Items filtered by date: March 2024

Diabetic foot problems pose significant challenges to an individual's quality of life due to their potential for severe complications. Diabetes can lead to neuropathy, reduced blood flow, and impaired wound healing, increasing the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and even amputations. These conditions often cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and decreased independence, impacting daily activities and overall well-being. Furthermore, managing diabetic foot problems requires rigorous self-care routines, frequent medical appointments, and lifestyle adjustments, which can be physically and emotionally demanding. The fear of potential complications and the burden of constant vigilance over foot health can contribute to anxiety, depression, and decreased social participation. Effective management strategies, including proper foot care, regular monitoring, and early intervention for any issues, are essential for preserving mobility and minimizing the impact of diabetic foot problems on quality of life. If you have diabetes and it has impacted your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for routine visits, in addition to receiving prompt treatment as needed.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

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

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compressive neuropathy condition that results from the entrapment of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow passageway located on the inner side of the ankle. This entrapment leads to many symptoms, most notably pain, tingling, and burning in the foot and heel, which sometimes extends into the toes and lower leg. Many things can cause tarsal tunnel syndrome, such as injuries to the ankle, swelling from other health problems like diabetes, or just by repeating the same movements that irritate the area. Treatment strategies are tailored to the severity and underlying cause of the syndrome. Conservative measures include anti-inflammatory medications and orthotic devices to alleviate pressure on the nerve. More invasive options include surgical decompression to relieve the nerve entrapment. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with other nerve-related conditions. Podiatrists, or foot doctors, can do comprehensive evaluations to properly diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome. If you have foot pain, or suspect tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is suggested that you seek treatment from a podiatrist who can properly diagnose this condition and offer a personalized treatment plan. 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Proper footwear is important for your child's general foot health. Children's foot bones are soft cartilage in the first few years of life, so they need space to grow naturally. Ignoring foot health can also lead to leg and back problems later in life. Going barefoot sometimes can help with natural development, shoes are necessary for warmth, protection, and support. When buying shoes, measure your child's feet regularly and ensure there's enough room for their feet to grow. Ignore marked shoe sizes and focus on inner length measurements, which is the measurement of the inside of the shoe from the toe to heel. It is normal for shoes to look big on toddlers, as their feet grow rapidly. Look for shoes that are foot-shaped, breathable, flexible, and have a back, regardless of the season. Remember, every pair of shoes is important in shaping your child's foot health for life. If you are a parent and want to ensure that your child’s footwear is best for their foot health, it is suggested that you take your child to a podiatrist for an exam, proper foot measurement, and discussion of what type of shoes would best suit your child’s feet for healthy growth.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our podiatrists of Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat osteoid osteomas in the foot or ankle. These doctors can identify these benign, rare bone tumors and offer treatments like surgery or radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, to relieve pain. Surgery may require limited weight-bearing for a few weeks, while RFA does not have this restriction. Both methods effectively alleviate pain, with RFA often chosen when the tumor is seen on imaging tests. However, if the tumor is close to important nerves or blood vessels, RFA might not be an option. Podiatrists also consider the distance from the tumor to the cartilage to minimize damage during treatment. If you have foot pain that is persistent or worsening, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation. A proper diagnosis can be made, and proper treatment administered, thereby helping you regain comfort and mobility.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Columbus Podiatry & Surgery. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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