Items filtered by date: November 2022

Many people have ankle pain without enduring an injury. It may be noticeable as a shooting pain sears through the ankle, or it may come in the form of mild aches. Arthritis may be the source of ankle pain, in addition to autoimmune disorders which may contribute to developing this type of pain. Gout is a form of arthritis that typically begins in the big toe, and may radiate toward the ankle. It can cause excruciating pain and discomfort, and completing daily activities is often temporarily halted. The condition that is known as flat feet may cause ankle pain, and this may be a result of a lack of shock absorption that is often found in people who have this condition. Additionally, there are specific types of infections that can cause ankle pain, which may travel to the ankle bone. A proper diagnosis is needed to determine the cause of the pain and can be followed by beginning the correct treatment. Any type of ankle pain warrants a visit to the podiatrist, who can effectively treat foot and ankle pain.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors 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
• 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 Edmonds, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Although rare diseases that affect the feet are not especially prevalent, it can be useful to learn more about them in case you must ever identify one in yourself or a loved one. Raynaud’s disease is one kind of rare foot condition to be aware of.  An individual with Raynaud’s disease can experience feelings of numbness in the toes.  This is because blood vessels in the toes can shrink and become very small.  As a result, the toes can demonstrate discoloration of some kind.  There are two main types of Raynaud’s disease—primary and secondary. Primary Raynaud’s disease is triggered by emotional stress and low temperatures.  Secondary Raynaud’s disease can be caused by and linked to other diseases such as lupus.  If you are interested in learning more about rare foot conditions, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Edmonds, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Many people have chronic foot pain and find comfort in strengthening their feet. This is done by performing specific stretches and exercises that are simple to do. Increased foot strength can reduce the risk of injury and may improve existing foot structure. A tennis ball is an effective tool to strengthen the entire foot. An exercise using a tennis ball is simply done by rolling the foot from the toes to the heel over the tennis ball or similar object. This can help to keep the muscles and tendons surrounding the arch to remain strong, which may alleviate general foot pain. The heels and calf muscles can become stronger by standing on a step while lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. Stretching the toes can be easy to do, and is done by picking up marbles that are on the floor with the toes. Additionally, this is also an effective stretch for the entire foot. If you would like more information about the benefits of exercising the feet, and how to perform specific stretches, please schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

Anyone is at risk for developing toenail fungus. It is a common infection that attacks the nail bed on the toes. Research has shown that the chances of incurring this may increase as the aging process occurs. Additionally, there may be existing medical conditions that can lead to getting this type of infection. These include poor circulation, psoriasis, or a weakened immune system. The fungus that causes this lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, including  public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors. Because it can enter the body through small cuts in the feet, it is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of areas. Toenail fungus is contagious, and it is wise to refrain from sharing shoes, socks, and towels which may help to stop its spread. The symptoms are generally noticeable, as the toenails become yellow and brittle. Additionally, the skin may itch. Medical attention is often sought that can help to restore the nails to normalcy. As soon as you see the symptoms of a toenail fungus infection, it is strongly advised that you see a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment options.

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 one of our podiatrists of Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors 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 Edmonds, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A bone spur, or osteophyte, is an extra growth onto a bone. Spurs can grow on several parts of the feet, including on top of the midfoot, on the back of the heel, or on the toe. Other bone spurs grow under the heel in conjunction with plantar fasciitis. Many people live with bone spurs and feel no pain. Surgical treatment is one way of permanently dealing with painful bone spurs. With a midfoot bump, the spur is removed from both sides of the joint involved. A surgical shoe will be needed for a few weeks after, but you can bear weight right after surgery. For a spur in the back of the heel, the spur will be removed and any damage to the Achilles tendon will be repaired. A cast and crutches will be needed for a few weeks to avoid putting weight on the foot. With a spur on the toe, a small incision will be made before the filing down of the spur with a type of rasp. The site will be bandaged and a surgical shoe may be provided, but weight bearing is OK. For help with painful bone spurs, it is wise to consult with a podiatrist for the right treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Ankle & Foot of Edmonds. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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