IF YOU HAVE FOOT OR ANKLE PAIN, CALL FEET FIRST PODIATRY

Bunion

A bunion is a bone deformity that occurs when the joint at the base of your big toe becomes enlarged as your toe shifts out of place. Your big toe may angle towards your second toe, or even move all the way under or over it. Bunions can cause chronic pain, stiffness and swelling. The skin over it may become red and tender. Our physicians at Feet First Podiatry encourage you to come in for an evaluation, no matter how minor or how severe your bunion discomfort may be.

Since bunions are a bone deformity, they will not heal by themselves. Feet First Podiatry provides both conservative and surgical treatment options. Treatments include adding protective padding to shoes, removing calluses, custom fitted shoes/orthotics, exercises and splints. Depending on the size of the bunion deformity and pain caused, surgery may be needed to remove the bunion.

Ask your podiatric surgeon about Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction today! The Lapiplasty procedure addresses your bunion in three dimensions to correct the root of the problem.

Feet First Podiatry is also offering minimally invasive bunion correction, which is a new and innovative way to approach bunion surgery.

hammertoe

A hammertoe is contracture or bending of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth toes. This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develop. Common symptoms of hammertoes include: pain or irritation of the affected toe when wearing shoes, redness, corns on the top, side or between two toes, and calluses on the bottom of the toe or the ball of the foot.

Hammertoes may be treated both conservatively and surgically. Treating hammertoes usually begins with conservative options such as: nonmedicated corn pads, in-office corn removal, specialized shoe padding, changes in footwear and prefabricated vs custom orthotics. If conservative treatments in not effective then your podiatric surgeon may use minimally invasive tools and techniques to realign your toe joints and release or remove rigid tissues.

Hammertoes usually start out as mild deformities and get progressively worse over time. Get the relief you need by booking your appointment now.

Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails usually develop when you trim your toenails too short or round off the edges. Wearing tight shoes or socks and having a fungus toenail infection can increase your risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Ingrown toenails commonly lead to pain, redness and inflammation. Ingrown toenails can become seriously infected.

Ingrown toenails are primarily treated by removing the ingrown portion of the nail. The procedure involves injecting the toe with an anesthetic and cutting out the ingrown part of the toenail.

If you are experiencing redness, swelling, oozing, bleeding or tenderness we recommend that you contact Feet First Podiatry right away.

Ankle Pain

Ankle pain can be something minor that causes discomfort when you do too much walking or standing, or something that’s so severe, you have difficulty performing daily tasks. In either case, ankle pain isn’t something you should ignore.

Ankle pain can be a sign of: broken bones or stress fractures, ligament sprains or tendon strains, tarsal tunnel syndrome, muscle tears or strains, Achilles tendinitis, arthritis, gout, plantar fasciitis, or bursitis. It is common for ankle pain to worsen if you don’t seek proper medical intervention early on.

Ankle pain treatment options may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, at home stretching and flexibility exercises or regular physical therapy sessions.

We encourage you to schedule an ankle evaluation if your pain doesn’t improve after several days, your ankle progresses and gets worse, you experience swelling, bruising or redness, you can’t exercise because of your pain or if you’re having difficulty performing work or daily tasks. Call to make an appointment so that our providers can determine the best course of treatment.

Flatfoot

Flat foot is a condition where the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened. Most people are bone with flat feet and have them throughout infancy and early childhood. As you begin walking, your arches develop and flat feet tend to fade away. Some people may never outgrow their flat feet. Flat feet may also develop later in life, which is known as adult-acquired flat foot.

Flat feet do not always cause symptoms but other times, flat feet may lead to ongoing pain and discomfort.

Flat feet may be treated with a combination of conservative options such as custom orthotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), changes in footwear, strappings/tapings, physical therapy, bracing and icing. Your provider may recommend surgery to correct underlying problems such as tendon tears if necessary.

If your flat feet are associated with foot and ankle swelling, arch or heel pain, sports injuries or ankle instability we recommend you schedule a flat foot evaluation appointment with one of our providers at Feet First Podiatry.

Warts, calluses, Skin Lesions or Masses

Warts are growth in the skin caused by a virus. Warts can grow on any part of the body and how they look depends on where they are. Wart viruses can be passed to others by contact with another person. Warts can be treated in the office with special padding/cushions, over the counter medications, freezing (cryotherapy)/burning (electrocautery) or prescription medications such as cantharone plus. It is important to treat your wart to prevent the spread of the virus. Make an appointment with one of our providers at Feet First Podiatry to see which treatment option is best for you!

Corns are small calluses that form on your toes because your tiny toe bones push up against your shoes and put pressure on your skin. Since corns are notorious for causing pain and discomfort, our providers at Feet First Podiatry, provide in-office corn removal treatments for effective relief.

Calluses are dry, flaky, hardened patches of skin that form because of constant friction over a bony area. If you have thickened calluses, our providers at Feet First Podiatry provide in-office removal treatments.

Custom Orthotics

At Feet First Podiatry it is a priority to provide our patients with the proper foot wear and equipment needed to improve mobility and overall foot health. We offer custom orthotics, which accommodate all foot sizes and styles of shoes to improve walking and exercising. Feet First Podiatry also provides patients with custom Ankle-Foot Orthosis. We also have a variety of night splints, ankle braces, walking foot and more available to help assist in improving patient mobility.

Foot and Ankle Traumatic Injuries/Fractures

Foot and ankle trauma can lead to permanent instability and chronic pain if you don’t seek proper medical intervention as soon as your injury occurs. At Feet First Podiatry, you can expect expert diagnostic and treatment care for your traumatic injury. Your feet and ankles are prone to injury. Something as simple as missing a step while running down a flight of stairs can cause you to roll your ankle so severely, you rupture a ligament.

Foot or ankle trauma can include many types of injuries, such as: crush injuries, broken or dislocated bones, ligament, tendon or muscle tears, puncture wounds from sharp objects, or lacerations. Since your feet and ankles are prone to healing slowly early medical intervention is essential.

You should schedule an evaluation right away if you experience any of the following symptoms after an injury: inability to bear weight on your lower extremity, swelling or inflammation, bruising or redness, ankle instability, visible bump, open wound, or deformity.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a broad term for dozens of disorders that lead to joint deterioration and inflammation. Patients who suffer from arthritis tend to have one symptom in common: severe joint pain. You may find that moving the affected joints causes severe discomfort, which causes you to miss work, sports, exercise, or daily activities. Arthritis can even lead to joint: stiffness, redness, warmth, swelling, rashes and tenderness. Arthritis in your feet and ankles can even cause limited range of motion and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. If any of these issues sound familiar, the providers at Feet First Podiatry can help.

Whether you have minor or severe arthritis symptoms, it’s important to get started on treatment early on. Poorly managed arthritis progresses and leads to permanent bone and tissue damage that can lead to serious stiffness and discomfort.

To help resolve your arthritis and delay the progression of the condition, your podiatrist at Feet Podiatry Center may recommend: Physical therapy, activity modifications, anti-inflammatory and pain creams, anti-inflammatory medications or injections, custom-molded orthotics, or assistive devices such as a brace. If you have joint damage your provider may recommend surgery.

Fungal Toenails

Fungal toenails (onychomycosis) cause your toenails to become so brittle and damaged, they may flake away or fall off over time. Fungus toenail infections are stubborn to treat. If you use over-the-counter fungal remedies, they may not effectively treat your condition, and the infection might continue returning. This is why professional treatment is so important. The podiatrists at Feet Podiatry Center encourage you to come in for an exam if you experience nail thickening, yellowing, brittleness or crumbling. If any of these fungal nail symptoms sound familiar, even if they seem minor, schedule an evaluation at Feet First Podiatry.

Treatment options for toenail fungus include prescription strength topicals, prescription antifungal medications, temporary vs permanent removal of affected nails as well as nail laser treatments. With the help of our providers, you can get started on treatment to restore your clear nails at Feet First Podiatry.

Diabetic Foot Evaluation/Routine and Preventive Foot Care

According to the CDC, 9.3% of the US population is diabetic. Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. Diabetes also weakens your immune system, making it more difficult for our body to fight off infections. Diabetes affects the foot through its actions on the blood vessels and nerves. This often leads to diabetic ulcers, which can become seriously infected. As many as 20% of infected cases result in amputation. Because many diabetic foot wounds are preventable, our providers offer comprehensive screenings and early treatment intervention at Feet First Podiatry.

Sometimes, those with diabetes do not notice sores or injuries to their feet until it is too late. It is important to maintain proper foot health and seek treatment immediately when an injury is present. Schedule your diabetic foot evaluation with one of our providers today!

Lasers

Our Nexus 10 Laser is an excellent alternative treatment option for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and tissue healing. At Feet First Podiatry we commonly treat heel pain (including plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis), tendonitis, musculoskeletal pain and post operative neuritis with the Nexus 10 Laser. Severity and condition determine how many treatments are needed. It is recommended 2 treatment sessions per week for 3-6 weeks for most conditions.

Fungal toenail infections are also commonly treated with the Nexus 10 Laser. Most patients require three treatments spaced three months apart for best results.

2nd Opinion

At Feet First Podiatry we want our patients to be well informed before making any healthy decisions, big or small. Doctors have different styles. Some may be more likely to suggest surgery or other major treatments. Others may suggest a slower, wait-and-see approach. Getting a second opinion can help you weigh the pros and cons of different treatment plans. By getting a second opinion it allows you to make an educated decision.