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Items filtered by date: March 2022
Tuesday, 29 March 2022 00:00
When the Bursa Behind the Heel Becomes Irritated
A bursa sac is a fluid-filled membrane that cushions and reduces friction between bones and tendons, as well as between muscles and joints. There are bursae throughout the body. The bursa sac at the back of the foot (behind the ankle) is meant to cushion and reduce friction between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone. By not warming up properly, doing repetitive movements with your ankle, or overusing the heel during physical activities, you may cause this bursa to become irritated. This condition, known as bursitis of the heel, can also be brought on by certain forms of arthritis or direct impact injuries. Symptoms may include heel pain, inflammation, stiffness, redness and warmth in the bursa area, as well as decreased motion in the ankle. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is wise to make an appointment with a podiatrist. This form of bursitis can be treated with various conservative therapies such as resting, icing, therapeutic ultrasound, anti-inflammatory medicine, physical therapy, custom orthotics, and changes in footwear.
Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Causes of Heel Pain
Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.
Why Might Heel Pain Occur?
- Wearing ill-fitting shoes
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change
- Excessive running
Treatments
Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Jonesboro, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tuesday, 22 March 2022 00:00
What Is Sesamoiditis and What Does It Have to Do With My Feet?
Sesamoiditis is when the tendons attached to the sesamoids (bones connected by tendons to muscles) become inflamed. While the kneecap is the biggest sesamoid in the body, there are smaller sesamoids near the big toe on the bottom of the foot. Sesamoiditis is the term most often used to describe this condition in reference to the foot, and tendonitis is more likely to be used when related to the kneecap. Sesamoiditis can develop from overuse or trauma of the tendons connected to small bones in the front of the foot. Athletes, dancers, and those who wear high heels or improperly fitting shoes are more often plagued by this disorder. Pain usually occurs slowly under the ball of the foot, and swelling or bruising may be noticed. The big toe may become immobile, and there can be a popping sensation when walking. It is a good idea to consult a podiatrist, who can examine and diagnose the affected foot using an X-ray, a bone scan, an ultrasound, or an MRI. While orthotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be suggested, sesamoiditis can often heal with rest and be prevented with lifestyle changes. Surgery is a last resort.
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. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. 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 Jonesboro, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Sunday, 20 March 2022 00:00
Are You Suffering From Nerve Damage?
Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.
Tuesday, 15 March 2022 00:00
Ugly Cracked Heels
Cracked heels can be unsightly. The skin on the heel becomes dry and thickened and can even start to crack or fissure. Anyone can develop cracked heels, but it is more likely to happen to those who wear shoes with open heels (like sandals), take very hot baths or showers, use harsh soaps, have cold/dry skin, stand for long periods of time, have a physical condition such as obesity, diabetes or eczema or some deformity of the foot, like flat feet. No matter what the cause of your cracked heels are, there are steps you can take to prevent and treat them. Removing dry skin with a loofah and applying a heavy moisturizer to the bottom of the feet regularly helps. Typically, cracked heels won't cause serious health concerns, but occasionally severely cracked heels can get infected and lead to a skin infection called cellulitis. If this condition persists, it is important to see a qualified podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell from Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.
How Do You Get Them?
Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.
Promote Healing
Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.
Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.
Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.
Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin.
Change in Diet
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.
Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Jonesboro, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Solutions for Cracked Heels Tuesday, 08 March 2022 00:00
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and DFUs
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are poorly healing wounds that can form on the feet of people who have diabetes. These wounds require treatment, as they are at an increased risk of infection, which can have serious consequences. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a type of treatment in which a person is placed in a special room or small chamber to breathe almost pure oxygen. This treatment has shown to be promising in treating a variety of conditions, including poorly healing DFUs. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help encourage the formation of new blood vessels around the wound and supply the area with more oxygen and nutrients, something these wounds are typically missing due to the effects of diabetes. This can help the body generate new, healthy tissues. To learn more about HBOT and other treatments for diabetic foot ulcers, please consult with a podiatrist.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Eddy Caldwell from Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Jonesboro, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Read more about Wound Care Tuesday, 01 March 2022 00:00
Top 9 Foot Care Tips for Elderly Adults
If you are a caregiver for an aging adult, helping them take care of their feet can help keep them healthy, active and improve their quality of life. Healthy feet can also help older adults avoid falls and broken bones. Here are the top nine things you can do to promote better foot health in an elderly person. 1) Inspect their feet daily for any redness, breaks in the skin or anything unusual. 2) Help them eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and engage in low impact exercise and stretching. 3) Trim their toenails straight across. 4) Make sure footwear fits properly, and have their feet measured for length and width every time they buy new shoes. 5) Don’t allow them to walk barefoot, even around the house. 6) Keep their feet clean, dry, and moisturized. 7) Make sure their socks are not tight to avoid cutting off circulation. 8) Never trim corns or calluses with a sharp instrument. 9) Have their feet checked regularly by a podiatrist, especially if they are diabetic.
If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Eddy Caldwell of Foot Care of Northeast Arkansas, P.A.. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.
Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.
It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.
Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities.
Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.
Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Jonesboro, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
