Items filtered by date: June 2021

Patients who have a corn on their foot are often aware of the pain and discomfort they can cause. They can develop as a result of excess friction on different areas of the foot. Soft corns are found between the toes, which can make it painful to walk. They are a small, hardened area of skin that stays moist between the toes. Additionally, corns can form on the bottom of the foot, or on the outside of the pinky toe. Many people who develop corns wear shoes that are too tight, and do not fit correctly. Mild relief can be found when a protective pad is worn over the corn, and this may help to diminish a portion of the friction. If you have corns on your feet, it is suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can recommend an appropriate treatment method for you.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM of Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctor to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There are several different types of foot pain that exist. An ankle impingement can  occur as a result of repetitive movement or from a sudden injury. This condition may have the same symptoms of an ankle sprain, and it may cause difficulty in walking. Children may experience heel pain, which may be indicative of Sever’s disease. This is an ailment that affects the growth plate in the heel, and the pain may be severe when pressure is put on the heel. A common form of foot pain is known as plantar fasciitis, and this occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is found on the bottom of the foot, and it connects the heel to the toes. This condition can happen from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, or from standing on hard surfaces for the majority of the day. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat foot disorders.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton's neuroma is a swollen, inflamed nerve in the foot. It usually occurs on the nerves between the toes. Symptoms of this condition include sharp, burning pains on the bottom of the foot, and numbness that can radiate to nearby toes. The pain of a Morton’s neuroma usually increases with activity and decreases at rest or when massaging the foot. Conservative treatments such as resting and icing the foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and modifying activities and footwear can alleviate symptoms. Surgery may be an option in severe or chronic cases. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM of Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome may not be a commonly known ailment, but have you heard of carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpal tunnel affects the hands while tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs in the feet and can cause pain and discomfort. Research has indicated that people who have arthritis may be prone to developing this condition, in addition to frequently enduring high-stress activities. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment often include tired feet and ankles, and the overall foot may be numb or have tingling sensations. Some patients have pain in the Achilles tendon area, and the ankles may appear swollen. There are several symptoms that can be associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome so it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist when they first develop. This type of doctor can properly diagnose and effectively treat this condition.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Richard P. Jacoby, DPM of Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A woman’s body can produce much more fluid and blood during pregnancy, which can lead to swelling and pain in the feet, ankles, and other parts of the body. Although this swelling, or edema, will affect most pregnant women, there are a few things they can do which may help alleviate symptoms and keep their feet more comfortable. Pregnant women should keep themselves hydrated throughout the day, and also limit salt intake. Elevating the feet for at least one hour is an easy way to improve blood circulation, while relieving pressure on the veins and reducing swelling. Shoes should be both supportive and wide enough to accommodate feet that have swollen during pregnancy. Soaking the feet for 15 minutes in the tub or a basin filled with warm water and Epsom salt can do wonders to relieve swollen, achy feet, and provide some much-needed self care. A podiatrist can provide additional information on proper footwear, and offer treatments to relieve swelling and keep feet safe and healthy throughout pregnancy.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with Richard P. Jacoby, DPM from Extremity Health Centers. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

• Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
• Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
• Elevate feet if you experience swelling
• Massage your feet
• Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Scottsdale and Buckeye, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.