Items filtered by date: October 2017

Monday, 30 October 2017 00:00

The Causes of Morton's Neuroma

When the tissue around the nerve leading to the toes becomes thickened, it can cause a painful condition known as Morton's neuroma. It usually affects one side of the foot, as it typically occurs between the third and fourth toes. The symptoms can include a burning sensation, numbness, or tingling. Wearing high-heeled shoes can be a cause of Morton's neuroma. As a result of this, more women are affected by this condition than men. Another cause could be jogging and certain sports. This form of activity can put pressure on the ligament, which ultimately causes pain.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors 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 office located in Miami, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Defensive end Jonathan Allen of the Washington Redskins sustained a Lisfranc sprain during the Redskins and San Francisco 49ers game. He is expected to miss about three to four weeks of the season. A Lisfranc injury occurs when the bones in the midfoot break or the ligaments are torn. Coach Jay Gruden spoke well of Allen and his skills. Allen was an All-American during his college career at Alabama. The Redskins beat the 49er’s 26 to 24.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Plantar Fasciosis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

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Monday, 16 October 2017 00:00

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures are small hairline fractures in the bone that most often occur from overuse. When the muscles in the body are fatigued, they can become unable to handle repeated shocks to the area. The shock instead transfers to the bone, which can crack. Most often, stress fractures occur in areas of the lower body like the feet and legs. The most common symptom of a stress fracture is pain in the area. If you are experiencing pain in the foot and ankle and think you may have a stress fracture, it is recommended to see a podiatrist. Rest is often the number one method in helping a stress fracture heal. Braces, pain medication, and ice may also be recommended, though not always. To prevent stress fractures, it is advised to start any new athletic activity slowly, gradually work your way up, and stop if you feel pain or have been pushing yourself with little rest.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

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Monday, 09 October 2017 00:00

Exercising and Preventing Running Injuries

Working out and building strength is a good way to help prevent running injuries. Here are a couple of workouts you can try to help build muscle in your feet and legs. Do each of these exercises for and 4 to 5 sets of 15 to 25 repetitions . Before you do these however, it is recommended you see a podiatrist first and ask if exercising is right for you. To do a toe-curl walk, stand barefoot and move forward with your right leg using only your toes, then do the same for the left foot; you will only move an inch or so while doing this. Heel raises are easy to do. Just stand up on your toes while keeping your heels off the ground for about 1 second and then come down. Chair squats are a good way to work your quadriceps. Place a non-rolling chair behind you, and squat down over it so that your butt only briefly touches the chair. Then come up. Finally, to workout your gluteus muscles, lay on your stomach and bend your knee at a 90 degree angle. Slowly raise your thigh off the ground for a couple of seconds, then bring down your thigh and repeat with the other leg. These exercises are quick and easy to do and will build strength that will further help prevent running injuries.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM of Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

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Running is a great way to stay healthy and fit, and an important aspect of running is proper footwear. Wearing the right type of footwear can help prevent injury and strain and provide a more enjoyable experience. If you are just starting out as a runner, don’t worry too much about buying expensive, high-end shoes. Instead, look for a pair that is medium-priced, provides comfort, and is roomy. When you wear a pair of shoes that do not provide a proper fit, you risk sustaining a number of injuries such as an ankle sprain or developing foot conditions such as corns, blisters, or plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, a bad pair of running shoes can make running uncomfortable and discourage you from doing it.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Imaze Marian Davis, DPM from Marian Davis, DPM, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

  • Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
  • Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
  • Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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

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