Items filtered by date: September 2022

Pain in the arch of the foot can have many causes. Among them are plantar fasciitis, calcaneal nerve entrapment, navicular stress fractures, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. Experts agree that the most common cause of foot arch pain is plantar fasciitis. This condition affects the band of tissue that runs beneath the foot from the toes to the heel. Pain from inflammation is generally worse in the morning, levels off, and returns at the end of the day. Calcaneal nerve entrapment occurs when your foot rolls in too much when you walk, flattening the arch. It  can also be caused by ill-fitting footwear that pinches the nerve. A navicular stress fracture is a hairline crack in the navicular bone of the ankle, caused by overuse. Pain radiates through the midfoot to the inside of the arch. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is another nerve impingement condition, causing pain that radiates into the arch. Its symptoms are burning pain, along with numbness and tingling. If you are experiencing pain in the arch of the foot, it’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an exam and diagnosis.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken pinky toe is a fracture of the smallest toe. This can happen from a direct impact, stubbing the toe, or dropping something heavy on it. A broken pinky toe is a common fracture and the break often happens at the toe base. Symptoms of this type of fracture include pain, possible deformity, redness, bruising, and swelling. A snapping, grinding, or popping sound can also occur when a patient breaks their pinky toe, and fever may also develop. Though the discomfort from a broken pinky toe can cause unbearable pain at the time of a break, or when touched, it might not impact the ability to walk. If the toe is broken to the point of developing an open wound, immediate medical treatment must be sought to prevent infection. It is advised that you see a podiatrist if you have broken your pinky toe, and if it is left untreated, complications and chronic problems can arise.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

Sesamoiditis is a pernicious or gradual foot condition that can impact a wide variety of individuals. Primarily affecting the two small, bead-like sesamoid bones beneath the big toe joint, sesamoiditis can bring about sensations of pain beneath the big toe. There are a number of different activities that can aggravate sesamoiditis and wearing high-heeled shoes is one of them. By their very structure, high heels force an individual to put their weight onto their toes and forefoot. Thus, when an individual wears high heels, they are forced to put their weight on and around the sesamoid bones. If you develop or aggravate sesamoiditis in connection with wearing high heels, this may make it significantly difficult to continue wearing heels. Therefore, you might consider providing your sesamoids with relief by alternating days in which you wear high heels. You could also opt for wedges or shoes that offer a lower heel. It is advised to wear high heels with caution because not only can they aggravate cases of sesamoiditis, but they can also cause a number of different foot conditions. Consult with a podiatrist today if you want to learn more about sesamoiditis and foot care. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

A stress fracture of the cuboid bone is said to be more common among people who run and play sports like basketball, gymnastics, and ballet. The main symptom of a cuboid stress fracture is continually building pain on the top of the foot near the 4th and 5th metatarsals. A cuboid stress fracture is considered to be a repetitive overuse injury and may be difficult to detect. At first, pain is experienced during or directly after activity, but it often progresses to pain while at rest which is a sure sign of a stress fracture, experts say. This injury may be the result of rapid increases in training distance, duration, or intensity. Other considerations are nutrition, footwear, and medications. A proper diagnosis can be made through imaging tests, such as an MRI. Treatment usually starts with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, but may include wearing a cast or boot. Surgery may be needed in more severe cases. Bone healing typically takes six to ten weeks. For further information, please consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

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