Glen Allen Office
(804) 747-3380
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common sources of heel pain. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel bone to the toes. The plantar fascia plays an important role in supporting the arch of the foot and absorbs shock from walking. Plantar fasciitis can feel like a deep, stabbing pain at the front part of the heel and is often worse after arising from sleep, standing on hard surfaces, or sitting for long periods. Things that may cause plantar fasciitis include participating in activities that stretch or tear the tissue, being overweight, or having an abnormal gait. Wearing ill-fitting shoes, especially those that cramp the toes or with poor support, including high heels, is also problematic. The biggest risk factor for this condition is advanced age because of the wear and tear from a lifetime of foot use. This can be debilitating to this age group and interfere greatly with mobility and quality of life. If you are a senior and suffer from plantar fasciitis, it is important to obtain treatment from a podiatrist before the pain becomes chronic.
Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors 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?
How Can It Be Treated?
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 one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ankle and foot injuries are common problems gymnasts deal with. In gymnastics, there is a high likelihood of lower body injuries in gymnastics because of the high impact forces, repetitive movements, and the preponderance of youth participants who are still growing. These young people are subjected to many hours of training, often year-round, and are generally encouraged to specialize in gymnastics to the exclusion of other sports early on. This causes a higher incidence of burnout, overuse injuries, and negatively impacts their overall athletic potential long-term. Research shows that there are also a lack of strength and conditioning methods in the sport that increase risks of injury. The most common foot and ankle injuries in gymnastics include acute and overuse injuries. Acute injuries are usually caused by an incident and tend to be more severe. These include ankle sprains and bone fractures. Overuse injuries happen when multiple incidents cause an injury to accumulate over time. Such injuries include things like growth plate irritations, tendonitis issues, and stress fractures. These injuries plague gymnasts for their gymnastic careers and beyond. Some of these athletes just tape their ankles and take over-the-counter pain relievers and live with the pain while participating in the sport. If you are or have been a gymnast and suffer from foot and ankle injuries, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can not only help in the diagnosis and treatment if an injury has been sustained but can provide important injury prevention information as well.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:
Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Experiencing painful sensations in the feet can prove to be a big annoyance and something that might hinder your normal activities. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the many different types of pain you could experience—toe pain is one important kind. Toe pain has a variety of causes. One of the most common sources of toe pain is simply wearing ill-fitting footwear that is too tight around the toes. If you notice pain, swelling, and discoloration in one particular toe, this pain may be caused by a broken toe. Alternatively, if you are experiencing pain around the toenail (particularly at the sides of the nail), it is possible that this is due to an ingrown toenail. Lastly, if you have some kind of pain around the joint of a toe, and the skin around this area has become red in color or hot in temperature, this could be caused by gout. If you are unsure what is causing your toe pain, a podiatrist can help you identify and treat the problem.
Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Causes Toe Pain?
Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.
Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:
When to See a Podiatrist
Diagnosis
In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
The common reasons why people incur a broken toe is from dropping a heavy object on it, or stubbing it into a piece of furniture. Additionally, some patients may endure a toe injury, and the result may be a broken toe. Common symptoms that many people experience can include a popping sound as the toe snaps, and pain that becomes worse when the toe is moved. Additionally, bruising and swelling are common symptoms of a broken toe, and in severe cases, the affected toe may look deformed if it is displaced. A simple diagnosis consists of having an X-ray taken, and this can be helpful in determining how severely the toe is fractured. An effective treatment plan is called the buddy taping method, and this is done by taping the broken toe to the toe next to it. This is often successful in providing the stability that is needed as the healing process occurs. The foot and toe will feel better when it is frequently rested and elevated, and this may help to alleviate a portion of the swelling. If you have broken your toe, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can offer you a treatment method that is correct for you.
A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What to Know About a Broken Toe
Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).
Symptoms of a Broken Toe
Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.
Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
The amount of lower limb amputations is at an increased rate, and this is especially true of diabetic patients. High blood levels and poor glucose management can significantly contribute to the onset of diabetes which can lead to the amputation of a toe or a leg. An unnoticed cut on the bottom of the foot may lead to an infection that grows into a diabetic foot ulcer. This can be from the inability to heal properly, in addition to not keeping the weight off of the foot. There are methods that can be implemented which can help to eliminate the need for amputation. These can include controlling the body’s sugar levels, and having regular foot assessments performed by a podiatrist. Research has indicated this may help to reduce the risk of developing a foot ulcer by approximately 50%, which can lead to possible prevention of amputation. If you have diabetes, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist, who can help you to properly manage this condition, and guide you toward methods in controlling your blood sugar.
Diabetic Limb Salvage
Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?
Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.
Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
The medical term for the foot condition known as an ingrown toenail is onychocryptosis. It is generally painful and may become infected if prompt treatment is not received. Ingrown toenails develop when the toenail grows into the skin instead of over it. The nail may grow into the skin as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly or from trimming the toenails improperly. Many people have toenails that naturally curve, and this can occur due to genetic reasons. Patients who frequently participate in physical activities like ballet dancers, football players, and kickboxing experts may also experience this condition. Additionally, if you injure a toe, the result may be an ingrown toenail. Mild relief may be found when soaking the affected foot in warm water, followed by using a piece of cotton to gently pull the nail away from the skin. This is generally a temporary fix, and medical attention is often needed for complete healing. If you have endured an ingrown toenail, it is strongly advised that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.
Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.
Causes
You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.
Treatment
Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If you are a runner, then you are undoubtedly familiar with the importance of selecting the right kind of running shoes. The shoes that you select for runs can have a significant impact on your gait and running form. Selecting shoes that are ill-fitting may lead to injuries or foot complications. One important consideration to keep in mind when shopping for a pair of running shoes is what kind of terrain you will be running on. For example, if you run on roads or sidewalks, you can select road-running shoes. These shoes can be used to run on pavement, and they are built with cushioning that keeps the feet balanced when repeatedly striking hard surfaces. It is important to note that this type of shoe is made for running on mostly even surfaces. On the other hand, if you run on trails, then you might consider purchasing trail-running shoes. This kind of shoe is made to traverse uneven terrain and it has cleats on the outsole for gripping purposes. The midsoles on this kind of shoe tend to be stiffer to help navigate these uneven surfaces. If you are a runner, contact a podiatrist for tips on selecting the best pair of running shoes.
If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type
To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The movement of the body is referred to as biomechanics. Biomechanics of the feet refer to the movement of the feet and ankles. One of the functions of the ankle is to transfer the forces from the foot to the leg. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons connect the three bones that the ankle is made of and allow the foot to move up and down. The walk cycle, which is known as the gait, is divided into two phases known as the swing and stance phases. The former happens when the foot swings forward and is not in contact with the ground. The latter occurs when the foot hits the ground and this phase is split into three categories: heel strike, midstance, and heel lift. The heel strike allows the foot to roll inward known as pronation. This allows the foot to absorb the shock that comes from walking on different surfaces. The midstance allows the weight of the body to be directly over the foot as contact with the ground is made. When the foot rolls outward this describes the heel lift, and it activates the bones, muscles, and plantar fascia to work together as steps are taken. The foot is a complex structure and if you would like to learn more about how it works, please consult with a podiatrist.
If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from The Podiatry Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Biomechanics in Podiatry
Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.
A History of Biomechanics
Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.
Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Richmond and Glen Allen, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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