Items filtered by date: November 2022

The ankle is the joint that attaches the foot to the leg. It has bones, ligaments, and tendons, all of which are subject to injury. Ankle pain is any pain or discomfort that affects the ankle. Common causes of ankle pain are sprains, which happen when ligaments connecting bones are injured, or a broken ankle, which is a fracture of the bones in the ankle. Depending on the severity of the ankle pain, one can rest, compress, and elevate their ankle at home and achieve relief. In some cases, one can find it necessary to visit a podiatrist for treatment, such as a cast or surgery. If you have a painful ankle and you have broken it or you are not sure why it hurts but it’s not getting better, visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and healing options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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.

Gout and plantar fasciitis are two very distinct and foot conditions. However, sometimes individuals might not be able to tell the difference between these two afflictions of the foot. This is because both foot conditions can result in forefoot pain and are associated with inflammation. Also, both conditions may affect the arch of the foot. Gout occurs when an excessive amount of uric acid develops in the blood. As a result, joints and other areas of the feet can experience pain. Plantar fasciitis, on the other hand, is caused by something much different. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia, the band of tissues in the arch of the foot, becomes inflamed. Therefore, one can see that both gout and plantar fasciitis are caused by different phenomena. If you think you might have one of these conditions, contact a podiatrist today. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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 is a fungal infection that may cause an itchy rash as well as blistered or scaly skin between the toes. While athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is not necessarily dangerous, it is highly contagious and can be uncomfortable. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is mainly found in warm, moist conditions. These places include the inside of your shoes and socks after they have been worn for long periods and moisture has built up. Exposure to the athlete’s foot often takes place in public areas, such as swimming pools and gym locker rooms, where people are more likely to walk barefoot. The fungus can easily spread by sharing towels or clothing that has been infected. While several lotions, creams, and sprays for athlete’s foot are available, the chances of reinfection are high if the surrounding conditions don’t change. It is suggested that shower or pool slippers be worn while in these areas where the fungus thrives. If you have a particularly stubborn case of athlete’s foot, please consult a podiatrist for more advanced treatment options.

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.

Kohler disease is a rare bone disorder that causes a child’s foot to hurt and swell. This disease usually impacts children between the ages of 3 to 7. Boys are much more likely to be afflicted with Kohler disease than girls. The flow of blood to the navicular bone in the foot is interrupted and there is a progressive degeneration of the bone. Some experts believe it may be related to an injury near the navicular bone and delayed bone formation leading to structural weakness. It can be caused by genetic factors, or it may develop from stress-related compression during a child’s growth period. A child will often limp or walk on the side of their foot because it might hurt them to put weight on it. There may be tenderness along the length of the arch and the affected area may redden. Those with this disorder most often outgrow it and the affected bone regains size, density, and structure. It often resolves itself within three months to two years. Since other disorders can have symptoms similar to those of Kohler disease, treatment can be helpful. If your child is complaining of foot pain or you notice a gait change, contact a podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and offer remedies.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Morton’s neuroma is a painful foot condition that affects women more than men. It may develop from frequently wearing high heels and occurs in the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Many high heels do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in and this can cause the nerve to become compressed. Common symptoms associated with Morton’s neuroma can include the sensation of stepping on a pebble or marble, numbness, or stabbing pain surrounding the affected area. Relief may be found when the foot is elevated and when soft insoles are worn inside the shoe. Patients who are overweight are encouraged to lose any additional weight to help reduce the pressure on the feet. It is also suggested to refrain from participating in running and jumping activities, and this may help accelerate the healing process. In severe cases, surgery may be required to permanently repair or remove the affected nerve for maximum comfort. If you have this foot condition, please consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma. 

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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.