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Haglund's syndrome is a painful condition that affects the back of the heel and is more common in women, especially those who often wear high heels or shoes with stiff backs. It usually involves three related problems. First, the large tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel becomes irritated where it attaches to the bone. Second, a small fluid-filled cushion that helps reduce friction in the heel becomes swollen and inflamed. Third, a bony bump can form on the back of the heel. This bump may rub against shoes, leading to redness, swelling, and ongoing pain. Symptoms of…

Cankles describe a condition in which the ankle and lower leg appear to blend without a visible curve or separation. They often develop when swelling or fat accumulation occurs due to fluid retention, circulation issues, weight changes, or long periods of standing or sitting. Symptoms include a heavy, tight feeling, aching skin that feels stretched, and shoes that feel suddenly snug. The ankle bones may be difficult to see, and the lower leg can look uniformly thick. A podiatrist begins with a detailed exam and medical history to determine contributing factors, such as vascular changes, inflammation, or foot mechanics. Diagnostic…

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that commonly affects the foot, especially the big toe, and often appears without warning. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood, which can form sharp crystals in the joints due to diet, genetics, dehydration, or certain medical conditions. Symptoms include intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth that may develop overnight. The joint may look shiny, swollen, and inflamed, and it often feels extremely tender to the touch, making walking difficult. A podiatrist can help by starting with a detailed history and physical exam, supported by imaging or lab…

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Poor circulation occurs when blood flow through the vessels is reduced, limiting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. In the feet, this can lead to slow healing, skin changes, and increased risk of infection. Common symptoms include numbness and tingling, cold hands and feet, swelling, muscle cramps, and the appearance of varicose veins. Causes may include peripheral artery disease, diabetes, and habits such as standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, which restrict healthy blood flow. Reduced circulation can lead to serious complications, if left untreated. If you have symptoms of poor foot circulation, it is suggested…

Non-injury foot pain refers to discomfort that develops without a clear cause and can appear suddenly during daily activities or even at rest. This type of foot pain may feel sharp, burning, aching, or electric in nature. Common causes include inflammation of soft tissues like the plantar fascia or foot tendons, irritation or compression of nerves, and small stress fractures from repetitive loading. Joint conditions like arthritis or gout, and nerve thickening between the toes, known as Morton’s neuroma, are other causes. Symptoms can involve heel or arch pain, pinpoint tenderness on the top or bottom of the foot, or…

A Pott’s fracture is a type of ankle fracture that can occur after a forceful twisting injury, especially when the foot turns inward while pointing downward. This movement is common among basketball and volleyball players. While an ankle sprain may be involved, the same force can also cause a fracture around the ankle along with the ligament damage. Because the outer side of the ankle is less stable, a Potts fracture may be overlooked and mistaken for a simple sprain. Symptoms include ongoing ankle pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble putting weight on the foot. Proper evaluation is important to identify…

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to irritation and inflammation. This condition often affects the big toe and can become painful, if left untreated. Common causes of ingrown toenails include improper nail trimming, tight footwear, injury, and inherited nail shape. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, tenderness, drainage, and infection. Risk factors include diabetes, poor circulation, and excessive sweating. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, a minor in-office procedure may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the nail and prevent recurrence. A podiatrist can safely perform the procedure…

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

Clubfoot is a condition present at birth where the foot turns inward and downward, affecting alignment and walking if not addressed. Management often begins early, when bones and soft tissues are more flexible. Gentle, guided stretching and serial casting are commonly used to gradually reposition the foot over several weeks. After correction, bracing helps maintain alignment as a child grows and reduces the risk of recurrence. In some cases, a minor procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon may be recommended to improve ankle motion. More complex deformities may require surgery to correct bone position and balance muscle forces. Ongoing monitoring…

Bunions are a common foot deformity that develops when the big toe joint gradually moves out of alignment, creating a visible bump along the side of the foot. The area may look swollen, red, or enlarged, and the big toe may angle toward the smaller toes. It often feels sore or stiff, with pain that worsens after long periods of walking or wearing tight shoes. Some people also notice limited joint movement. Causes include genetics, abnormal foot structure, arthritis, and footwear that crowds the toes. A podiatrist can help from the start by examining foot alignment, evaluating symptoms, and confirming…

Understanding ingrown toenails is important because this common condition can cause significant discomfort when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. It affects people of all ages, but is more common in males due to nail shape, activity levels, and footwear choices. Early symptoms include redness, swelling, and tenderness along the nail border. Conservative care may help when the problem is mild, including warm foot soaks, careful nail lifting, proper trimming, protective dressings, and medication, if infection is present. When symptoms continue or return, non-conservative options provide more lasting relief. In office procedures can safely remove the…

Swollen feet, or edema, occur when excess fluid collects in the tissues of the feet and ankles, leading to puffiness, discomfort, and difficulty walking. While swelling can be linked to heart failure, where the heart cannot pump blood effectively, other causes include kidney or liver problems, poor circulation, prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, and certain medications. Recognizing the underlying cause is essential for preventing complications and maintaining mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate swelling, assess foot and ankle health, and provide treatments such as compression therapy, supportive footwear recommendations, and guidance on lifestyle changes to reduce fluid retention. If your feet…

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves that carry signals between the feet and the brain. When these nerves are damaged, sensation in the feet may become reduced, altered, or unpredictable. People may not fully feel the ground, notice changes in surface texture, or sense foot position during walking. This loss of feedback can interfere with balance and coordination, increasing the risk of tripping or falling. Muscle weakness and slower reaction times can further add to instability. A podiatrist plays an important role in evaluating nerve function and identifying contributing factors. Treatment may include footwear guidance, custom orthotics, balance-focused exercises, and strategies…

Toenail fungus develops when fungi enter the nail through small openings in the skin, and certain factors increase the risk of this happening. Tight shoes that place ongoing pressure on the toenails and walking barefoot in warm, damp areas like pools or locker rooms increase exposure to fungal organisms. Repeated nail damage from sports or rubbing inside shoes also creates openings where fungus can grow. People with circulation problems in the feet, including long-term vascular issues, have a higher risk because the body has a harder time fighting infections in the toes. Constant moisture around the toenails, artificial nails on…

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar, potentially leading to complications throughout the body, including the feet. High blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, increasing the risk of infections, ulcers, and poor healing. Common diabetic foot complications include numbness, tingling, swelling, open sores, and infections that may go unnoticed without careful attention. Proper foot care is essential to prevent serious problems. Wash and dry your feet daily, keep toenails trimmed straight across, and regularly inspect your feet for cuts, blisters, or sores. A podiatrist can provide professional evaluation, treat existing issues, recommend…

Chronic gout occurs when uric acid crystals continue to build up in joints, causing pain and inflammation that do not fully resolve between flares. Symptoms include persistent joint pain, swelling, redness, stiffness, and limited movement, most often in the big toe. The joint may look enlarged, shiny, or misshapen, and firm lumps called tophi may develop under the skin. It often feels deeply sore, throbbing, or tender, even with light pressure or walking. Causes include long-term high uric acid levels, genetics, kidney disease, and diet factors. A podiatrist can help from the start by evaluating symptoms, reviewing medical history, examining…

Mid-foot pain can occur at any age, but its causes often change as people move through life. Children may feel soreness from growth-related issues, and teens or young adults may develop pain from sports, jumping, or repetitive impact. Adults frequently notice mid-foot discomfort from overuse or shoes that do not support the arch well. As people get older, gradual weakening of the structures that support the arch can make this area more sensitive. Some injuries in this region, including stress to the navicular bone along the inner mid-foot and damage to the Lisfranc ligament that stabilizes the center of the…

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.