trauma.
Treatment
Treatment should be administered by a podiatric physician, as toenail fungus can lead to other serious infections that can spread beyond your feet, especially if you have a suppressed immune system. See a doctor immediately if you suspect toenail fungus.
-Referenced from The Mayo Clinic and The American Podiatric Medical Association
If you think that you might be suffering from toenail fungus, contact Dr. Greenberger and Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut for an appointment today.
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