Items filtered by date: November 2023
How Did I Get a Stress Fracture?
One of the things that frightens many runners is to suffer a stress fracture. It is defined as a hairline crack that happens from repeated stress on the bone. Increasing mileage and distance too quickly can result in a stress fracture, in addition to frequently running for several miles at a time. Patients may notice that an existing stress fracture can begin with a dull pain, and the foot may feel weak. If prompt medical attention is not sought, the pain can become sharp, and walking on it can be difficult. A stress fracture may be accompanied by swelling, and an X-ray is often taken to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment from this foot condition is often started by temporarily eliminating running, and using crutches. Wearing a walking boot may help to keep the weight off of the foot. If you feel that you may have endured a stress fracture, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine what the best course of treatment is for you.
Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle 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 Findlay, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
All About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are warts that are only found on the feet, hence the term “plantar”, which means “relating to the foot.” They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and occur when this virus gets into open wounds on the feet. The warts themselves are hard bumps on the foot. They are easily recognizable, mostly found on the heels or ball of the foot. Plantar warts are non-malignant, but they can cause some pain, discomfort, and are often unsightly. Removing them is a common step toward treating them.
Plantar warts can cause some pain while standing, sometimes felt as tenderness on the sole of your foot. Unless the wart has grown into the foot behind a callus, you will be able to see the fleshy wart. A podiatrist should only be consulted if there is an excessive amount of pain. Plantar warts are not cancerous or dangerous, but they can affect your walking and continually reappear. Anyone who suffers from diabetes or a compromised immune system disease should seek out care immediately.
Podiatrists are easily able to diagnose plantar warts. They usually scrape off a tiny bit of the rough skin to make tiny blood clots visible and examine the inside of warts. However, a biopsy can be done if the doctor is not able to diagnose them from simply looking at them. Although plantar warts usually do not require an excessive amount of treatment, there are ways to go about removing them. A common method is to freeze them off using liquid nitrogen, removing them using an electrical tool, or burning them off via laser treatment. For a less invasive treatment option, topical creams can be used through a doctor’s prescription. This treatment method takes more time, however. Keep the wart covered for protection in between daily treatments.
The best way to avoid developing plantar warts is to avoid walking barefoot in public places. Avoid this especially if you have open sores or cuts on your feet. It is also important to avoid direct contact with warts in general, as they are highly contagious.
What Do Plantar Warts Look Like?
Plantar warts are a particular kind of condition of the foot that can be unsightly and potentially diminish the health of one’s feet. These warts can develop on the bottoms or soles of the feet. Many patients will often ask what plantar warts look like and how a person might go about identifying a plantar wart. The answer is that plantar warts on the feet fortunately all basically look similar, even though they may vary in size. For example, most plantar warts on the feet will be somewhat round in shape. Additionally, a plantar wart will most likely be flat as opposed to being raised. The plantar wart can also have an outer layer to the wart that is rough and tough in texture. Lastly, plantar warts will have a black dot at the center of the wart. If you are someone that is living with plantar warts it is highly suggested that you contact a podiatrist for treatment.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Thomas Vail, DPM from Step Alive Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Findlay, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
