Items filtered by date: February 2024

Selecting the right footwear for work is not merely a matter of style but also a critical aspect of occupational health and safety. Wearing properly fitted shoes can significantly impact overall comfort, productivity, and well-being throughout the workday. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a myriad of problems, including blisters, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. Additionally, shoes that are too tight or narrow may cause foot pain, discomfort, and even contribute to the development of long-term foot conditions such as bunions or hammertoes. Conversely, shoes that are too loose can result in instability, increased risk of falls, and potential injury. Properly fitted shoes provide adequate support, cushioning, and alignment for the feet, helping to alleviate strain and pressure on the muscles and joints. Whether standing for extended periods or engaging in physical activities, wearing shoes that fit properly is essential for maintaining optimal foot health and minimizing the risk of workplace-related injuries. If you would like more information about choosing shoes that fit correctly for your work day, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

• Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away
• Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes
• Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have
• Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes are vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

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

Extensor tendonitis, characterized by inflammation of the tendons in the feet, often arises from overuse or repetitive strain. These tendons, situated just beneath the skin, lack substantial protection which makes them susceptible to injury. In the feet, extensor tendonitis commonly stems from prolonged standing or wearing improperly fitting shoes. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, and stiffness, often accompanied by difficulty with movement. Diagnosis by a podiatrist generally involves a physical examination and may require imaging tests to assess the extent of the damage. While surgery is rarely necessary, it may be considered for severe or persistent cases. Overall, early intervention and proper management can help alleviate symptoms of extensor tendonitis and promote full recovery, enabling you to resume your daily activities without discomfort. If you are experiencing symptoms of extensor tendonitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options. 

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor 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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fibromas, benign tumors that develop in the plantar fascia of the foot, can cause discomfort and limit mobility for those affected. While conservative treatments may alleviate symptoms, surgery becomes a consideration for persistent cases. Surgical intervention aims to remove the fibrous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The procedure involves making an incision in the foot to access and excise the fibroma, followed by meticulous closure to promote proper healing. Recovery from plantar fibroma surgery typically involves a period of immobilization, followed by gradual rehabilitation to restore strength and flexibility to the affected foot. While surgery carries inherent risks and requires careful consideration, it can offer long-term relief and improved quality of life for individuals with symptomatic plantar fibromas. Consulting with a podiatric surgeon and exploring all treatment options can help individuals make informed decisions regarding their foot health and overall well-being. If you have a plantar fibroma, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can determine if this type of surgery is correct for you.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Brain Middleton, DPM of Medical Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

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

There are many kinds of arthritis, and one of them could be a cause of your ankle pain. Osteoarthritis, the most common type, occurs when wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones causes the bones to rub against each other. People with osteoarthritis in their ankle may experience painful joints between the shin and ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, often causes joint pain in both ankles. Gout is another type of arthritis that can cause ankle pain because of a buildup of uric acid in the body. Gout patients often feel pain in the big toe as one of their first symptoms. Sudden intense pain that lasts for several hours and affects any of the joints, including ankles, can indicate a gout attack. These are not the only forms of arthritis that can lead to ankle pain. Understanding the specific type of arthritis affecting the ankle is important for developing an effective treatment plan. If you are experiencing persistent ankle pain, it is suggested you consult a podiatrist who can help identify the underlying cause of your pain, diagnose types of arthritis, and explore appropriate treatment plans. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Brain Middleton, DPM from Medical Foot Care Center. 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
• 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 Rome, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.