Items filtered by date: December 2023

Heel spurs, bony outgrowths that form on the underside of the heel bone, can cause persistent heel pain and discomfort. While non-surgical treatments are often the first line of defense, heel spur surgery may become a consideration when conservative methods fail to provide relief. Heel spur surgery typically involves removing the spur or releasing the plantar fascia, the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. It is important to note that heel spurs themselves may not always be the sole source of pain. Often it is the associated inflammation and damage to the surrounding tissues that cause discomfort. Surgery is typically considered a last resort, reserved for cases where other treatments have proven ineffective. It is vital for individuals to have a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine the cause of their heel pain and whether surgery is the best course of action. If you have developed a heel spur, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if surgery is a correct treatment option for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Eugene Little, DPM of Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Foot problems can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and limping. Most of the time, these issues improve on their own within approximately six weeks. But there are situations when help should be sought. These include having an injury such as a bad fall or a direct blow to the foot, or if your foot changes shape after an injury. Additionally, if you have an open wound, or if your foot becomes excessively cold and changes color are reasons that may warrant immediate medical attention. Foot problems can also be caused by normal age-related changes or flare ups of existing conditions. As you get older, these issues may come and go without an apparent reason. Unfortunately, sometimes foot pain can affect areas of the body including the toes, ankle, calf, knee, and possibly the back. If you have persistent foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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.

A broken ankle, a distressing injury, occurs when one or more of the bones comprising the ankle joint suffer a fracture. This injury is often the result of sudden trauma, such as a fall, a twisting motion, or a direct impact, causing the bones to exceed their structural limits. The severity of a broken ankle can vary, ranging from simple fractures to more complex fractures that involve multiple bones. Recognizing the signs is essential for prompt intervention. Common indicators can include intense pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle. Individuals may find it challenging to bear weight on the affected foot, and there could be noticeable deformities or misalignment. Seeking immediate medical attention from a podiatrist is imperative for an accurate diagnosis. If you have broken your ankle, it is suggested that you visit this type of healthcare professional as quickly as possible who can provide you with correct treatment methods.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Eugene Little, DPM from Foot and Ankle Centers of Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Concerns exist regarding the impact of a sedentary lifestyle on children, but there are also issues related to sports injuries in children participating in organized sports, which often involve intensive training from a young age. This trend is driven by the belief that early training is essential for future success, leading to a younger demographic in sporting activities such as tennis, swimming, and gymnastics. Specialized training at a young age increases the risk of both acute and overuse injuries, with boys, especially during growth spurts, being more susceptible. Factors like physical attributes and playing conditions play a significant role in these injuries, which can range from ligamentous and meniscal injuries to fractures during peak growth periods. Stress fractures, although rare, are noteworthy in young athletes. The long-term consequences of overuse injuries remain a concern. While accidents are more common outside sports settings, the potential long-term impact of overuse injuries in sports such as gymnastics and soccer is an area of concern. If your child is involved in organized sports, it is suggested to consult a podiatrist to discuss preventive measures and address any foot and ankle issues that may arise from sports participation.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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.