Charcot foot is a condition that affects the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the feet and ankles. It is caused mainly by nerve damage to the feet, usually as the result of peripheral neuropathy. Charcot foot is common to many diabetics because sustained high blood sugar levels cause both nerve and blood vessel damage in the feet. Because the feeling in the feet is lost, injuries to the bones in the feet are common. As the bones weaken, the joints can collapse, resulting in changes to the shape of the feet. The arch of the foot may collapse, causing the bottom of the foot to become rounded, which is known as rocker bottom foot. In addition, the toes may begin to curl under the feet and the ankle joints may become unstable. Charcot foot can be difficult to diagnose, as it can be masked by inflammation, swelling, and redness. But these symptoms may not be felt because of numbness. It is important to get treatment for Charcot foot early. If you believe you may have this condition, please consult a podiatrist as soon as possible.
Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, 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.
Rare Foot Conditions
The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist. Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care.
There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:
Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp.
Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.
Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking.
A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Southaven, MS . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s disease is an affliction of the foot that primarily targets adolescent children. Essentially, the condition occurs when the growth plate, located around the heel, becomes inflamed. This can usually occur in children between the ages of 9 and 12, and will sometimes make physical activity more painful and uncomfortable. Sever’s disease has an interesting relationship with youth baseball. For children that engage in baseball, they might be setting themselves up for Sever’s disease if they are overtraining for baseball, as many children are prone to do. Additionally, if the child is engaging in baseball with decreased strength and flexibility, this might also be a contributing factor. If your child plays youth baseball, contact a podiatrist today for more information about Sever’s disease and what you can be doing to help prevent it.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
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 injuries.
People who have flat feet are often aware of how it can affect their running routine. The absence of an arch often does not absorb the shock of each step, and it may ultimately increase the risk of incurring an injury. One of the hazards of running with flat feet is overpronation, which is defined as the foot and arch rolling inward while landing. Patients who like to run often have their gait, or walking style analyzed, in addition to possibly wearing custom-made orthotics. It helps to know if you have flexible or rigid flat feet, and this can determine how the foot strikes the ground. Choosing stability or motion control running shoes may help to control overpronation by providing adequate support to the middle of the foot. If you have flat feet and enjoy running, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can give you successful tips on how to possibly reduce the risk of injury while running.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Brian Shwer, DPM from Southaven Foot Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
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!
A bunion occurs from repeated stress that happens on the outside of the big toe. Wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely may cause a bunion. High heels can fall into this category, and it is a condition that is more prevalent among women than men. It is defined as a bony protrusion that develops on the side of the big toe and may cause the other toes to shift toward each other. It is known as a progress foot deformity, and many patients develop bunions for genetic reasons. It is considered to be an imbalance of the muscles and ligaments, where they are either too tight or too loose. The big toe may have a limited range of motion, and walking may be painful. It is common for calluses to form on top of the bunion, and this can be a result of the shoe rubbing against it. In addition to its obvious appearance, an X-ray is often performed that can determine the severity of it. A bunion is a foot condition that is treated by a podiatrist, and if you are afflicted with this, it is suggested you schedule an appointment as quickly as possible so the correct treatment can begin.
If you are suffering from bunion pain, 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.
What Is a Bunion?
Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.
Causes
Symptoms
In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.
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.
