Reason For Pain in Balls of Your Feet

Reason for pain in balls of your feet

 

Stone bruise, also known as metatarsalgia, is not so much an injury as it is the symptom of various ailments. You will know if you have an issue when there is pain under the ball of your foot. The pain is typically experienced during weight-bearing activities or ones that induce additional force upon the foot, like running.

You will need to see a Podiatrist and be examined.  You will need an x-ray to evaluate for bone bruise or a fracture.  Pain after walking could be caused by tendonitis, capsulitis or synovitis.

 Given that stone bruises arise for a variety of reasons, there are various methods that will be used in treating your pain and discomfort. Some of the treatments we recommend and use to relieve the pain include resting, wearing appropriate footwear, and the use of orthotics. Elevating the affected foot after long periods of standing or exercise, along with an icing regimen, can provide relief. If the root cause is ill-fitting or underperforming footwear, a simple change of shoes might help. Orthotics can help evenly distribute bodyweight and are quite beneficial if an uneven distribution is the issue.

Call and schedule an appointment for evaluation at 440-946-5858.

We should be concerned with chilblains?

We should be concerned with chilblains?

Chilblains are the precursor for frostbite.  Toes are swollen and red.  Toes can look like cherry tomatoes from just being outside for a short time.  They can itch and burn excessively.  You can develop black spots on your toes that can become ulcerations.  All you need is the right conditions of tight socks or shoes and wetness to lead to Chilblains for the rest of your life.  This can haunt you every winter.

Prevention is the hallmark.  Wearing warm Boots or Gortex shoes can help.  Dry sock as soon as possible.  Examination of your feet every day in cold weather.  Soaking your feet white vinegar and warm water to relieve symptoms.  Then call our office to be seen.

Long term care is good hygiene.  Examination of your feet and toes every day after arising.  Washing your feet well or soaking in white vinegar and warm water for no longer than 10 minutes per day followed with application of any emollient cream to soften skin and prevent skin fissures.  Please let us help you to prevent a problem.  Call now for an appointment with one of our caring and competent Podiatric physicians – 440-946-5858.

Shoes that Fit and Support Are Needed

Shoes that Fit and Support Are Needed

There is nothing that is more damaging to the feet than wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Feet are a dynamic structure that will change with time both in length and width.  The change is so slow people don’t realize that changes are occurring.  Most people have walked over 10, 000 steps per day. Many people  find that they have chronic foot pain, blisters and even more problems with conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel pain and shin splints. Your shoes should give you the right support for your foot.

Remember, your feet can change in their shape and support requirements as you age. If you are finding that shoes that used to be comfortable leave you with painful feet or legs at the end of the day.  You need to be treated by Podiatrist to determine if you need shoes that offer additional support.

New thoughts about correcting fungus nails.

New thoughts about correcting fungus nails.

 

I wanted to let you know that there is a new topical antifungal that will penetrate your toenail without taking off your nail polish.  I do not recommend leaving your nail polish on for weeks.  Your nails need to breathe as like any of your skin.  Always allow several days before reapplying nail polish.

In conjunction with Laser surgery, this new antifungal solution could improve our success rate.  Find out if you are a candidate to improve your chance for next  Spring of wearing sandals comfortably.

Do You Want fungus nails?

Do you Want fungus nails?

 

Now that sandal season is about to end, you need to start treatment on unsightly fungus nails.

It takes  approximately  6 to 9 months for a new nail to grow out following Laser treatment.  Signs of nail fungus are discoloration, thickening of nail and/or loosing of the toenail.

If you use the laser for fungus nails, it will not damage clean toenails or surrounding skin.  It functions by inactivating the fungus in the nails.  In my hands, Lasers are more effective at combating nail fungus than pills.  Pills can cause drug reactions, side effects such as indigestion or loss of taste for the time you use the medication.

Laser care is the least invasive treatment, but adjunct treatment with topical will be used to reduce reoccurrence after treatment has ended.  This will help you for next summer to be fungus free.  Time to pick up the phone and schedule your reservation 440-946-5858.

Heel hurts

Question: Why do my heels hurt first thing in the morning but then feel a little better as I start walking around my house?

Answer: That is a great question! And it is very common. Many people suffer from arch and heel pain, most commonly called plantar fasciitis, and it often shows up as pain with the first step in the morning getting out of bed. It can also occur after a period of sitting (i.e. while sitting for an hour or so to watch TV, working at your desk or arising from the dinner table) causing furniture walking till you are moving. This symptom is called post-static dyskinesia, which means pain after a period of immobility. As you rest or sleep, the muscles in your foot and leg tighten up and, if they are not stretched properly, they can pull when stretched with your body weight at their insertions on the foot bones, causing pain and inflammation in the foot. The pain usually improves after walking or exercising the feet. As the foot and leg muscles warm up and become active, the tightness and soreness resolve, and the pain goes away. The best thing to do for this condition is foot and ankle  are my 3 yoga style stretches first thing in the morning.

For more information on plantar fasciitis, checkout  DrRobertRosenstein.com or call 440-946-5858 to schedule your reservation  for your appointment today.

Should I learn my shoe size?

 

You should know your correct shoe size, which can increase with age, weight gain and pregnancy.  Extra weight also adds pressure to feet and knees - 3 pounds for each one over your target weight. 

Furthermore, if you think you are developing a bunion, start wearing shoes with a wide and deep toe box.  Make comfort your priority in shoes and remember, your foot size will change!  Make sure you check your shoes size once per year at your Podiatrist‘s office or shoe store.

Why do I hurt?

 

Heel pain without injury, most often is an inflammation of the fascia on the bottom of the arch, known as plantar fasciitis.

 

It can begin fairly mild and gets progressively more painful as the inflammation increases and the fascia become tighter. It’s characterized by severe pain in the morning or when standing after sitting or having to furniture walk at first. It feels a bit better with stretching or “warming up,“ but can be very achy by evening if you’ve been very active. This condition also can be related to a plantar heel spur, which can be seen on an x-ray."

 

 

"If the pain is on the back of the heel or pump bump area, it’s usually related to a posterior heel spur or an inflammation of the insertion of the Achilles tendon on the back of the heel. The inflammation of the second foot can be due to compensating or walking differently on the more painful foot, which can cause overload or strain of the better foot.

 

If you having these types of pains, call now to be seen at Affiliated Podiatrists at 440-946-5858.

What can cause Restless Leg Syndrome?

What can cause Restless Leg Syndrome?

 

More than 12 million Americans suffer from restless leg syndrome (RLS), which can cause severe leg pain.
RLS is a neurological disorder that can interfere with resting or falling asleep. With RLS, a typical night might go like this: You lie down in bed, ready to go to sleep, and just as your body begins to relax, an uncomfortable leg sensation begins to overwhelm your legs. You try to ignore the crawling, tingling, or itching in your legs, hoping it will go away, but it only gets worse. You toss and turn for a while, but eventually the urge to move is too much. You get out of bed to stretch and pace the floor and, for a moment, you find relief. But when you lie down again, the restless sensations in your legs start all over again. Treatments include lifestyle changes, specific stretches, and medications.  Call office to set up you exam.

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

Weekend athletes are typically those who suffer the most from Achilles heel injuries but that
doesn’t mean that those who aren’t athletes can’t be injured as well – in fact, by doing something as simple as climbing a ladder a your home. It’s true – the Achilles tendon is the longest and strongest tendon in the body but it’s important to remember that even though it’s the strongest tendon, it’s still exposed to wear and tear every day. When injuries happen, it puts stress on the tendon and can cause tendonitis which will lead to tears. If the condition goes untreated, it can lead to worsened conditions and even rupture of the tendon itself. Anyone who is on their feet for extended periods of time during any given day is subject to Achilles heel injury. Symptoms of inflammation can include pain, stiffness and tenderness in the area. These symptoms will typically be worse in the morning and improve as motion increases throughout the day. If you suspect an injury, see Dr. Rosenstein at Affiliated Podiatrists, INC 946-5858! It needs to be taken seriously before it gets worse.

I have shin splints ?

You shin bear 7 times your weight while exercising.  Shin splints are sharp in the front of your leg. Shin splints are often associated with a   biomechical issues.  It is called over – pronation.  Ignoring shin splint can lead to a stress fracture.  Treatment can include taking a break, orthotic control and increase exercises or change sport.

Prevention is First Step to Prevent Future Foot Surgery

Prevention is First Step to prevent Foot Surgery

 

Most children under four years of age typically have a flat foot, but develop an arch later in childhood.  This can cause poor coordination, balance, posture and strength.

Prevention in children is the best way to improve foot health for the long haul.

Are Calluses Helpful for Running?

Are calluses helpful for running?

 Calluses can be harmless, as a thin layer for protection.  But when they become too thick, they are bothersome.  They have been called IPKs.  These bull eye targets are painful and will lead to changes in your gait when running.  This could lead to injury.  Running is a great sport and should not be painful.  If you are concerned with what you feel or see on your feet.  Make an appointment 440-946-5858

Avoid Summer Folly

 

Public pools and public showers at pools are breeding ground for infections such as plantar warts, athlete’s foot or painful sunburn.

I advise you to limit walking barefoot because it exposes feet to a mirad of illnesses to your feet as discussed earlier.  Remember to examine your feet to prevent long term growth of any foot problem.

If you find a problem you should be seen by a Podiatrist.  Please call the office at 440-946-5858.  I want you to enjoy your Summer.

Should you want to Hide your toes this Summer?

Should you want to Hide your toes this Summer?

 

 

Breaking out the sandals or flip flops lets us know Summer is here.  But if your toes are not what you want to show off, then it is time for the Podiatrist to evaluate your nails.

You have the right to try to eradicate the yellow and thick nails on your feet.

There are multiple treatments for fungus nails from topical, oral medication, conventional surgery and Laser surgery.  In addition, we have you use a topical to enhance the success rate.  We follow the protocols set up in the studies done over years.  There is no fast cure, but a steady clearing of your nails over time.  Nail only grows at approximately 2 mm per day on your feet.  This is slow.  Plus if you go through the treatment, then you have to do a form of maintenance to prevent reoccurrence.  Even oral Lamisil has a 35% reoccurrence after 3 months off medication and includes blood tests to protect your Liver.

In conclusion, Laser surgery for fungus nails is a proven result, painless treatment, without anesthesia and a quick and safe recovery.

Yellow fungus nails need to be gone for Summer

 

Nail fungus, also known as Onycomycosis, infects nails that are in dark moist environments. Because toenails are in shoes for most of the time they are more susceptible than the hand nails. Nail fungus can be due to Candida albucans (yeasts) and molds, but the most common culprit is Trichophyton rubrum. Topical antifungal are the most commonly used to combat this problem; however oral medications and laser light are also viable treatment. It is my experience that a combination of two or more of these works best. It is also helpful to remove affected portions of nail. Nail fungus is common and reoccurs 10-50% of times. It is mostly harmless, but could be a risk for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as diabetics or vascular insufficiency which could lead to more serious injury to the feet.

 

Summer is coming.  And most people would like to be barefoot around a pool.  I would recommend if you have fungus nails to be evaluated for different forms of treatment from topical, medication or Laser nail treatment.  You can call us at Affiliated Podiatrists, INC at 440-946-5858.

I want to keep running

I would like to keep running without hurting myself?

You should start to gradually work up to the distance and speed you are comfortable.  The shoes chosen will be the next issue.   They should give you the greatest amount of shock absorption.  Longevity of the shoes will depend on your mileage.  Shoes will need to be replaced approximately every 6 months or 300 miles depending on the wear.

Stretching exercises can also reduce pain and injury.  Runners frequently experience  tightness in certain muscle groups.  Yoga style stretching for 60 second holds to tension is best.

There are many stretching exercises to loosen muscle groups and help avoid any type of serious injury.

For more information, please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, INC at 440-946-5858.

How do I choose the right foot wear?

 

First have your feet measures with Branick device to know your foot size both feet

Don’t sacrifice comfort for style.  Shoes that are too tight or too high can cause undue stress to areas of the foot

Select shoes with cushioned soles.  They will supply support and comfort, especially for walking and standing.

If not comfortable then see my medical assistant, who willhelp you to get the right size shoes.  Please contact Affiliated Podiatrists, INC at 440-946-5858.

Could you back pain be from your feet?

 

It could be caused by your flat feet.  Women with flat  feet are more than 50 % of the time will have low back pain.  Both men and women over time loose their lower abdomenial strength which helps to change your gait and cause your arches to drop causing low back pain, arch pain or heel spurs.

Orthotics can relieve the symptoms.  You soon see your Podiatrists for evaluation by x-rays and biomechanical exam and possibly taping before you cast for custom orthotics.  If your back hurts and your Orthopedic Surgeon stated there is nothing wrong.  Give us a call at 440-946-5858 and see if your imbalance in your feet are causing your Pain. 

WHEN YOUR FEET HURT, YOU HURT ALL OVER.

Ugly Toenails Why?

 

Do your have discolored or ugly toenails?  It is getting closer to spring.  This is the time to fix your toenails.  Success rate is approximately 80%.

Thick, discolored nails can be caused by trauma or by a fungal infection.  Fungus is everywhere.  If a toenail is susceptible to a fungal infection, you may notice yellow, white or brownish spots.  You may also find excessive debris under the nail.  Does your nail appear to be lifting?  These are signs of possible fungus invasion in your nails.

The earlier you identify the cause the sooner your treatment can be.  Don’t wait for years.  Come into the office for an evaluation, so you can make an intelligent decision about your treatment.

Affiliated Podiatrists have several options for treating you nails to resolve your deformity.

Such as:

Topical antifungal medication

Toenail laser treatments.  Multiple treats may be needed to kill the spores and allow a healthy nail to regrow.

Last result can be Pills ( Lamisil or Diflucan )

Or total removal of nails without possible regrowth

Give us a call and find out for yourself your options for healthy nails – 440-946-5858 – NOW.