Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists

Whether it is your baby's first steps or your teen's winning goal, healthy feet are crucial for a child's milestones. Learn more about maintaining your kid’s foot health at www.apma.org/firststeps

When patients need a bone graft for a foot or ankle surgery, bone is often taken from another part of their body. Now surgeons are using new methods to get bone material and even stem cells right off the shelf. Bone grafts are generally used for large open fractures with segmental bone loss, broken bones that have not healed, bone tumors and reconstructive procedures, among other conditions. Traditionally, surgeons would take out a portion of bone from another part of the body to use in the foot or ankle. Foot and ankle surgeons are now able to use stem cells, which are self-renewing cells found throughout the body, to assist the bone in healing.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/surgeons-can-now-get-bones,-stem-cells-%E2%80%98off-the-sh

Most puncture wounds can be managed with basic first aid at home, but some may need immediate medical attention. Learn when to seek medical care at www.apma.org/puncturewounds.

Two U.S. women’s gymnastics contenders had their Olympics hopes dashed by achilles injuries in recent weeks. While they will get top medical care as part of the team, most young athletes don’t have immediate access to expert analysis of injuries. However, young athletes could see their sports dreams evaporate if they do not seek prompt treatment and do not allow full rehabilitation of foot and ankle injuries. Playing through pain, ignoring injuries, cutting rehab short or skipping it altogether could result in repeated injuries and instability in feet and ankles well into teen years and adulthood. If your young one has foot, ankle or toe pain, see a foot and ankle surgeon right away.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/children-s-injured-feet

Pain in a child’s foot or ankle is never normal. There is no such thing as “growing pains.” Any pain that lasts more than a few days, or that is severe enough to limit the child’s walking, should be evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon. Foot problems commonly experienced by children include pediatric flatfoot, Cancaneal Apophysitis (or Sever’s Disease), ingrown toenails and plantar warts. If your child is experiencing pain or discomfort in their feet, see a foot and ankle surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/foot-health-facts-for-children

Summer is officially here, and with that comes the summer sun. If you find yourself barefoot or in flip flops frequently, be sure to protect your feet with sunscreen and check your feet and ankles for signs of skin cancer, including between the toes and on the bottom of the foot. Skin cancers of the foot, like basal cell carcinomas, occur more commonly than one might think. Learn ABCDs of skin cancer (asymmetry, border, color, diameter) and see a dermatologist immediately if you notice anything of concern.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/mystery-moles

If walking leaves you feeling fatigued or uncomfortable, it's essential to consult your podiatrist. These symptoms, especially if they improve with rest, could indicate peripheral arterial disease - a condition caused by narrowed blood vessels affecting blood flow to your feet. Early detection is crucial! Learn more at www.apma.org/pad

Spring and summer bring longer days and, for many children, lots of outdoor activity. Increased participation in outdoor sports can also increase the number of foot and ankle injuries, particularly for children who play field sports. Ankle sprains alone account for 10 percent of all injuries seen in emergency departments. Parents should watch for symptoms of common sport injuries, including pain during normal activity, swelling, bruising, and in more serious cases, tissue tears. Check out this helpful infographic for more information on how to help protect your kid’s feet and keep them in the game.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/field-sports-injuries-on-the-rise-for-children

Did you know that diabetes can cause complications in the feet and ankles? If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, it's crucial to include a podiatrist in your diabetes care team. Learn more about symptoms and treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic foot ulcers, and more at www.apma.org/diabetes

To help keep your feet healthy and happy for the summer and beyond, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons offers tips on what to look for with some of the most common foot conditions and when you should see a foot and ankle surgeon for proper treatment. Bunions, hammertoe, melanoma, Haglund’s deformity and tailor’s bunion can be painful and unsightly conditions that might keep you from enjoying sandal season. The good news is a foot and ankle surgeon can treat these and have you feeling good about your feet again.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/make-your-feet-smile-this-sandal-season
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Foot and ankle surgeons around the country warn they continue to see serious lower-extremity skateboard injuries, ranging from minor bruises to open wounds or cuts to more serious foot and ankle sprains and fractures, which may require surgical repair. Skateboarding can be particularly hard on your feet and ankles because of the impact when performing jumps and tricks. Skateboarders should be aware that strain from repetitive, forceful motions can also cause painful foot and heel conditions like plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, fractures (traumatic or stress) and Achilles tendonitis, which may require more intensive, longer-term therapies.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/surgeons-warn-skateboarding-tough-on-feet,-ankles

Experience discomfort walking due to a pinched nerve or neuroma? Thick, shock-absorbent soles in your shoes could offer relief. Ignoring neuromas can exacerbate the issue. Recognize the symptoms: https://www.apma.org/neuromas

Spring sports are now underway, and our expert team is equipped to treat kids' and teens' sports injuries. We also offer guidance to parents on preventing injuries while playing. Give us a call today! 860-674-0284.

A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton’s neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes. Anything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common offenders is wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box. Symptoms include tingling, burning or numbness, pain and a feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot. The best time to see your foot and ankle surgeon is early in the development of symptoms. Early diagnosis of a Morton’s neuroma greatly lessens the need for more invasive treatments and may help you avoid surgery.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/morton-s-neuroma-(intermetatarsal-neuroma)

The foot contains 26 bones and more than 30 joints. Pain in one or more of these joints is not uncommon. It may be accompanied by swelling, tenderness, stiffness, redness, bruising and/or increased warmth over the affected joints. Joint pain may be caused by trauma, infection, inflammation, arthritis, bursitis, gout or structural foot problems. It is initially treated with rest, elevation and limitation of walking/weightbearing on the painful foot.

Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and ice can help reduce local inflammation and pain. Custom orothotic devices may also be prescribed to support the foot and reduce pain. A foot and ankle surgeon can best determine the cause of joint pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/joint-pain-in-the-foot

Either way, we’ve got the solution. Give us a call! 860-674-0284.

Mistaking plantar warts for corns or calluses is common. These hard, flat warts can be painful and resistant to home remedies. Seek guidance from ! https://www.apma.org/warts

Foot drop refers to the inability to lift the front part of the foot when walking, resulting in a scuffing or dragging of the foot or lifting the thigh (known as steppage gait). It is most often caused by nerve or muscle disorders or damage or by a central nervous system disorder.

Foot drop is usually diagnosed through a physical exam, but additional testing may be recommended in some cases. Treatment can include use of braces, physical therapy and electrical nerve stimulation. And in some cases, surgery may be required.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/foot-drop

The sports season is heating up! Ensure your kids are ready to go with the proper footwear for comfort and injury prevention. Get them equipped here: www.apma.org/sportspecific

Don't let high blood pressure limit your mobility! Check out our guide on symptoms to look out for and benefits of visiting a podiatrist: www.apma.org/hypertension

Tingling toes are no joke! Peripheral neuropathy could be lurking. Don't ignore it—seek advice from your podiatrist for the best treatment. Discover more at www.apma.org/neuropathy

As the weather starts to warm up, you may be eager for a scenic hike or jog around the neighborhood. If your workout feels more painful than exhilarating, especially at the ball of the foot and back of the heel—it could be bursitis. Visit your podiatrist for relief: www.apma.org/bursitis

When arthritis affects the ankle joint, it can produce swelling and pain and may eventually result in deformity, loss of joint function and decreased ability to walk. While the most common form of ankle arthritis is osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the ankle. Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the joint, swelling in or near the joint and difficulty walking or bending the joint. If you have these persistent symptoms, see a foot and ankle surgeon for help.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/ankle-arthritis

Did you know bunions are 10 times more common in women than men? Footwear isn't always the cause, although pointy toes and high heels can contribute. Genetics plays a significant role in the development of bunions.

If you notice swelling, redness, or a callus at the base of your big toe, it's crucial to seek early treatment from a podiatrist. Learn more: www.apma.org/bunions

Skin cancer can indeed develop on the feet, just like any other part of the body. If you notice any changes in the skin or nails of your feet, it is crucial to seek care from a podiatrist immediately. Learn about the various types of cancers and symptoms: www.apma.org/skincancersofthefeet

Great information from one of our former Residents.

"My podiatrist saved my life" How this patient's local podiatrist helped save his life.

Did you know that podiatrists are skilled in treating both foot problems and ankle injuries? Ankle sprains can potentially result in long-term ankle issues if not properly addressed. Visit your podiatrist today for expert guidance on recovery! Visit: www.apma.org/sprainstrainsfractures

Achilles tendinitis, a common condition among runners and athletes, involves the inflammation of the thick tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Find out what symptoms to look out for and how a podiatrist can help with this condition: www.apma.org/tendinitis

Regular foot checks are vital for individuals living with diabetes. Podiatrists play a crucial role in helping patients ensure proper foot care to reduce the risk of complications such as ulcers, infections, and amputations. Visit your DPM to help maintain healthy feet: www.apma.org/diabetes

If you have high blood pressure, it is crucial to monitor your feet daily for swelling of the feet and ankles. Stay attentive and contact your podiatrist if you notice any changes. www.apma.org/hypertension