Items filtered by date: October 2021

The heels of our feet are cushioned by fatty tissues that form a heel pad. This structure acts as a shock absorber, protecting our heel bones from injury. Acute or chronic trauma to the foot and aging can both wear away the heel pad, causing deep, bruise-like pain. People who are older or obese, and those who have rheumatoid arthritis or receive corticosteroid injections into the feet are at an increased risk of developing this condition. Treatment for heel fat pad syndrome is typically conservative and involves resting and icing the affected foot, wearing more comfortable shoes or orthotics, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you seek the care of a podiatrist.  

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack otherwise healthy cells in the lining of the joints. The joints become inflamed, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, and warmth. RA frequently affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joints. Many foot conditions are related to RA, including dislocated toe joints, hammertoes, bunions, heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, flat foot, and ankle pain. People with RA can also develop rheumatoid nodules, lumps on the feet that can cause pain while walking or when they rub against the shoes. If you have RA, a podiatrist can help you manage this condition and maintain the proper health of your feet.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s foot or Tinea Pedis, is a fungal infection that can produce a red, itchy, stinging, flaky rash on the uppermost layer of skin between the toes and on top of the foot. The microorganism responsible for  Athlete’s foot is called Trichophyton, which loves moist, warm environments. Athlete’s foot can spread through skin-to-skin contact at the site where the fungus lives. It can also spread indirectly, through contact with a contaminated area or object such as shoes, towels, socks and more. Untreated Athlete’s foot may spread the infection from toe to toe, or even to the hands in rare cases. If you believe you have Athlete’s foot call a podiatrist as soon as possible to determine what treatment option is best for you. 

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Podiatrists are physicians and surgeons who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and injuries of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Becoming a podiatrist requires extensive education. Aspiring podiatrists first get a bachelor’s degree which is usually focused on biology, chemistry, and anatomy, along with the necessary prerequisites for attending an accredited medical school, where they will graduate with a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). This is followed by a medical and surgical residency at an approved health care facility. Some podiatrists continue their education with a post-graduate fellowship. To become a licensed podiatrist in the United States, the doctor must pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination. Additionally, podiatrists may opt to become board certified with certain organizations, including the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM). Podiatrists usually engage in continuing medical education to maintain their license to practice and to stay abreast of industry trends. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

• Physical therapy
• Drugs
• Orthotic inserts or soles
• Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Washington and Shelby Townships, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.