Items filtered by date: October 2024

Foot and ankle injuries are common during workouts, especially in high-impact activities like running, jumping, and weightlifting. Common injuries include sprains, strains, stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. These occur due to improper form, overuse, or inadequate footwear. Ankle sprains, for example, happen when the ligaments are stretched beyond their limit, while stress fractures develop from repetitive stress on bones. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Minor injuries can be managed with rest. Severe cases may require immobilization or targeted stretching exercises. Preventing these injuries involves warming up properly, wearing supportive shoes, and focusing on strength and balance training. Strengthening foot and ankle muscles and using proper form during exercises can reduce injury risks. Listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain to stay safe during workouts. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury during your workout, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Orthotic insoles can be helpful for people with mild leg length discrepancies, a condition where one leg is slightly shorter than the other. This difference, even if small, can affect how a person walks, causing discomfort or pain. Orthotic insoles are designed to help balance the body and improve how the legs and feet move together. Research shows that using custom orthotics can improve gait symmetry, meaning the walking pattern becomes more even and natural. By leveling out the legs, insoles help reduce immediate pain and discomfort caused by uneven pressure on the feet, knees, hips, and lower back. If you are experiencing foot pain and you know your legs are slightly different lengths, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide appropriate treatment, which may include custom orthotics.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe, where the joint becomes enlarged and misaligned. This condition develops when the big toe pushes against the toes next to it, forcing the joint to protrude outward. Bunions are often caused by genetic predisposition, wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, or conditions like arthritis that affect joint health. Over time, the joint inflammation can lead to secondary osteoarthritis, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Bone spurs may also form, adding to the discomfort. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes due to the enlarged joint. As the condition worsens, mobility can become limited. Treatment options vary based on severity. Conservative methods include wearing wide-toed shoes and using orthotics. In more advanced cases, surgery may be needed to realign the joint and relieve symptoms. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist to assess the severity and provide appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. 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 Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Traditionally female footwear, such as high heels, pointed-toe shoes, and narrow-fitting flats, can have harmful effects on the feet. High heels shift body weight onto the front of the foot, leading to pressure on the toes and the ball of the foot, which can cause conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and metatarsalgia. Pointed-toe shoes squeeze the toes, causing misalignment and painful deformities. Flats without proper arch support can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. Over time, these shoes can also contribute to poor posture, back pain, and joint issues due to improper weight distribution. To promote foot health, choose footwear with a wide toe box, cushioning, and arch support. Low-heeled or flat shoes with proper support can prevent pain and foot damage. If foot pain persists or worsens, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can assess the issue and recommend suitable treatments or custom orthotics.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. The big toe is most commonly affected. Causes include improper nail trimming, wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, injury to the toenail, or genetic predisposition. Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness along the side of the nail. If left untreated, the area can become infected, leading to pus, warmth, and increased pain. If you have toe pain and notice symptoms of an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective treatment, which may include partial nail removal.

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

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