Having a spur does not make a difference in diagnosing or treating heel pain. It is simply a good indicator of the longevity of the problem and confirms the severity of the underlying biomechanical problem causing it.
Heel pain, plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome is caused by an abnormal and excessive pull of the plantar fascia at its insertion. Morning pain and pain after periods of rest is characteristic and can progress to pain all the time. Treatment is aimed at shrinking the bursal sac via strapping, NSAID's, injection and orthotics. If this fails, treatment can be rendered via endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, in which a pencil thin camera is placed into the heel soft tissue to release the fascia.
Fungal Nails / Athlete's Foot Onychomycosis / Tinea Pedis
These are caused by fungus that resides in the skin (tinea pedis) or nails (onychomycosis). This infection, if left untreated can blister and cause a break in the skin leaving you susceptible to a bacterial infection. In its early stages, the redness and itching can be treated with topical creams and liquids.
In more severe cases, oral medication is required. In the most severe cases nail removal, followed by oral and topical medication, more often then not can be used to treat this problem.
The most common foot problem seen in children is in-toe. Often times this is the result of lack of external rotation at the hip (femur). The result is in-toe gait and a flattening of the arch.
Although many of the deformities seen in the infant are a result of retained intrauterine position, the child will grow out of these if the intrauterine position retained is significant, or a structural deformity is present these problems will not be resolved. The earlier treatment is started, the more successful resolution can be.
Inversion sprains occur when the foot turns in and one of the three ligaments on the outside aspect of the ankle strain or rupture. The severity of the strain dictates the treatment.
A mild strain or sprain is treated by immobilization, non weight-bearing and anti-inflammatories and is followed by re-training and strengthening. Proper treatment is essential to prevent re-occurrence and chronic sprains.
The geriatric patient has many of the same foot problems as the younger patient but their condition is often complicated by poor circulation, arthritis, bursitis, neuritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Your feet should not hurt because you are older. Many of your conditions can be alleviated by modern foot care. Our goal at Country Foot Care is to keep our geriatric population walking. Staying active is a key to good health with senior citizens. Periodic nail and callus care and physical therapy are key treatments used to keep our geriatric patients mobile.
Foot odor is caused by the bacterial decomposition of excessive perspiration on the soles of the feet and between the toes. The warm, moist environment inside your shoes promotes the bacterial growth on your feet.
Treatment of your feet is usually directed at controlling the sweating. Stubborn cases may be treated by your podiatrist with prescription medicines.
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two common forms of arthritis that affect millions of Americans, especially those over age 45. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the entire body whereas osteoarthritis is isolated to the joints.
Surgery to reconstruct the joint may be needed if arthritis causes chronic problems that cannot be controlled by medication, orthotics or physical therapy. Our doctors specialize in the treatment of arthritic foot problems and work hard to relieve the pain and deformity associated with this condition.
A fracture (break) of your ankle usually happens due to a fall, an accident or hard blow. There are different types of fractures that occur depending upon the severity of the injury. Spiral, hairline, open and crushed bones are names used to describe fractures.
Our doctors are experts in fracture care and will perform x-rays to determine the type fracture you have. We sometimes need to realign the bones, this is done through a process called reduction. Casting of the fracture, a walking boot, brace or splint are used to hold the bone in place during healing.
Most of the problems diabetic patients have with their feet are as the result of either nerve damage (neuropathy), infection or poor circulation. Deformities of the foot and trauma to the foot also play a part in causing sores and infections.
Many of these problems are preventable through proper foot care and regular visits with Dr. Brook. He can provide you with the correct form of foot care, proper footwear and the early recognition of foot conditions.
For more information on our Diabetic Shoe Program, cick here.