A stress fracture occurs when there are breaks in the bone, typically due to overuse and repeated force. There are many risk factors that can contribute to the development of a stress fracture, including bone insufficiency, poor technique, and improper equipment. Bone density may be lowered due to conditions such as osteoporosis, making the bones in your foot more susceptible to breakage. To help prevent injury, it is important that you use footwear with proper support and cushioning, and that you train in correspondence with your skill level. For more information on how to prevent stress fractures, and what to do if you have developed one, please consult with a podiatrist for professional care and advice.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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.

A noticeable sign that you may have a toenail fungus is the condition of the nails. They can become yellowed or white, and will be thicker. In severe cases, the nails are brittle and patients may find they can crumble, or fall off. The fungus that causes this condition lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, consisting of public swimming pools, communal shower room floors, and locker rooms. It is beneficial to avoid sharing towels, socks, and shoes, as this may help to stop the spread of this stubborn fungus. Additionally, wearing appropriate shoes while in these areas may protect the feet from developing toenail fungus. If you feel you have toenail fungus, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, 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.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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.

The symptoms that are associated with the condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome can consist of numbness and tingling on the bottom of the foot. This can be a result of pressure that is exerted on the tibial nerve which is located in the ankle area. Relief may be found when orthotics are worn, and this may help to reduce strain on this nerve. In severe cases, surgery may be a necessary option that can successfully release tension. As the foot heals, certain stretches can be performed that can help to increase range of motion in your ankle. If you are experiencing pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling on the sole of your foot, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require 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 and ankle needs.

Those suffering from plantar fasciitis are often familiar to the heel pain that is associated with this condition. To help ease the discomfort of plantar fasciitis, there are a few methods you can practice. To begin, you should regularly rest and elevate the affected area. Icing your feet can also help with relieving pain as well as inflammation. Some patients have found the use of custom orthotics to be helpful. Ill-fitting footwear is often a common cause for plantar fasciitis, so using custom orthotics can be helpful in preventing this ailment from becoming worse. Lastly, regularly performing foot and calf stretches can be beneficial in reducing the pain of plantar fasciitis. For more information on how to treat this condition, please consult with a podiatrist for professional care.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, 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 Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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.

The medical ailment that is referred to as Sever’s disease is categorized as an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel, and is not considered to be a disease. It impacts children and young teenagers who frequently participate in sporting activities that have a heavy emphasis on running and jumping. It occurs as a result of bones that grow at a faster rate than the muscles and tendons, and the Achilles tendon is often afflicted in the process. Common symptoms patients notice can include pain and discomfort in the heel and surrounding area, and it can become difficult to walk. It is beneficial to adjust the type of shoes that are worn, as this may help the child obtain moderate relief. If your child is complaining of heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can determine if it is Sever’s disease, and offer correct treatment techniques.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our podiatrists from Romeo Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctors can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.