Items filtered by date: May 2020

There are seven tarsal bones that are located on the outer edge of each foot. One of them is referred to as the cuboid bone, which has six sides. Its function is to provide stability for the foot, as this may help to evenly distribute the weight of the body. This bone may be more prone to injury for athletes and ballet dancers. When an injury occurs, the condition referred to as cuboid syndrome may develop. This type of injury can be a result of an ankle sprain, repetitive dance movements, or frequently participating in running and jumping activities. The symptoms that are commonly associated with this condition can include swelling and chronic pain on the outside of the foot, in addition to limited mobility which may make walking difficult. Moderate relief may be felt when the affected foot is elevated, and it may help to wrap the foot in an elastic bandage that can provide support. If you have pain in this area of your foot, please consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Dushack from APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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.

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Foot wounds are serious conditions that can develop in diabetic patients. People who have diabetes may have difficulty in feeling if there are cuts on their feet, which can develop into foot ulcers. This type of wound requires prompt treatment, which includes cleaning the wound, followed by dressing it with a proper bandage. Diabetic patients may reduce their risk of getting cuts and bruises on their feet by wearing shoes that are comfortable. Additionally, it is beneficial to avoid walking barefoot, wear clean socks, and maintain control of blood glucose levels. If you have developed a wound on your foot, it is advised you confer with a podiatrist who can offer proper treatment options which may include prescribing antibiotics.

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.

Poor circulation may be indicative of existing medical conditions. Common symptoms of this condition may include a tingling or numbing sensation in the feet, severely dry skin, and your feet may feel unusually tired. There may be medical conditions and lifestyle habits that may cause poor circulation. Other causes may include smoking, eating unhealthy foods, and having high blood pressure. Research has indicated high stress levels may lead to elevated blood pressure, which can cause poor circulation as well. To help alleviate some stress, it may be beneficial to practice meditation. If you have symptoms of poor circulation, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can offer you correct treatment techniques.

While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Dushack of APEX Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Poor Circulation in the Feet

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
• Pain
• Muscle Cramps

Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.

As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. 

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.

Each foot consists of twenty-six bones, surrounded by numerous tendons, ligaments, and muscles. It is common to feel pain in various parts of the foot, which may happen for a variety of reasons. A bunion is defined as a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, and can develop from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Many people develop a condition that is known as hammertoe, which can cause the second and third toes to bend at the middle joints. This can cause pain and discomfort, and larger shoes may need to be purchased that will fit comfortably. Pain in the heel area may be indicative of a heel spur or plantar fasciitis, and often needs professional medical treatment.  If you are afflicted with any type of heel pain, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat foot pain.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.