Items filtered by date: August 2016

Rheumatoid Arthritis is usually diagnosed from the presence of other clinical symptoms. These symptoms may include: joint erosion, joint space narrowing, or periarticular osteopenia. There are different treatment options available for different levels of rheumatoid arthritis. Mild and moderate levels of RA can be treated with anti-inflammatories and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Patients with severe cases of the disease are treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, which are also known as anti-TNFs.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctorcan provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

- Swelling & pain in the feet
- Stiffness in the feet
- Pain on the ball or sole of feet
- Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

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When you are about to exercise, you shouldn't wear old, worn-out shoes. A vast majority of foot issues develop as a result of wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. While shoe shopping, you should always look for proper fit and proper support. Shoes that have proper support will stabilize your feet and help prevent fatigue. You should also look for shoes that have cushioning. Investing in a good pair of shoes is important for your feet health because it will prevent a lot of injuries in the future.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

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Researchers have found that minor injuries can cause ankles to wear down over time. Ankle sprains occur when the ankle is moved out of alignment, and this can cause friction between the soft ends of the bone. Bone erosion is caused when these two soft ends of the bone wear down. The amount of patients who seek treatment for ankle related injuries seems to increase during the colder months. Cold weather and rain often change the pressure inside painful joints. People who suffer from ankle pain describe it as a constant stiffness and pain that limits their mobility. Ankle pain can even interfere with daily tasks such as putting on shoes.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctorwill assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

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21-year-old soccer player Kekuta Manneh recently underwent surgery on his right foot. There isn’t a set timetable for his return, however he is expected to be back sometime before the end of the season. Unfortunately for Manneh, the injury will rule out the possibility of a call up for World Cup qualifiers.    

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

• Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices in Fort Myers, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Olympic rhythmic gymnast, Kiana Eide, recently admitted to having bunions. Rhythmic gymnastics is hard on the body, especially the feet. Eide claims that the sport can make a young person have “feet like a grandma.” Eide claims that she’s always had bunions, and that they are the least of her worries.

Bunion surgery usually occurs after non-surgical methods have proved to be ineffective. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

What is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs by the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why do Bunions Form?

• Genetics – susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
• Stress on the feet – poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can cause bunions to form

How are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Fort Myers, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about bunions.