Items filtered by date: March 2024

Tuesday, 26 March 2024 00:00

Conditions Associated With Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are bony growths that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often near the point where the plantar fascia connects to the bone. While they can be asymptomatic, heel spurs are frequently associated with certain foot conditions, serving as indicators of underlying issues. Primarily, they're linked with plantar fasciitis, a condition where the ligament running along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed and causes heel pain. This inflammation can lead to the development of a spur. Heel spurs are also frequently associated with chronic conditions stemming from strain on the foot muscles and ligaments, or from repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Such strain and tearing can be due to excessive weight, poor shoe choices, or an active lifestyle without adequate foot support. The association of heel spurs with other conditions typically means there will be a comprehensive approach to treatment, which may include stretches, orthotic support, or lifestyle modifications to address the root cause of the pain. If you are suffering from a heel spur, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can diagnose the underlying problem and help you find relief.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Reno, NV . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Tuesday, 19 March 2024 00:00

How Psoriatic Arthritis Affects the Feet

Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, is a condition intricately linked with psoriasis, affecting up to 50 percent of those individuals with PsA. Psoriatic arthritis targets the joints, tendons, and ligaments of the feet, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, stiffness, and changes in appearance, such as nail pitting and skin lesions. Foot involvement in PsA can make walking and daily activities challenging, with conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis causing significant pain and limiting movement. Complications like dactylitis, which is a sausage-like swelling of the toes, and arthritis mutilans, or joint deformity, can occur if left untreated. Podiatrists can offer tailored treatment plans, including medication and specific orthotics to alleviate symptoms and enhance mobility. If you believe you have psoriatic arthritis that is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

  • Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
  • Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
  • Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
  • Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
  • Age – Risk increases with age
  • Gender –Most types are more common in women
  • Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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

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Tuesday, 12 March 2024 00:00

Men Need Foot Care Too

To maintain optimal foot health, men should incorporate care routines into their daily regimen. These practices are important for preventing common issues such as rough skin and nail problems. Regular moisturizing helps combat dryness and prevents calluses. Cleaning between the toes is important for preventing bacterial growth and conditions like athlete's foot. Proper footwear selection is also important, and this involves making sure shoes fit well and have soft padding to minimize friction and callus formation. Additionally, trimming toenails straight across and exfoliating feet regularly with a body scrub can help maintain overall foot health. Wearing sandals or shoes in communal areas like gyms and public showers is important to prevent fungal infections. Finally, incorporating body powder into the routine can aid in absorbing excess moisture and alleviating discomfort, particularly for those who lead active lifestyles. If you have persistent pain, skin issues, or an infection on your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and any treatment deemed necessary.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

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Sunday, 10 March 2024 00:00

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Tuesday, 05 March 2024 00:00

How Obesity Affects Children’s Feet

Childhood obesity exerts a significant toll on foot health, with excess weight placing immense pressure on the feet, leading to structural changes like flat feet and pronation. This alters biomechanics and increases the risk of painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis and stress fractures. Childhood obesity can also delay skeletal development, causing abnormalities and leg length discrepancies. Foot pain and discomfort are common among overweight children, hindering physical activity and increasing the likelihood of further weight gain. Encouraging children to engage in low-impact exercises, like swimming or cycling, can alleviate pressure on the feet while promoting overall fitness. Custom-made orthotics can redistribute pressure, enhance shock absorption, and improve alignment, reducing the risk of injuries and alleviating discomfort. If your child is overweight and experiences foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Mt Rose Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

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

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