Eli Manning, quarterback of the New York Giants, was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused when the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed. Symptoms include severe stabbing, burning, or aching sensations in the bottom of the foot and/or in the heel. These symptoms usually occur during weight bearing movements but may be present even when just standing. It’s obvious to see how this would cause difficulty for a quarterback to do his job. The QB sought council after he was diagnosed and immediately started treatment. He is hoping to practice with his team on Wednesday but for now his pain and ability to play is being judged day to day.
Being a quarterback for a professional football team is not the only profession where plantar fasciitis can cause problems. Almost any job or activity where frequent walking or standing on hard surfaces can cause this ailment. Pregnancy, obesity, and several other sports tend to make people prone to this injury as well.
Luckily for Eli and anyone who may suffer from plantar fasciitis, there is hope. There are several treatment options offered by podiatrists to correct this problem. Foot and heel pain does not have to be part of everyday life when correct council is available. Treatment can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. When plantar fasciitis is caught in its early stages the recovery rate is dramatically reduced. Pain in the foot during the first few steps of the day (especially when first getting out of bed) is an early warning to call a podiatrist and get the feet checked out.
Take care of your feet today… so they can continue to take you the places you need to go tomorrow!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Do you have an ingrown toenail?
Are you experiencing pain on the side of your toenail? Is there redness or swelling along with the pain? If so, you might have an ingrown toenail. An ingrown toe nail is a common disorder that occurs when the nail curves down and grows into the skin. The nail can irritate the skin causing pain, redness, and swelling. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria can develop causing an infection in the area.
Some causes of ingrown toenails are cutting the nails too short or wearing shoes that are too tight. Loose shoes can also contribute to it. It can also occur from trauma or activities that involve repeating pressure on the toes such as kicking or running.
Home treatment is not recommended for an ingrown toenail, especially if the patient is high risk such as a diabetic or has poor circulation. A podiatrist can perform a quick in-office procedure to remove either a portion or the entire nail along with various techniques to remove or destroy the nail root to prevent the problem from recurring.
If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail don't endure it any longer. Call and make an appointment with your local podiatrist to get you pain free.
Some causes of ingrown toenails are cutting the nails too short or wearing shoes that are too tight. Loose shoes can also contribute to it. It can also occur from trauma or activities that involve repeating pressure on the toes such as kicking or running.
Home treatment is not recommended for an ingrown toenail, especially if the patient is high risk such as a diabetic or has poor circulation. A podiatrist can perform a quick in-office procedure to remove either a portion or the entire nail along with various techniques to remove or destroy the nail root to prevent the problem from recurring.
If you are suffering from an ingrown toenail don't endure it any longer. Call and make an appointment with your local podiatrist to get you pain free.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
What is a bunion?
A bunion is an abnormal bump that forms on the side of the big toe joint. With a bunion, it is common for the big toe to drift towards the second toe. This can cause the bump to enlarge over time and become painful with certain shoe gear.
Causes of bunions can be genetic or having a certain foot type such as flat feet or a pronated foot which make a person prone to developing bunions. Although tight shoe gear does not cause a bunion , they can make the condition worse and cause more pain. Pain and redness on the side of the foot are common symptoms of a bunion.
A bunion can be diagnosed by a podiatrist by taking x-rays to determine the extent of the bone malalignment. The extent of the deformity can determine the type of treatment option recommended. Wider shoe gear, cortisone injections, and orthotics are treatments that can be used in the early stages of a bunion.
Sometimes a surgery might be needed for a more severe and painful bunion. The podiatrist can evaluate the condition and determine the appropriate surgery for the patient based on their age, activity level, and amount of bone and soft tissue correction needed.
If you've been dealing with a painful bump on the side of your foot that is affecting your day to day life, visit your podiatrist to see which options would suit you best.
Causes of bunions can be genetic or having a certain foot type such as flat feet or a pronated foot which make a person prone to developing bunions. Although tight shoe gear does not cause a bunion , they can make the condition worse and cause more pain. Pain and redness on the side of the foot are common symptoms of a bunion.
A bunion can be diagnosed by a podiatrist by taking x-rays to determine the extent of the bone malalignment. The extent of the deformity can determine the type of treatment option recommended. Wider shoe gear, cortisone injections, and orthotics are treatments that can be used in the early stages of a bunion.
Sometimes a surgery might be needed for a more severe and painful bunion. The podiatrist can evaluate the condition and determine the appropriate surgery for the patient based on their age, activity level, and amount of bone and soft tissue correction needed.
If you've been dealing with a painful bump on the side of your foot that is affecting your day to day life, visit your podiatrist to see which options would suit you best.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Plantar Fibromatosis
A plantar fibroma is a fibrous nodule or mass located on the bottom of the foot, usually in the arch just underneath the skin. It is benign or non-malignant and usually embedded in the ligament of the foot known as the plantar fascia, which runs from the heel to the ball of the foot. This mass may or may not be painful. It can remain the same size or increase over time.
A podiatrist can diagnose a plantar fibroma by examining the foot and palpating the affected area. An MRI or biopsy can be used to aid in a more accurate diagnosis.
Plantar fibromatosis usually affects the middle-aged and elderly population but can affect all ages. Men are ten times more likely to acquire it than women. Although an exact cause is unknown , there are some potential causes that play a role in the condition. Some of these causes are trauma to the plantar fascia, genetics, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and chronic liver disease.
There are a few non-surgical treatment options that can be used to decrease the pain associated with this condition. A steroid injection can be used to decrease the size of the mass which would alleviate the pain although the fibroma may return to its original size over time. Orthotics may be used to redistribute the patients weight away from the mass. Physical therapy modalities can be used to deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the fibroma. Transdermal Verapamil Gel has also been used in the treatment of plantar fibromatosis.
If conservative measures fail to improve the patients condition, a surgical removal may be required. If you are experiencing a painful lump in the arch or bottom of your foot, make sure to have it evaluated by a podiatrist.
A podiatrist can diagnose a plantar fibroma by examining the foot and palpating the affected area. An MRI or biopsy can be used to aid in a more accurate diagnosis.
Plantar fibromatosis usually affects the middle-aged and elderly population but can affect all ages. Men are ten times more likely to acquire it than women. Although an exact cause is unknown , there are some potential causes that play a role in the condition. Some of these causes are trauma to the plantar fascia, genetics, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and chronic liver disease.
There are a few non-surgical treatment options that can be used to decrease the pain associated with this condition. A steroid injection can be used to decrease the size of the mass which would alleviate the pain although the fibroma may return to its original size over time. Orthotics may be used to redistribute the patients weight away from the mass. Physical therapy modalities can be used to deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the fibroma. Transdermal Verapamil Gel has also been used in the treatment of plantar fibromatosis.
If conservative measures fail to improve the patients condition, a surgical removal may be required. If you are experiencing a painful lump in the arch or bottom of your foot, make sure to have it evaluated by a podiatrist.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon, also known as the heel cord, is the longest tendon in the body. It travels down the back of the leg and attaches to the heel bone. It functions to raise the heel off the ground. A common disorder that can affect this tendon is known as Achilles tendonitis.
Achilles tendonitis is simply inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This can occur from overuse or from a lack of proper stretching prior to exercising. Athletes are at high risk for acquiring tendonitis. Also, middle-aged recreational athletes are susceptible to it due to being less conditioned and the soft tissues and tendons being less flexible than younger athletes. In addition, people with flat feet have a tendency to develop Achilles tendonitis. Proper shoe gear is important for this group to prevent further aggravation of the Achilles tendon. If not treated properly, Achilles tendonitis can progress to degeneration of the tendon and develop microscopic tears.
Some symptoms associated with Achilles tendonitis are pain and tenderness in the back of the heel. The most significant pain usually occurs after long periods of inactivity, therefore most patients experience pain when first getting up in the morning and after sitting for long periods of time.
There are a few recommended treatment options that are important for calming down acute inflammation of the tendon. These include immobilization with a cast or removable walking boot known as a cam walker. Icing the area helps reduce the swelling due to inflammation. A heel lift placed in the shoe to raise the heel can assist in reducing the strain on the tendon. NSAIDS such as ibuprofen can help in reducing pain and inflammation in the early stages. Also, stretching exercises and physical therapy can play a big part in recovery of this condition.
If non-surgical approaches fail to restore the tendon to its normal condition, surgery may be necessary. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the best procedure to repair the tendon. So if you are experiencing pain in the back of your heel, you might want to be evaluated by a podiatrist.
Achilles tendonitis is simply inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This can occur from overuse or from a lack of proper stretching prior to exercising. Athletes are at high risk for acquiring tendonitis. Also, middle-aged recreational athletes are susceptible to it due to being less conditioned and the soft tissues and tendons being less flexible than younger athletes. In addition, people with flat feet have a tendency to develop Achilles tendonitis. Proper shoe gear is important for this group to prevent further aggravation of the Achilles tendon. If not treated properly, Achilles tendonitis can progress to degeneration of the tendon and develop microscopic tears.
Some symptoms associated with Achilles tendonitis are pain and tenderness in the back of the heel. The most significant pain usually occurs after long periods of inactivity, therefore most patients experience pain when first getting up in the morning and after sitting for long periods of time.
There are a few recommended treatment options that are important for calming down acute inflammation of the tendon. These include immobilization with a cast or removable walking boot known as a cam walker. Icing the area helps reduce the swelling due to inflammation. A heel lift placed in the shoe to raise the heel can assist in reducing the strain on the tendon. NSAIDS such as ibuprofen can help in reducing pain and inflammation in the early stages. Also, stretching exercises and physical therapy can play a big part in recovery of this condition.
If non-surgical approaches fail to restore the tendon to its normal condition, surgery may be necessary. The foot and ankle surgeon will select the best procedure to repair the tendon. So if you are experiencing pain in the back of your heel, you might want to be evaluated by a podiatrist.
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