Engaging regularly in high-impact activities, such as basketball, running, or professional dancing, may expose you to the discomfort of a foot stress fracture. This overuse injury involves hairline cracks in the weight-bearing bones of the foot. If left untreated, a stress fracture in the foot can escalate into a more serious concern. However, stress fractures are not always easy to diagnose. Pain upon weight-bearing activities that often subsides after rest is a primary indicator of stress fractures. Tenderness in the affected area, occasional bruising, and swelling around the ankle are other signs to be noted. Various factors contribute to the development of stress fractures in the foot. Overuse and repetitive stress, stemming from prolonged engagement in activities without adequate rest, can subject the foot bones to cumulative stress. Wearing inadequate footwear, whether ill-fitting or worn out, further elevates the risk by providing insufficient support and shock absorption. Suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of physical activity can overwhelm the bones, especially without sufficient time to adapt. Poor biomechanics, such as flat feet or high arches, also can redistribute pressure unevenly across the foot, contributing to stress fractures. If you believe you may have incurred a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a thorough exam and suitable imaging tests. Treatment options appropriate to the severity of the injury will follow.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor 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:
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 office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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!
As time passes, the body undergoes natural changes, and our feet are no exception. Subjected to a lifetime of impact, weight-bearing and pressure, your feet gradually transform, affecting their strength and resilience. One noticeable change brought on by aging is the thinning of the skin, reducing natural cushioning and making the feet more vulnerable to damage. Joints in the feet undergo wear and tear, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. Joints become less flexible, causing the foot to lose its springiness and ability to absorb impact. Muscle strength, which peaked in your 20s and early 30s, gradually diminishes with age. Regular exercise slows this decline and helps to maintain overall foot health. Swelling, a common issue with age, increases pressure on the foot's structures. Poor circulation, often associated with conditions such as atherosclerosis, affects the blood supply to the feet and reduces their ability to repair minor injuries quickly. Toenails also undergo changes, becoming thicker and more brittle as growth slows. Conditions like hypothyroidism and peripheral arterial disease can make this worse. For help in managing foot problems associated with aging, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. 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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
In recent years, the United States has witnessed a concerning rise in lower leg, foot, and toe amputations, with 80% attributed to complications from diabetes. Proactive measures such as lifestyle changes, blood sugar management, as well as regular foot examinations and prompt wound care from a podiatrist can help patients avoid this dire solution. Depending on the severity of complications as the result of peripheral artery disease and neuropathy that are common among diabetics, a podiatrist may offer various interventions. Included are wound cleaning, dead tissue removal, revascularization surgery to restore blood flow, and antibiotic treatments for infection. In extreme cases, however, loss of limb may be unavoidable. Scheduling routine foot screenings with a podiatrist and performing daily foot checks at home to catch potential issues early can help to keep the symptoms at bay. Pain or numbness in feet and toes, fungal infections, changes in color, and swollen feet may indicate serious foot problems. Additionally, ingrown toenails, wounds, and sores are symptoms may need immediate attention. If you suffer from diabetic complications that may lead to limb loss, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for regular checkups.
Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Limb Salvage?
Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.
However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
