Items filtered by date: April 2023

A bunion is a bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe and may cause toe pain. The pain may come from the joints in the big toe as the bunion pushes it out of alignment. The big toe may be swollen, red, and stiff, and may worsen until medical attention is received. This condition is caused by wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. A small bump can develop, causing a deformity in the big toe. This toe contributes significantly to walking, rising up on the balls of the feet, and maintaining the body’s balance. Toe pain can cause difficulty in accomplishing these moves, and relief is often sought. This can begin with choosing shoes that fit correctly and wearing custom-made orthotics may help the affected foot to regain alignment. Large bunions may cause the toes to shift toward each other, and the toe pain may become severe. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose a bunion, and offer you treatment to alleviate any toe pain it may cause.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Kevin Powers, DPM of The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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

Running as a physical activity can be extremely beneficial to overall health. It can also be a source of injury and pain. For that reason, beginning runners are wise to learn how to protect themselves from harm. First, it may be a good idea to check in with a medical professional before undertaking this strenuous activity. Next, establishing a running routine for maximum safety is encouraged. Starting out slowly with a walk-run is wise, including warming up and cooling down exercises before and after a run. Probably the most important element of safety in running is investing in proper footwear. Wearing shoes especially built for running is not only practical, it is necessary for the health of your toes, feet, and ankles. Further, the type of surface you choose to run on factors into the choice of footwear. Existing foot or ankle ailments may also play a role in shoe selection, and experts suggest having two or more pairs of shoes that can be alternated.  Cross-training with activities, such as swimming, is a good way to give the feet and legs a rest between runs and help ward off injury. For more information on preventing injury from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Kevin Powers, DPM of The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is located in the lower part of the calf, and it is responsible for walking, running, and standing on tiptoes. If this tendon becomes injured, it can cause severe pain and discomfort. An injury can happen from increasing speed and distance too quickly, a common injury among runners. The tendon can become partially or completely torn, and there are similar symptoms that can accompany either type. These symptoms can include hearing a popping sound at the time of the injury, and the heel may be swollen, painful, or stiff. There are two types of Achilles tendonitis, and they are classified as non insertional and insertional. The former may be more prevalent among younger people, and it affects the fibers in the middle of the tendon. The latter involves the fibers in the lower part of the tendon, and both can result from overuse. Partial tears may gradually heal on their own, with adequate rest and keeping as much weight off of the foot as possible. If the tendon is completely torn, it is suggested that a podiatrist who can effectively treat an Achilles tendon injury be contacted as quickly as possible .

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Kevin Powers, DPM of The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery. 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

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

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:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

A plantar fibroma is a ball of fibrous tissue that develops in the arch of the foot. Though plantar fibromas are benign, they can cause a great deal of pain and interfere with walking and standing. Interestingly, these happen in males more often than females and in middle aged versus older people. When several fibromas develop in the feet, it is called plantar fibromatosis. Pain can worsen as fibromas become larger, from wearing shoes that are too tight, from walking barefoot, or from standing too long. These lumps have no known cause, but may be genetic. They are more common in those of Northern European heritage and less common in Asians. Some experts think trauma and repetitive injuries to the feet may be involved in the development of plantar fibromas. Medical conditions, such as liver disease and diabetes, and lifestyle factors, including alcohol abuse, might also contribute to, but not cause, formation of plantar fibromas. Also, certain medications and supplements are associated with this condition. If you think you have a plantar fibroma, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Kevin Powers, DPM of The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery. 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 offices located in Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.