Conditions and Treatments
Conditions and Treatments
Conditions and Treatments

Conditions & Treatments

Compassion and empathy is the one necessary step forward to recovery and activity.

Our doctors pride themselves on providing the best methods and latest advanced treatments to continuously offer the most effective care to all of our patients. From routine care to surgical intervention; we provide the most appropriate care for our patients. Just one visit to our state-of-the art practice will leave you assured that you will be able to put your best foot forward.

Common Problems and Issues

Associated Injuries and Accidents

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Injuries sustained to the musculoskeletal system due to repetitive tasks, exertions or use. Patients tend to experience aching and tingling pains at specific sites. Addressing the cause of the injury sooner rather than later can help offset the chances of reoccurrences in the future.

Tendon Injuries - Tendonopathies

Diagnosis and treatment of a diseased tendon can vary and usually depends on the severity and acuteness of the issue. Tendon injuries can occur due to intrinsic factors, such as abnormal biomechanics, or extrinsic factors such as sports trauma. Identification of the cause of the injury is instrumental in the long-term treatment of the tendon.

Joint Dislocation

These injuries can be attributed to trauma that can cause damage to the surrounding ligaments, tendons, nerves or muscles. These injuries must be identified and closed reduced quickly to prevent lasting damage. Open reduction is done in the OR when the injury has passed the point of being successfully closed reduced.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are typically due to fatigued bones. They are not immediate injuries but are rather slowly induced over time. Pain is usually gradual. Certain activities such as running and jumping have caused these fractures. They are fairly common in athletic individuals. They need to be addressed quickly to avoid a full fracture.

Foot and Ankle Trauma

Trauma that results in fractures to bones of the foot and ankle need to be appropriately addressed. Many factors typically come into play including the location and displacement of the injured bone. Treatment typically involves x-rays, casting, splints or surgery. Our doctors can accurately assess the issue while tailoring a proper treatment plan.

Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle, depending on the severity, can simply be an inflamed ligament. Sometimes these sprains can present as a ruptured ligament or broken bone. Identification of the root cause is important to prevent chronic or lasting ankle injuries.

Sports Injuries

These injuries occur during athletic activities or while exercising. They range in severity and could simply be a strained ligament or much more involved such as an Achilles rupture. Treatment plans are often individualized and can involve rest, surgery or physical therapy and rehab.

Dermatological Conditions

Plantar Wart - Verucca

Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). A break in the skin is required for the infection to take place. Common public spaces, such as locker rooms or showers are a known reservoir for the virus. Plantar warts on the bottom of the foot ay resemble a callus due to excess skin buildup. However, they may be differentiated in appearance upon further examination. Our physicians are expertly trained to help treat this infection.

Abrasions and Blisters - Vesicles and Bulla

Blisters are pockets of fluids that typically form at areas of friction. Fluid may be made up of serum, blood or pus. Pus filled blisters can become infection and need to be monitored and treated. Popping blisters can be dangerous due to the risk of infection.

Corns and Calluses

A callus is an area of thick skin that is formed due to friction forces from shoe gear and gravity. Calluses can be found anywhere on the body but are commonly present on the feet due to weight bearing. Calluses are generally not harmful, but in certain populations, they can mask deeper skin infections. Corns are similar to callus but are typically found near a bony area. Many treatment options are available and our physicians will help find one that is best suited for you.

Excessive Sweating - Hyperhydrosis

Hyperhydrosis or excessive sweating is an abnormal amount of perspiration. Although generally seen as more of a nuance, certain populations may more susceptible for skin breakdown and ulcerations.

Dry and Peeling Skin - Xeroderma

Xeroderma, or dry skin, occurs in a variety of patients, either due to a medical condition or environmental factors. While most cases can be treated with emollients or moisturizers, certain populations can be at risk for skin infections. Our physicians are trained to identify any potential problems that may arise from a breakdown of skin.

Athlete's Foot or Fungal infections - Tinea Pedis

Tinea Pedis or "athlete's foot" is a common skin infection caused by a fungus. Symptoms include itching, scaling and cracking. Severe cases may result in blistering. Treatment relies heavily on making a proper diagnosis, as tinea pedis may resemble several other common skin conditions.

Ingrown Toenail - Onychocryptosis

Ingrown nails are a very common issue that affects younger and older patients. It is a painful condition in which one or both nail borders digs into the paronychium of the nails. When this paronychium becomes inflamed it is more prone to become infected, developing into a paronychia. Early identification is key in preventing this type of infection. Treatment may involve removal of nail borders, antibiotic treatment or both.

Loose or Splitting Toenails - Onycholysis

Onycholysis is usually a painless detachment of the nail from the nail bed. Certain medical conditions such as psoriasis can potentiate the issue. Physical activity such as running can also exacerbate a loose nail .

Thickening of toenails - Onychorrhexis

Brittle nails are a very common complaint that many patients deal with. This condition may result from strong soap and water use, excessive nail polish use or systemic diseases. Resulting nails are often thickened and brittle when touched.

Fungus related - Onychomycosis

Fungal nails present with is nail that is thickened and discolored. The nail may become brittle as the infection progresses. Many treatment options are available including debridement, oral and topical medications nail avulsions and laser surgery. Our physicians can help determine the best treatment route for you.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic patients are routinely seen in our office. Toenail and callus care is important for diabetics due to the high-risk nature of the disease. Many diabetics suffer from neuropathy and vascular compromise that can potentiate open, non-healing wounds. Diabetic patients benefit from regular checkups. Our physicians employ a team approach and work closely with other specialists such as internists, vascular surgeons and neurologists to ensure the highest quality of care.

Heel Pain

Growth Plate - Sever's Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)

Commonly seen in growing children, calcaneal apophysitis is an inflammation of the growth plate of the heel. Repetitive stress and activity on the heel elicits pain. Diagnosis is made with an x-ray of the foot and treatment is tailored to the individual needs of the child.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a common issue many patient deal with. This is a disorder in the connective tissue band that runs from under the heal into the arch of the foot. Tightness in this band causes inflammation under the heel and can at times, lead to micro tears in the fascia. This process often leads to symptoms such as arch pain and in more extreme cases, formation of a heel spur. The pain is typically gradual and develops quickly. Plantar fasciitis is a complicated issue that is best dealt with a combination of stretching, orthotics, heel injections and/or surgery. Our specialists will offer individualized treatments based on the severity of the issue.

Joint Abnormalities

Flatfeet and Collapse of The Arch - Pes Planus

Flat feet are commonly seen in both pediatric and adult populations. Diagnosis is typically made based on clinical and radiographic presentation. Early on, pediatric flatfoot tends to be a flexible deformity that may be corrected with custom molded orthotics. As patients get older, neglected flat feet tend to worsen over time and may lead to biomechanical structural issues with various ligaments and joints in the foot. At this stage, your physician may recommend a combination of treatment modalities including orthotics, physical therapy and/or invasive procedures.

Ball of Foot Pain - Predislocation Syndrome (Capsulitis)

Pain in the ball of the foot can be due to a multitude of issues, but inflammation of the ligaments surrounding the toe joint tends to be the most common. Certain pathology such as bunions, hammertoes, high arches or repetitive stress can exacerbate the issue. Capsulitis pain is commonly seen in the second toe but can occur in the others as well. Inflammation of these ligaments causes a great deal of discomfort. Orthotics, padding or even in some cases a steroid shot can help ease the symptoms.

Tailor's Bunion

A tailor's bunion is seen at the fifth metatarsal. It is similar in presentation to a standard bunion. As the fifth metatarsal bone starts to protrude outwards, the fifth toe deviates inwards. This alignment abnormality may make shoe gear uncomfortable and difficult. Padding and orthotics can help ease symptoms, but as this deformity is progressive, invasive treatments are usually necessary to stabilize the joint.

Degenerative Joint Disease

Any joint in the bone is capable of degeneration over time. Whenever the cartilage between bones wears out, that joint is now prone to develop arthritis. Compensation occurs at other healthy joints to accommodate the painful one. This accommodation can lead to degeneration of the healthy joint as well due to the increased pressure and use. Degenerated joints can become painful due to the formation of bone spurs. Some can even auto fuse over time. Orthotics can help delay the onset of degeneration. When patients experience no relief, surgery may be warranted to reconstruct the damaged joint.

Hammertoes, Mallet Toes and Claw Toes

The distinction between these depends on the location of the deformity. Some toes are contracted at the tips while others are contracted much further back. Toe deformities can occur due to abnormal biomechanics, tight shoe gear or genetics. Accommodative padding can help alleviate painful symptoms such as corns that commonly occur with hammertoes. Surgical correction can help alleviate painful symptoms as well as achieve a more natural position of the toe.

Arthritic Great Toe Joint - MPJ Arthritis

Arthritis in the great toe joint can be debilitating. Much of our daily walking relies on a properly functioning toe joint. Running and other sporting activities can become almost impossible. Pain in this joint should not be ignored. Early detection of small bone spurs on x-ray can help devise an effective treatment plan. Excision of the spurs along with proper use of orthotics can prevent the joint from degenerating to the point where fusion or joint replacement becomes necessary.

Bunions - Hallux Valgus

A bunion is progressive structural deformity that will cause the joint to deviate outwards on the foot. This deviation causes the toe to deviate inwards. This abnormal joint will cause pain with shoe gear and with activity. Bunions that are caught and treated early typically require a less invasive procedure. As bunions are progressive, the later they are treated, the more involved the procedure has to be. Our physicians will clinically examine each patient and evaluate their x-rays to make a proper diagnosis of how severe a bunion might be.

 

Structural Abnormalities

Structural abnormalities are something that a person is born with. As you mature your body change and some of these abnormalities may become more obvious. Sometimes they are obvious from birth and need to be addressed then. No matter what the abnormality or when it becomes a problem for you, we can help to determine the issue and work with you to find the best solution for your lifestyle.