Archive for May, 2010
Orthotics at Sowell Podiatry in Nacogdoches and Carthage Texas
Posted by: | CommentsFoot orthotics are supportive devices that are designed specifically for the purpose of improving one’s postural stability, reducing shock impact, and/or improving weight distribution. In most cases, these devices are functional in the sense that they also improve one’s biomechanical performance during gait. An impression of some sort, is usually taken of your feet, and used in the selection and fitting of a prescription orthotic. The particular information regarding anticipated cost, durability, and use may vary depending upon the type of orthotic and should be discussed with your foot specialist.
What do they do?
Imagine if you will, standing barefoot in moist sand with the arch being filled by the smooth sandy undersurface. The heel and ball of the foot leaves a mild depression in the sand while the toes grip the ground without resistance. If one could stand like this for lengthy periods of time, he or she would probably not have sore feet, would experience less fatigue and probably would not have many of those commonly encountered forefoot skin problems such as corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails. The problems come from standing on cement, asphalt, or other non-yielding surfaces, our wearing confining shoes, which further limit foot flexibility, and from lengthy periods of ambulation, which add fatigue and strain to one’s body.
Orthotics assist in restoring supportive comfort by bringing the ground surface up to the foot. They serve to improve postural stability, distribute one’s weight more evenly, and improve the mechanical functioning of the foot and ankle. Although orthotics do not cure every ache and pain in the foot, they are a wonderful approach in providing maximum comfort through improved biomechanics. Standing comfortably in sand is not necessarily an unreachable feeling even while wearing your everyday shoes.
Neuromas at Sowell Podiatry in Nacogdoches and Carthage Texas
Posted by: | CommentsNeuromas are nerve irritations that involve typically an enlarged or swollen segment of the nerve itself. In some cases, these neuromas can actually resemble a small grape in size and can cause significant discomfort to the patient. The individual with such an affliction will often complain of a numbness, tingling, and/or burning sensations, which radiates into or involves two adjacent toes. In most cases, the neuroma will be located between the third and fourth digits of one foot with burning sensation involving the bottom of the metatarsal fat pad and the two involved toes. A second commonly involved site is between the second and third toes of the foot. The typical neuroma usually does not have redness, heat, swelling, or any apparent range of motion loss. Pressure on the bottom of the foot with manipulation of the involved digits will frequently produce the painful symptoms. Neuromas, generally speaking, do not go away on their own but usually require some form of professional care.
What causes them?
The most frequently agreed upon cause of neuromas is that of trauma or injury. The problem however, is that the onset of the neuroma pain might not appear for quite some time after the noted trauma. In other words, an injury to the foot may have occurred some two or more months prior to any neuroma formation but nevertheless, a cause and effect relationship still exists. It is the opinion of this author that shoes might aggravate an existing neuroma but do not play a causative role.
How do you treat them?
The usual range of conservative care through surgical procedures apply in the approach to neuroma care. Appropriate shoe selection and modifications are a good start in trying to relieve pressure and allow additional room for the foot during walking. Various forms of physical therapy and localized injections of anti-inflammatory medication can frequently be helpful in the treatment of this annoying problem. Surgical procedures aimed at identifying and removing the involved section of irritated nerve can provide a more permanent resolution in many cases. A discussion of possible recurrence rates, disability involvement, and procedural expectations should take place between the patient and foot specialist prior to surgery.
Limb Length Discrepancy at Sowell Podiatry
Posted by: | CommentsA limb length discrepancy is a condition in which one leg is longer than the other. Some people have this condition and are completely unaware of it, while others experience a great deal of pain and discomfort. This condition can alter the way you walk, can affect weight distribution during gait, and can in some cases, cause knee and hip problems. It is normal to have slight variations in the length of the lower limbs. However, in certain cases, this variation can and will produce clinical symptoms. Foot specialists deal with and treat limb length discrepancies on a regular basis and are specialized in this area of dysfunction.
As a general rule, patients find it interesting that the long limb gets the worst of it! In gait the longer leg has to work much harder, travel much farther and therefore wears out much earlier. Patients often start to put these pieces of the puzzle together when they realize why they have been having problems in only one foot or leg.
What causes it?
Limb length discrepancy may be caused by a number of factors. Developmental alterations in the womb ca affect how the legs are formed. Persistent resting and sleeping positions of the growing child can result in limb length variations. Trauma can also cause a difference in the length of one’s legs. If a bone breaks in the lower leg, this may be enough to stop the growth of normal bone and cause a limb length discrepancy. Hereditary factors may also lead to this deformity. If limb length discrepancies run in the family, this may also increase one’s risk of developing this condition.
How is it treated?
Limb length discrepancies can be treated by a number of methods. If the dysfunction does not cause any pain or symptoms, it may go untreated. However, if this dysfunction causes pain, discomfort, or difficulties with ambulation, the condition should be treated. A thorough examination by a trained specialist should be the first step in any treatment plan. After a thorough examination, special orthotics or shoe modifications may be made to reestablish limb length equality and improved function. The orthotics may consist of a simple heel lift or may be customized to the patient’s foot. These modifications should help to effectively treat the deformity as well as to decrease the compensatory discomfort.
Neuropathy at Sowell Podiatry in Nacogdoches and Carthage Texas.
Posted by: | CommentsNeuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the body. Each nerve has a special covering and when that covering is damaged, the nerve doesn’t function normally. A “tingling” sensation or a feeling of “pins and needles” may be a warning sign to the patient that he or her nerves are functioning abnormally. When the condition of neuropathy worsens, the patient may lose complete feeling in different parts of the body. Most commonly, neuropathy tends to affect the hands and feet. When the hands and feet become neuropathic, it is very difficult for one to carry out the activities of daily living.
What causes it?
Many diseases such as diabetes, alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies, trauma and certain drugs can cause neuropathy. The most common cause of neuropathy is diabetes mellitus. In diabetes, the elevated sugar affects the nerves and can result in pain or loss of sensation. If the sugar is not well controlled, the neuropathy progressively worsens and can cause serious disability in one’s life. Simple tasks such as walking barefoot or soaking your hands and feet can be potentially dangerous in the neuropathic patient. Constant monitoring of water temperature before bathing is essential in preventing unintentional burns or injury.
How is it treated?
A neuropathy can be a very difficult condition to treat. In general, a doctor can treat the symptoms that accompany nerve damage however, certain types and stages of nerve damage are permanent. Oral medications can be given to control the pain and other associated nerve-like symptoms. With advanced nerve damage in the hands and feet, it is essential for the patient to be cognizant of all precautions.
It is mandatory for patients with neuropathies of the feet to constantly wear shoes and socks. Examination of the bottom of one’s foot is required as well as checking the inside of shoes before putting them on. Having another family member evaluate the temperature of the water before bathing can help prevent unnecessary burns to the hands and feet. Neuropathy can be a very devastating condition. However, the more one knows about this ailment, the more effective is the clinical management.
In-Toe Gait Concerns at Sowell Podiatry
Posted by: | CommentsIn-toe gait is a very common problem among children and even adults. Fortunately, most in-toeing that is seen in children is a growth and developmental condition and will correct itself without medical or surgical intervention. Not all bony foot structures are present at birth and in fact, most of the structures at birth are made of a very soft cartilage. Therefore, a child’s foot growth is a gradual process and it may go through many phases until the final structure is achieved. Parents may complain that their child frequently trips over his or her feet and runs in a funny or awkward fashion. If this applies to your child or even to you, your foot specialist should conduct a proper physical exam of your feet and legs.
What causes it?
There are many possible causes to an “in-toe gait”. An infant’s first environment is the uterus. Often times, this area is very cramped as the baby grows in size. The baby’s legs are usually curled up as the intra-uterine development occurs. Once the baby is born, the foot may appear flat but as the baby begins walking, a more normal appearing foot develops. If the child’s hips or lower legs are affected, it usually corrects itself. However, at times, the torsion on the hips and legs is severe enough that it won’t correct itself and will produce an in-toe gait pattern. A small amount of in-toeing should not affect one’s daily activities. However, if the in-toeing is severe, proper treatment should be instituted to prevent further deformities.
How is it treated?
There are many ways to treat an “in-toe gait”. If your child walks with his/her feet turned in, there are certain things you can do to prevent the condition from worsening. Positioning your child’s feet when he/she is sleeping so that the feet are pointing outward is one form of treatment. Encouraging your child to sit Indian style rather than reverse Indian style also helps. If this condition is caught early enough, there are other forms of treatment that can be instituted. These treatment modalities include special shoes, stretching exercises, and even special bars to positionally affect the feet and lower legs. It is important to remember that many “in-toe” deformities correct themselves. However, if you are concerned or worried about a persistent pigeon toe or in-toe gait pattern, your podiatrist should be consulted.
