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December 2022

Tuesday, 27 December 2022 00:00

Buerger Disease

Buerger disease is a condition where the small and medium blood vessels in the arms and legs become inflamed and blocked, resulting in vasculitis. The blood flow is reduced to the affected areas of the body and tissue damage can ensue. Symptoms of this disease include coldness and numbness, in addition to tingling or burning. Changes to the texture and color of the skin may be noticed, along with painful muscle cramps, and skin ulcers. Research has indicated that Buerger disease may be common among tobacco users. Some people might have a genetic predisposition to this ailment, or it can be an autoimmune disease. If you have symptoms of this disease or are experiencing unusual sensations in your lower limbs, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Dale Delaney, DPM of InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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 Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Read more about Rare Foot Conditions
Tuesday, 20 December 2022 00:00

Stress Fractures Can Affect the Toes

A stress fracture is considered to be a hairline fracture, and many people ignore the subtle pain that comes from it. It generally happens to people who have an active lifestyle, and interrupting their daily routine is needed to ensure proper healing. Runners who increase speed and mileage too quickly may be prone to getting a stress fracture, or it may happen from existing medical conditions. These can include osteoporosis, high arches, or flat feet. A stress fracture can occur in the metatarsals, which are what the bones are referred to in the toes. This is considered to be the most common type of stress fracture, and it happens as a result of pushing off while walking and running. Resting the affected foot is the first step in making a complete recovery, and wearing a protective boot or cast may be necessary in accelerating the healing process. If you have endured a stress fracture of the foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. 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:

  • Runners                                  
  • People affected with Osteoporosis
  • Tennis or basketball players
  • Gymnasts
  • High impact workouts

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 feel free to contact our office located in Kinston, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
Tuesday, 13 December 2022 00:00

Different Types of Foot Fractures

There are 26 bones in each foot, and they all uniquely work together to walk, run, and maintain balance. A broken foot can happen from falling, incurring a foot injury, or from dropping a heavy object on it. The recovery time can be lengthy, and in most cases, weight needs to be kept off the foot. Many people choose to run and walk through the pain, and this may cause a delayed recovery. There are two types of foot fractures that can occur, a stress or full foot fracture. The former is considered to be a hairline fracture and happens when the foot gradually endures repeated stress from frequently running or jumping. The latter type of fracture often needs immediate medical attention and can fall into two categories. The surrounding skin is not damaged when a simple fracture occurs, and the opposite is true when a compound fracture happens, resulting in damaged skin or tissues. Common symptoms of a broken foot include severe pain, swelling, and the inability to walk on the affected foot. If you have endured a broken foot, please consult with a podiatrist who can properly diagnose a fractured foot and offer the best treatment for you. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dale Delaney, DPM from InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
Tuesday, 06 December 2022 00:00

Reasons Bunions May Develop

Bunions are a common foot deformity. They are easy to notice by the large, bony protrusion that forms on the side of the big toe. An additional complication that can happen from a bunion can include calluses that form as a result of the bunion hitting the side or top of the shoe. Large bunions may cause the other toes to shift toward each other, and bigger shoes may have to be purchased. Bunions are caused by genetic reasons, or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. Bunions can be unsightly, and there are prevention methods that can reduce the risk of getting a bunion. These can include wearing shoes that fit correctly and minimizing stress that is put on the feet. If you have a bunion, a podiatrist can offer you effective treatment methods, and it is strongly suggested that you confer with this type of doctor who can help you to manage this condition.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dale Delaney, DPM of InStride Kinston Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

  • Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
  • Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
  • Orthotics or foot inserts
  • Surgery

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

Read more about Bunions
Sunday, 04 December 2022 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

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.

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