(205) 633-3606
(205) 633-3606
Painful deformities, such as hammertoes, can be treated. Stop living with foot pain, and have beautiful feet again!
Foot stress fractures are small cracks in the bones of the foot that develop from repeated impact and overuse. They are especially common in athletes and military personnel due to intense physical training. Causes include training errors, sudden increases in activity, and muscle fatigue that reduces the body’s ability to absorb shock. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, and tenderness that worsen with movement. A podiatrist can diagnose stress fractures with imaging tests, recommend rest and supportive footwear, and create a recovery plan to prevent future injury. If you have persistent foot pain during or after activity, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Robert Hope from Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.
Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.
What Are Stress Fractures?
Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:
Symptoms
Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Tuscaloosa, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s disease is a common cause of heel pain in growing children and adolescents, especially those active in sports. It occurs when the growth plate in the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress from running or jumping. Risk factors include rapid growth spurts, tight calf muscles, and poorly cushioned shoes. Symptoms often include heel tenderness, swelling, and pain that worsens with activity. A podiatrist can diagnose Sever’s disease through a thorough evaluation and recommend treatments such as stretching, rest, and proper footwear to relieve discomfort and prevent recurrence. If your child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to get the expert care needed for lasting relief.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Robert Hope from Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s Disease
Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.
Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.
Symptoms
Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.
Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Tuscaloosa, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Heel pain is a frequent concern, and one common cause is Achilles tendonitis. This condition is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Causes may include overuse, sudden increases in physical activity, or repetitive strain from sports. Risk factors include tight calf muscles, flat feet, or wearing shoes that lack adequate support. Symptoms often include stiffness, swelling, and pain that worsens with movement. A podiatrist can diagnose the Achilles tendonitis, provide treatment such as targeted stretching exercises or orthotics, and help prevent further injury. If you are struggling with heel pain or suspect you have Achilles tendonitis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment solutions.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Robert Hope of Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
Rupture Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Tuscaloosa, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Ankle ulcers are open sores that develop when the skin around the ankle breaks down, but does not heal. They are often linked to poor blood flow, nerve damage, or high pressure in the veins. Venous stasis ulcers are the most common type of ankle ulcer and usually form just above the ankle joint. They occur when blood does not move back to the heart as it should, which causes swelling and tissue damage. Diabetes and arterial disease can also increase the risk of ankle ulcers. Other risk factors include varicose veins, previous blood clots, chronic swelling, inflammatory problems, and smoking, which reduces oxygen supply to the skin. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, warmth, drainage of fluid, and pain or itching. A podiatrist can examine the ankle ulcer, check circulation, provide wound care, and use compression to reduce swelling and improve healing. If you have an ankle ulcer, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment solutions.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Dr. Robert Hope from Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
If you have any questions please contact our office located in Tuscaloosa, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
