Items filtered by date: December 2020

Peroneal tendonitis occurs when the tendons connecting the foot to the lower leg are inflamed. While it generally occurs from overuse of the tendons, this condition can be a result of a sudden injury, like a broken ankle. People who engage in sports involving a lot of ankle movement are more likely to suffer from this affliction, but it can also affect those who do not stretch properly before activity, have pre-existing conditions like arthritis, have high arches, are overweight, and who smoke. Symptoms of peroneal tendonitis include pain along the tendon that worsens with physical activity, swelling, redness, and a nodule that moves with the tendon. Usually a combination of physical therapy, medication, and rest are employed to treat this type of tendon issue.  However, it is suggested that this or any foot pain be diagnosed and treated by a qualified podiatrist so that symptoms do not worsen.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A toenail infection, also known as onychomycosis, is a common type of nail disease caused by various types of fungi. Older adults and those with diseases that compromise the strength and quality of nails—such as diabetes, circulatory conditions, and immune suppression disorders—are more at risk of contracting a toenail infection. Other risk factors include genetics, having overly sweaty feet, and going barefoot in public showers, locker rooms, swimming pools and other dark, damp places where the fungi thrive. Among the symptoms of a toenail infection are thickened and discolored nails, pain, the nail separating from the nail bed, and a foul odor. It is wise to consult a podiatrist for toenail infections because they are difficult to treat, as well as to prevent the infection from spreading to other nails and skin. To make an accurate diagnosis and determine the best form of treatment, your podiatrist will perform a physical examination and take a sample of the nail to be cultured and analyzed. Depending on their findings, treatments may include prescription oral and/or topical antifungal medications, nail debridement or even laser therapy.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

• Warped or oddly shaped nails
• Yellowish nails
• Loose/separated nail
• Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
• Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

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

Heel pain is a very common occurrence. It is usually felt under the heel or at the back of the heel. When pain and inflammation is located on the bottom of the heel toward the front of the foot, plantar fasciitis is typically the cause. Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue, which runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel with the toes. Other causes of heel pain on the bottom of the foot may be attributed to heel pad atrophy or heel spurs. If pain is felt at the back of the heel, Achilles tendonitis is often at the root of the cause. This condition occurs when the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the back of the heel bone, becomes damaged or torn over time, causing pain and swelling. Other possible causes include bursitis, Sever’s disease, and heel bumps. Pain from a heel stress fracture can occur anywhere on the heel, and tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause heel pain underneath the ankle bone. Heel pain can also be caused by neurological issues, infections and arthritis. Unless you suffer an acute injury, heel pain typically starts out mild, but can become severe. If you are experiencing any type of heel pain, don’t hesitate to contact a podiatrist to find out the cause and take measures to keep it from worsening or becoming chronic or debilitating.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that causes poor blood flow in the lower limbs, affects both men and women. After age 60, prevalence of PAD is higher in men than in women, yet women tend to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. This is because women are more likely to present with atypical symptoms, such as lower limb pain while exercising and while at rest. Many women present with no symptoms at all. For this reason, it is particularly important for women to undergo vascular testing to determine if they may have PAD. To learn more about this condition and get tested, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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