Items filtered by date: November 2022

Sesamoiditis is a particular kind of foot affliction that primarily affects the sesamoid bones near the big toe. The sesamoid bones are two small bones located beneath the big toe joint, and when they become inflamed, a condition known as sesamoiditis can develop. There are several ways in which one with sesamoiditis might go about treating this condition. For example, someone with sesamoiditis might try making adjustments to the kind of footwear that they are wearing. Taking this step might help alleviate pain. Opting to wear shoes that have more cushioning in the affected area might be beneficial. Additionally, wearing custom orthotics in the shoes can help further reduce pain and mitigate the condition. Besides making adjustments to the shoes that one wears, one might also consider adjusting their daily physical activities, excluding those that put extra strain on the affected sesamoid bones. Contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Although rare diseases that affect the feet are not especially prevalent, it can be useful to learn more about them in case you must ever identify one in yourself or a loved one. Raynaud’s disease is one kind of rare foot condition to be aware of.  An individual with Raynaud’s disease can experience feelings of numbness in the toes.  This is because blood vessels in the toes can shrink and become very small.  As a result, the toes can demonstrate discoloration of some kind.  There are two main types of Raynaud’s disease—primary and secondary. Primary Raynaud’s disease is triggered by emotional stress and low temperatures.  Secondary Raynaud’s disease can be caused by and linked to other diseases such as lupus.  If you are interested in learning more about rare foot conditions, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer of Summit Foot & Ankle. 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
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

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 Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

A variety of different foot conditions can potentially become more likely as an individual ages and advances through their later years in life. One of these conditions that every senior citizen ought to be aware of is known as fat pad atrophy. All individuals have fat padding that is located on the heel and ball of the foot. Due to repeated pressure and activity, this padding can be greatly reduced and thinned as one matures. It is estimated that about 30% of all Americans who have reached 60 years of age are experiencing fat pad atrophy. Fat pad atrophy can have noticeable and significant effects on an individual’s health. For example, as a result of the condition, a person can experience increased pain. If you are a senior citizen, it might be a good idea to reach out to a podiatrist and schedule an appointment today. This foot specialist can help you mitigate fat pad atrophy.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout is a form of arthritis that results in joint pain and swelling in the joints and frequently attacks the big toe. Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood that forms crystals in the joints. If ignored, gout can result in serious health issues affecting the kidneys and may permanently damage the joints. The main cause of high uric acid in the blood is that it is not being flushed out properly. Genetics is thought to be the number one contributor to this. Other factors include underlying health issues and side effects of certain medication. You may be at higher risk of developing gout if you are overweight, have high blood pressure, and eat foods rich in purines. Men over 40 and women in menopause are also at greater risk of developing gout. If you have two or more gout attacks in your toe within a year, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist. A number of medical treatments are available to keep the uric acid levels down. Changes to diet and weight reduction may also be recommended.

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The foot condition known as plantar fasciitis can cause discomfort and may lead to difficulty walking. The pain is felt in the heel area of the foot and may radiate to the calf. It is an ailment that affects the plantar fascia, which is the band of tissue that is found on the sole. Its function is to connect the heel to the toes, and repetitive overuse may lead to inflammation of the plantar fascia, resulting in plantar fasciitis. Patients with this condition often notice the pain is more severe in the morning after arising and may feel better as walking is done. Relief may be found when the foot is frequently elevated. It may help to wear custom-made orthotics in the shoes that may help to provide additional cushioning. Being overweight may lead to plantar fasciitis and this may be due to the added weight the feet endure while walking and standing. Additionally, performing specific stretches may bring relief. Ultimately, it is advised that a podiatrist be contacted who can properly diagnose and effectively treat plantar fasciitis. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Richard T. Bauer  from Summit Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Latham, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.