First Step Foot & Ankle

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that can be caused by a variety of bacteria or fungus, the most common being staphylococcus aureus.

This serious infection can occur from a number of sources:
- It may enter bone through an injury, such as an open fracture with the bone ends piercing the skin.
- It can spread from elsewhere in the body or through the bloodstream.
- It can result from a chronic foot wound or infection, such as a diabetic ulcer.

​To diagnose the condition, a foot and ankle surgeon will examine the area and may order blood tests and x-rays or other imaging studies. Treatment options include surgery, antibiotic therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/bone-infection

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

On and every other day, we recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in the LSU community, including alums, donors, students, faculty, staff and fans, who make us all proud to be Tigers! 💜💛

⚾️𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿⚾️

Hi Dr. Whites twin boys Ashton & Jaxson need your help. They are raising money for their baseball team. All you need to do is help them by FILLING IN their pages to help FUND their season. Pick a dollar amount or pick several amounts and let’s help them raise money for their expenses. Thanks in advance for your love and support!

💲ℙ𝕒𝕪𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕆𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤
Venmo: $melannie-white-1
Cashapp: $melanniewhite
Zelle: [email protected]

Toenails will often become thick as you age. Thickening may also occur as a result of trauma to the toenail, like repeatedly rubbing against a shoe. Sometimes when something is dropped on the toenail, the nail will fall off. When a new toenail grows back, it will often be thicker. Nail fungus (onychomycosis), psoriasis and hypothyroidism are also causes. If you have problems with thick toenails, consult a foot and ankle surgeon for proper diagnosis and treatment.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/thick-toenails

Tingly feet can be a sign of nerve loss. Pressure or chemical change in the nerve can cause a tingling sensation in the feet. Any sensation that is out of the ordinary can be an early sign of neurologic or vascular problems. In addition to tingling, feet may feel numb, like they are falling asleep, and there may also be a burning sensation in the feet. While diabetes is one of the most common conditions associated with tingly feet, a thorough evaluation by a foot and ankle surgeon can determine the specific cause.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/tingly-feet

Weak ankles may be a result of previous ankle injuries, but in some cases, they are a condition from birth. After an injury, the ankle remains weaker and less stable. A foot and ankle surgeon can assess ankle stability and evaluate the ankle for further damage. Treatment for weak ankles usually includes physical therapy and bracing. Surgery may be recommended depending on the degree of instability and the response to nonsurgical approaches.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/weak-ankles

Webbed toes (also known as syndactyly) is a rare condition seen in approximately one in 2,000 people, in which two or more toes are partially or fully joined by a flexible skin bridge. Webbed toes most commonly affect the second and third toes, but can occur between any of the toes. The cause is generally unknown. It may be inherited or it may be associated with other conditions. In severe cases, surgery to separate the toes may be performed.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/webbed-toes

It’s Foot Health Fact Friday. Calcaneal apophysitis is a painful inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. It typically affects children between the ages of 8 and 14 years old. Also called Sever’s disease, although it is not a true disease, it is the most common cause of heel pain in children, and it can occur in one or both feet. Reduced activity, heel support, medications, physical therapy and immobilization can often relieve symptoms. A foot and ankle surgeon can evaluate and prescribe the best treatment for your little one.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/calcaneal-apophysitis-(sever-s-disease)

Congrats!!!😍❤️🥰

We're sending a HUGE congratulations to Kenneth S. Colona, who graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University at 85 years young over the weekend! He graduated with a BA in Sociology and is the oldest graduate ever from the university! Way to go! 🥳🤩🎓

Inadequate vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of falls, fractures and bone and muscle pain. In the foot and ankle, metatarsal and ankle stress fractures may be seen in those with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to slow bone loss and reduce fractures, particularly when taken with calcium. Your foot and ankle surgeon can do a simple lab test to check your vitamin D level and then recommend any necessary treatment.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/vitamin-d-deficiency
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Winter’s fashionable high-heeled boots put women at risk for slips, falls and injuries on ice and snow. High heels can be unstable when walking or standing on dry surfaces, let alone slippery ones like ice or snow. A stylish low-heeled winter boot is a lot more fashionable than a cast and crutches. Consider a lower heel or more stable shoe this winter!

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/high-heeled-boots-can-be-dangerous

It’s Foot Health Fact Friday. While cracked heels may be a common side effect of the dry skin from winter’s colder temps, dry, cracked skin can also be a subtle sign of more significant problems, such as diabetes or loss of nerve function. At-home remedies, like moisturizing, soaking in warm water and exfoliation, can often help. But if not, a foot and ankle surgeon can evaluate and treat any more serious causes.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/cracked-heels

Bumps on feet can signal both serious and non-serious conditions. They can vary in size, location and whether they cause pain. Ganglion cysts and plantar fibroma are two of the most common and benign foot bumps, but all bumps have a possibility of being cancerous and shouldn’t be ignored. A foot and ankle surgeon can help diagnose and treat the issue and get you back to your everyday activities.

https://www.foothealthfacts.org/article/what-is-this-bump-on-my-foot

Happy holidays from my family to yours! 😍🥰😻

Are you experiencing any numbness, burning or tingling? If so you may have tarsal tunnel. Give us a call today for further evaluation at 844-985-3338.

Happy friday!

Are you having ankle pain? Do you have a history of ankle sprains? Here is a symptom check list guide. Give us a call today for further evaluation at 844-985-3338.

Here are some summer foot care reminders!
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Happy 4th of July!

What shoes are you wearing to the gym? Here are a few of our favorites that are really good for all foot types.

👣Hope everyone is enjoying their Monday👣

If you are having any of these issues or a
foot/ankle issue that’s not listed, don’t hesitate to call our office at 844-985-3338

“when women support each other,
incredible things happen.”
💪🏾💪🏻💪🏿💪🏼💪🏽

March is Women's History Month!

All of us at First Step Foot & Ankle join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

👣Thankful Thursday👣

Here at First Step Foot & Ankle,
we are for our feet AND our patients!

📣PRODUCT SHOUTOUT 📣

Two great solutions for anyone experiencing dry, cracked, callused feet.

Both Kamea G and Kamea 20 can be purchased together or separately 😉

👣Toe Tip Tuesday👣

The Importance of Shower Shoes!

Athlete’s foot also called Tinea Pedis is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. The fungal infection is called athlete’s foot because it’s commonly seen in athletes. Athlete’s foot isn’t serious, but sometimes it’s hard to cure. If you suspect you have athlete’s foot give us a call at (844)-985-3338 to schedule an appointment with Dr.White.