Items filtered by date: November 2020

Monday, 30 November 2020 00:00

What Is Raynaud's Disease?

Raynaud’s disease is a disorder that causes temporarily reduced blood flow to the hands and feet. The reduction in blood flow is due to a contraction of the smooth muscles controlling the small arteries that supply blood to the hands and feet. This contraction is also known as a vasospasm. In people with Raynaud’s disease, vasospasms may be triggered by stress or cold temperatures. These can lead to the affected areas becoming numb, cool to the touch, and white or bluish in color. When blood flow returns to normal, the affected areas may throb, tingle, or turn red. If you have symptoms of Raynaud’s disease in your feet, a podiatrist can teach you how to manage this condition.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Sidney, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 23 November 2020 00:00

What Causes Plantar Hyperhidrosis?

There is a condition that can affect the feet and cause them to sweat excessively. This is referred to as plantar hyperhidrosis. Generally, one of the most common side effects is that the excessive sweat causes discomfort due to the sogginess of the socks and shoes. People afflicted with this condition tend to go through shoes quicker because of the salt mineral within the sweat. Plantar hyperhidrosis can also lead to embarrassment and avoidance of activities. Fortunately, treatments for this condition are available. If you are experiencing excessively sweaty feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. A podiatrist can diagnose your condition and find the correct treatment for you.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Eugene Little, DPM of Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. 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 Sidney, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 23 November 2020 00:00

Plantar Warts Can Be Treated!

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on parts of the feet that bear weight. They're typically found on the bottom of the foot. Don't live with plantar warts, and call us today!

Monday, 16 November 2020 00:00

Do I Have Heel Spurs, or Plantar Fasciitis?

When it comes to heel pain, two common causes are heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the heel bone. They can irritate the tissues in the heel, causing pain and discomfort when you are standing or walking. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that stretches along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia becomes overstretched or overused and causes sharp, stabbing heel pains. While heel spurs and plantar fasciitis have similar symptoms, the latter is much more likely to cause symptoms. In fact, heel spurs are often painless. However, the only true way to tell apart these two conditions is by having an X-ray taken. A podiatrist can examine your feet and diagnose and treat your condition. 

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Eugene Little, DPM of Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. 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?

  • 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 office located in Sidney, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Monday, 09 November 2020 00:00

Heel Spurs 101

The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that connects the heel and the toes. Heel spurs are bony growths that form close to where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel. The growth generally forms as a protective measure to keep an overstressed muscle or tendon from being pulled. Factors that can contribute to heel spurs include having flat feet, high arches, tightening of the Achilles tendon, obesity, or a sudden increase in activity. Pain and swelling under the heel, numbness on the outside of the foot, and pain that is worst upon getting up in the morning are usually signs of heel spurs. Heel spurs can be very painful, especially when walking, and medical attention may be needed. A podiatrist will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and suggest treatment options. Common treatments may involve relieving pressure on the heel bone, often using orthotics.  

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Sidney, OH . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Monday, 02 November 2020 00:00

Morning Foot Pain

Foot pain in the morning can indicate the existence of specific conditions that can include plantar fasciitis, plantar warts, or rheumatoid arthritis. Plantar fasciitis may be prevented by wearing shoes that fit correctly, in addition to replacing them approximately every five hundred miles. Plantar warts develop on the sole of the foot, and are caused by a virus. This condition can cause severe pain and discomfort, and relief may be found by implementing immediate treatment. Stiff feet in the morning may be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis, and the pain may continue throughout the day. If you are experiencing any type of foot pain, it is strongly recommended that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat and manage foot ailments.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Sidney, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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