Items filtered by date: October 2021

Fall weather can bring a drop in temperature and sudden, dry air. Combined with a lack of moisture, this can cause your skin to suffer and your feet to become dry.

Treat dry skin and cracked heels with the help of your foot doctor.

Tuesday, 26 October 2021 00:00

When Heel Spurs Become Painful

When the heel bone is under repeated stress, calcium deposits can form on the inside of it. These deposits, known as heel spurs, point towards the arch and can measure up to half an inch. Heel spurs can be associated with plantar fasciitis, and they are sometimes masked by the discomfort of that condition. Some heel spurs may not produce any symptoms, while others can be quite painful. You can try to get relief from a heel spur by using cold compresses or over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation. Certain foot and calf stretches may also help to relieve pain as well. Patients who are struggling with heel pain that may be a heel spur should consult with a podiatrist.  A podiatrist can diagnose the source of the pain and offer more advanced forms of treatment.

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 Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor 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 office located in Covington, LA . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

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Tuesday, 19 October 2021 00:00

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that run along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. When the plantar fascia becomes inflamed or partially torn, it results in the condition that is commonly referred to as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The pain is usually worse in the morning and after long periods of rest. Common causes of plantar fasciitis includes sitting or standing for long periods of time, having tight calf muscles, having flat feet or high arches, obesity, and arthritis. Patients who are struggling with heel pain should consult with a podiatrist because there are a variety of causes. Once you visit with a podiatrist, they will be able to provide a proper diagnosis, as well as a customized treatment plan for your condition.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM  from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Read more about Plantar Fasciitis
Tuesday, 12 October 2021 00:00

When to Get Help for Ankle Pain

Ankle pain has many potential causes, ranging from simple fatigue to serious injuries. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine when you should manage your ankle pain at home and when you should seek medical care since ankle pain and accompanying symptoms may start out mild and worsen over time. Pay close attention to your symptoms. You should see a podiatrist if the ankle is misshapen, the calf is hot, swollen, or tender, or if you have difficulty putting weight on your leg. You should also schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you have ankle pain that is worsening. If there is significant trauma to the ankle, it is imperative that you seek the care of a podiatrist immediately.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

 

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Joint deformities are sometimes a complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Fortunately, joint deformities are becoming less common thanks to early detection and treatment. Nevertheless, it is helpful to be aware of joint deformity caused by RA and what can be done to treat it. The most common types of joint deformities in the feet of people with RA are claw, mallet, and hammertoes. People with these deformities have toes that are stuck in a bent position at one of the toe joints. These conditions can be treated through the use of orthotic devices, such as insoles or splints, or with surgery. If you have RA, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you maintain your foot health. 

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Mack Jay Groves IV, DPM of Practice. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

  • Swelling and pain in the feet
  • Stiffness in the feet
  • Pain on the ball or sole of feet
  • Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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

Read more about Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Feet

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