Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.
The heels of the feet endure a great deal of stress and, therefore, are often open to pain and injury. The most common causes of heel pain are plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bone spurs, and stress fractures. Heel bursitis, Sever’s disease, and Haglund’s syndrome are other causes that occur less frequently. Pain can be experienced behind the heel, within the bone itself, and under the heel. Simply stepping on a hard rock can cause pain under the heel, but the most common cause is plantar fasciitis. This is an overuse injury to the tissue that runs under the foot and connects the heel to the toes. Chronic plantar fasciitis can also lead to the development of heel spurs on the calcaneus, the main heel bone. Inflammation to the Achilles tendon from overuse is the most frequent cause of pain behind the heel. A podiatrist, a medical doctor who is trained in ailments of the feet and ankles, can diagnose the cause of heel pain by conducting a number of tests. These may include X-rays and electronic imaging tests. If you are suffering from heel pain and are unsure of the cause, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist today.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Peter Siroka, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor 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?
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 feel free to contact our office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you enjoy jazzercise, wearing comfortable and supportive shoes is important. It would be nice if they were attractive shoes, but that should take a back seat to be good for your feet and the activity you are participating in. Attention should be paid to arch support, so feet pronate or strike the floor and correctly distribute weight. If you are at a crossroads regarding the size of the jazzercise shoe, always go a half size up, as the foot will inch forward during high-impact exercise. Shoes should be flexible between the heel and the ball of the foot to accommodate the turns, twists, and jumps done in jazzercise. Also, look for lightweight, breathable shoes that provide support but do not restrict mobility for this activity. If you want assurance in selecting the proper shoes for jazzercise and your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help guide you.
It is important to find shoes that fit you properly in order to avoid a variety of different foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Proper Shoe Fitting
Shoes have many different functions. They cushion our body weight, protect our feet, and allow us to safely play sports. You should always make sure that the shoes you wear fit you properly in order to avoid injuries and deformities such as: bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and more. It is important to note that although a certain pair of shoes might be a great fit for someone else, that doesn’t mean they will be a great fit for you. This is why you should always try on shoes before buying them to make sure they are worth the investment. Typically, shoes need to be replaced ever six months to one year of regular use.
Tips for Proper Shoe Fitting
The shoes you buy should always feel as good as they look. Shoes that fit properly will last longer, feel better, and improve your way of life each day.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating of the feet. This condition is also referred to as polyhidrosis or sudorrhea, and it may affect more than one area of the body. It is often embarrassing and uncomfortable, and emotional well-being may become affected. This condition can fall into one of two categories. Excessive sweating from unknown causes may be classified as primary idiopathic hyperhidrosis and often occurs in only one area of the body. An underlying health issue such as gout, menopause or obesity may indicate secondary hyperhidrosis, which may cause distress in addition to existing conditions. Patients who have plantar hyperhidrosis may develop a fungal or bacterial infection of the feet, indicating the need to practice a good foot care routine. If you are afflicted with this condition, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward relief and possible prevention techniques.
If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Peter Siroka, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Hyperhidrosis of the Feet
Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.
Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.
Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.
In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.
A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
As an individual ages and becomes a senior citizen, they could be at risk of experiencing a stroke of some sort. Suffering from a stroke can have many different effects to be aware of. For example, one common symptom of having a stroke involves foot drop. Stroke survivors with foot drop essentially have a difficult time raising their foot because of the weakness in the muscles that are normally responsible for lifting it. As a result of living with foot drop, a senior might experience slowness when walking or even potentially pain. After walking a short distance, an individual with foot drop can also experience fatigue. If you are someone who has endured a stroke, then it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. This foot specialist can help you address any issues you might be having with your feet. You can schedule an appointment with a trusted podiatrist today to address your foot problems.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
The Elderly and Their Feet
As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.
Common Conditions
Susceptible Infections
Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The feet carry the weight of the body, and they help to maintain balance. The heels and balls of the feet absorb the majority of the body’s weight. Proper balance can be achieved from the foot and leg muscles that provide stabilizing movements. Each foot consists of 26 bones that are connected by tendons and ligaments, which are part of the foot’s complex structure. The ankle connects the foot and lower leg bones and is divided into two categories, lower and upper ankle bones. The arch is responsible for absorbing impact from walking and similar activities and contains muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves. The arch of the foot is measured in length and width, and there is constant tension as the muscles pull the bones together to create the arch. If you would like to have additional knowledge about the biomechanics of the feet, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the information you are seeking.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Corns on the feet are the result of combining motion with friction. For example, a tight pair of shoes can press one of the toes against the top, side, or bottom of the shoe causing a callus or corn to form. A callus is a buildup of skin that serves to protect the foot from repetitive friction. It is rarely painful. A corn, however, can become exceedingly painful when a small seed develops within the toughened skin. There are a number of ways to remove a corn that involve acids that may burn away the layers of skin, but it is best to seek the help of a podiatrist before trying these at home. The podiatrist can examine the cause of the corn and recommend the proper treatment option. In some cases, it may be necessary to have orthotic devices or arch supports made specifically for your foot, as in the case of overpronation or arch problems. In addition, the podiatrist may recommend toe separators, toe straighteners, or toe caps to relieve the pressure from friction, along with guidelines on proper footwear. If you have developed a corn on the foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for safe treatment and removal options.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Peter Siroka, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A small bunion that forms on the side of the pinky toe is called a bunionette. Many people refer to this as a tailor’s bunion, and it occurs when the bottom bone on the pinky toe shifts or becomes larger. This name originated hundreds of years ago when tailors would work with their legs crossed, causing the pinky toes to touch the ground. This would cause a small bump to form on the base of the little toe. It often rubs against the shoe, causing pain and discomfort. A common reason for a tailor’s bunion to develop is from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Additionally, loose ligaments, tight calf muscles, or a foot that leans to the outside may be causes for a tailor’s bunion to form. Temporary relief may come from choosing shoes with adequate room in the toe area and wearing a protective pad over the bunion. If you have this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with permanent relief, which may include minor surgery for removal.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Peter Siroka, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The feet, like almost all other parts of the human body, are susceptible to developing wounds. Wounds are the result of some kind of injury to the skin of the feet, and they come in many different types. Puncture wounds, for example, can develop on the feet when some kind of sharp object cuts through the skin on the feet. Everyone who wants to protect the health of their feet ought to be familiar with puncture wounds because it is possible for an individual to develop an infection. Infections can sometimes be a consequence of a puncture wound because, if it is left untreated, the object that caused the wound might have carried some damaging bacteria. If you have a puncture wound, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can help you keep it clean and free from infection.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Gout is a painful foot condition. People who are afflicted with gout may find the pain so debilitating that walking may temporarily become difficult, if not impossible to do. It is a form of arthritis that is caused by excess uric acid in the blood. This can convert into crystals that lodge in the joints of the big toe. In addition to the intense pain, common symptoms can include swelling, redness, and the affected area may feel warm when touched. Frequently eating certain types of foods may lead to gout, including shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Controlling the frequency of gout attacks may be accomplished by implementing healthy eating habits into the daily regime, and engaging in a gentle exercise program. Additionally, it can be beneficial to drink plenty of water and limit the number of foods with high levels of purines that may convert to uric acid. If you have had one or several gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this painful condition.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Peter Siroka, DPM from Connecticut. Our doctor 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 office located in Stamford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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