Items filtered by date: November 2019

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Tarsal tunnel syndrome may arise from repeated pressure that results in damage to the posterior tibial nerve. Symptoms such as sharp pains, the feeling of pins and needles, and a burning sensation may occur if this syndrome is affecting you. Tarsal tunnel syndrome may be caused by inflammation from arthritis, diabetes, severely flat feet, and inflammation from injuries or trauma. Frequent stretching and rest between high levels of activity may help to prevent this syndrome from occurring. It is recommended that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and advised recovery regime.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

There are several reasons why ankle pain can exist. Many patients experience an ankle sprain, which occurs when the ligaments become injured. The function of the ligaments is to connect the bones in the ankle together, and if they should become torn or stretched, an ankle sprain may result. This can be caused by unexpectedly stepping off of a curb, or twisting the foot, and it is typically followed by severe pain and discomfort. Arthritis is a common ailment, and if it affects the feet, it may be difficult to walk. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this are pain and stiffness in the ankle joints, and many people notice a limited range of motion. The medical term that is known as flat feet may also lead to ankle pain. This may be a result of a lack or absence of an arch in the foot. If you have any type of ankle pain, it is strongly advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist, who can diagnosis and treat this type of injury.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Dushack from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

A common symptom of the medical condition that is known as Morton’s neuroma is a burning sensation in the ball of the foot. Some patients equate the pain and discomfort that is associated with this ailment as a feeling that is similar to standing on a pebble. It may be difficult to walk and perform daily activities, and the affected foot may tingle or feel numb. There are a number of reasons why Morton’s neuroma may develop. These reasons include wearing shoes that are tight in the toe area and existing medical conditions, such as hammertoes, flat feet, or bunions. When specific sporting activities are frequently participated in, excess pressure may be put on the bottom of the foot, which may cause this condition to develop. Some patients find it helpful to perform stretching techniques that are designed to make the tendons and ligaments more flexible. If you are experiencing this type of foot pain, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

A common type of wound that many diabetic patients contend with is known as a foot ulcer. It typically develops on the sole of the foot, and can become infected if it is not promptly treated. It can form as a result of neuropathy that may exist in the foot. This can make it difficult to feel any cuts and bruises on the bottom of the foot, which may lead to a foot ulcer. Research has indicated the first step in treating this type of wound is to implement methods that can prevent infection. These can be obtained by maintaining normal glucose levels, and keeping the wound clean and properly bandaged. Many patients are advised to keep the weight off of the affected foot, and this can help to accelerate the healing process. If you are afflicted with a diabetic foot ulcer, it is strongly advised that you are under the care of 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. Dushack from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. 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 offices located in Fort Myers and Naples, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.