Items filtered by date: May 2022

The common symptoms many people experience with arthritis can include stiffness, pain, and swelling, and it can be difficult to move the affected joint. The word arthritis means joint inflammation, and it generally causes severe pain and discomfort. The most common form of this ailment is known as osteoarthritis, and it affects millions of people in the United States. There are specific exercises that can be performed which may help to relieve some of the pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can be disabling, and it is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. Women are more prone to get this type of arthritis, and research has indicated it may be related to hormonal changes. Gout affects the joints in the big toe, and can cause debilitating pain. Some patients find it is impossible to have anything touch the toe, and relief is often needed immediately. It happens as a result of uric acid crystals that form in the joints of the toe, and can occur from genetic factors or from eating foods that have high levels of purines. If you have arthritis in your feet, it is suggested you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, Lexington, and Flemingsburg, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The tibial nerve is located in the ankle and runs through the tarsal tunnel. This is a passageway in the ankle that is made of bones and ligaments. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve becomes compressed and may happen from overusing the foot and ankle. Common symptoms include a tingling or numbing feeling on the bottom of the foot, and there may be a burning sensation. It may worsen with prolonged standing or walking and may lessen when the affected foot is elevated. Tarsal tunnel syndrome may occur from having a cyst in the foot, severe flat feet, or possibly from an ankle deformity following an injury. Non-surgical treatment includes wearing orthotics and stopping the activity that caused the syndrome. If surgery is an option, healing time takes approximately two weeks. If you have chronic pain in the sole of your foot, please consider seeing a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors 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 Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, Lexington, and Flemingsburg, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Corns, also called clavus, can appear on the toes and feet. The most common place a corn develops is on the side of the pinky toe. A corn is a whitish-yellow hardened patch of dead skin that becomes raised, inflamed, and painful due to repeated exposure to pressure and rubbing. This can happen if shoes are too tight or narrow and rub on the side of the pinky toe, prolonged time spent on the feet, structural problems of the feet or toe bones, or an abnormal gait. Those with diabetes, arthritis, and the elderly are more apt to develop corns. Prevention of corns includes wearing properly fitted shoes, resting feet, keeping feet clean, dry, and moisturized, and trimming toenails regularly. A corn on the pinky toe can be treated at home by soaking the foot in warm water, allowing the corn to soften and lift and/or drying the foot after the soak, and filing it gently with a pumice stone. Medicated corn pads, often containing salicylic acid, can be purchased from drug stores and these provide cushioning of the corn while directly applying medication to dissolve the corn. If these simple home remedies don't help or the corn is unusually painful or infected, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist who can use a properly sterilized surgical blade to shave the dead skin and remove the corn.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, Lexington, and Flemingsburg, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When the heel bone suffers repeated strain or irritation, the body can react by sending extra amounts of calcium to the injury site to protect it. Among the causes are poorly fitting shoes, obesity, arthritis, gait abnormalities, excessive running, and plantar fasciitis. This calcium can build up over time and cause hard, pointy deposits, known as spurs, to develop on the heel bone. Heel spurs can cause pain that may be worse in the morning or more mild and steady throughout the day. Rest or activity can trigger the pain. Heel spurs may occur along with plantar fasciitis, which may cause tenderness and inflammation as well. Not all heel spurs are painful, but those that are can be treated by a podiatrist with a variety of therapies including custom orthotics, physical therapy, cortisol injections, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgery if more conservative methods do not provide 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 Lexington Foot and Ankle Center, PSC. 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 offices located in Harrodsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, Lexington, and Flemingsburg, KY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.