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April 2021

Monday, 26 April 2021 00:00

Is Heel Pain a Common Occurrence?

The calcaneus, or heel bone, and its supporting fat pad, tendons and ligaments bear the brunt of the body’s weight and impact, while absorbing the stress of walking and running. For this reason, it is not uncommon for people of all ages and lifestyles to develop heel pain. Children and adolescents can develop Sever’s Disease when the growth plate of the calcaneus is repeatedly stressed due to growth spurts or physical activity. Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot from heel-to-toe) and Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone) can occur at any age, but is most common among adults. Whatever your lifestyle or age, contact a podiatrist if you or someone you love is experiencing any type of heel pain.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Brian Shwer, DPM of Southaven Foot Clinic. 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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Heel Pain
Published in Blog
Monday, 19 April 2021 00:00

Common Types of Foot Pain

The feet are susceptible to a variety of ailments, and foot pain can impact all of our daily activities.  Foot pain can impact the heel, arch, top of the foot, and even the ball of the foot.  Plantar fasciitis is the most common source of heel pain, and the result of inflammation or a strain on the ligament connecting the toes to the heel.  Plantar fasciitis can also lead to heel spurs which are bony growths that are formed under the heel because of calcium buildups.  Bunions are bumps on the bottom of the big toe that occur when the big toe is pulled towards the rest of the foot.  Hammer toes occur when the toes stay bent at the joints which can lead to painful corns and calluses.  Diabetic patients are prone to developing neuropathy, which results in a tingling and burning sensation in the feet.  Because of the variety of potential injuries, patients who are suffering from pain in the feet should visit with a podiatrist for a diagnosis.   

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. 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 Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Foot Pain
Published in Blog
Friday, 16 April 2021 00:00

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Published in Blog
Monday, 12 April 2021 00:00

Gout Can Produce Extreme Pain

The most common form of inflammatory arthritis is referred to as gout. It is a condition that affects approximately four percent of Americans, and can be caused by genetic factors and eating habits. Common symptoms of this foot condition can include extreme tenderness, debilitating pain in the joints of the big toe, possibly causing difficulty in walking, and the toe may appear to be swollen. Some of the foods that can cause gout to develop include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. The pain comes from excess uric acid caused by elevated purine amounts that form in the joints, and can produce sensations that can feel like crystals in the feet. Mild relief may be found when lifestyle changes occur that include reducing the amount of food that is eaten with high purine levels. If you have frequent gout attacks, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you with proper treatment and prevention options.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

  • Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
  • Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
  • Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
  • Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

  • Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
  • Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
  • Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
  • Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
  • Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
  • Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.

Read more about Gout
Published in Blog
Monday, 05 April 2021 00:00

Conditions Treated by Podiatrists

The foot is made up of a complex system that includes 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 tendons. There are a variety of conditions that can arise and affect this system, and a podiatrist has the proper training and expertise to help. Podiatrists are able to treat heel pain from conditions such as plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot) and heel spurs (bony growths on the bottom of the heel). Foot pain caused by sesamoiditis, bunions, or a neuroma, can be diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist too. Most podiatrists are even trained and equipped to handle different ailments involving the ankles. When an individual is afflicted with an ankle sprain or fracture, a podiatrist who is board certified in foot surgery can take X-rays to determine the severity, and perform surgery when deemed necessary. Podiatrists are also experienced with biomechanics and gait analysis. Some foot specialists even offer custom made orthotics in their office! If you develop any type of pain in your foot or ankle or notice something as common as a corn, callus, or ingrown toenail, be sure to consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis as well as various treatment options. 

If you are experiencing pain in the feet or ankles, don’t join the stubborn majority refusing treatment. Feel free to 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.

What Is a Podiatrist?

Someone would seek the care of a podiatrist if they have suffered a foot injury or have common foot ailments such as heal spurs, bunions, arch problems, deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, foot and ankle problems, etc.

Podiatric Treatment

A podiatrist will treat the problematic areas of the feet, ankle or lower leg by prescribing the following:

  • Physical therapy
  • Drugs
  • Orthotic inserts or soles
  • Surgery on lower extremity fractures

A common podiatric procedure a podiatrist will use is a scanner or force plate which will allow the podiatrist to know the designs of orthotics. Patients are then told to follow a series of tasks to complete the treatment. The computer will scan the foot a see which areas show weight distribution and pressure points. The podiatrist will read the analysis and then determine which treatment plans are available.

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.

Read more about What is a Podiatrist?
Published in Blog
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