Lyme disease, often transmitted by ticks, can bring about various symptoms that affect the feet and other parts of the body. While fever, fatigue, and rashes may signal its presence, a definitive diagnosis requires careful consideration of symptoms and circumstances. If one has been in wooded or grassy areas during tick season, it is possible to contract Lyme disease. Lyme disease's early signs, such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle pain, can mimic a severe cold. Knee swelling is common, and joint pain may migrate across the body. As the disease progresses, headaches, Bell's palsy, and joint pain can intensify, and rare complications like heart involvement or mental health issues may arise. Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet may be felt. It is suggested that you manage pain and inflammation and focus on your overall well-being to aid in healing. If you suspect you have Lyme disease, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and effective management.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis, abbreviated RA, is a chronic autoimmune condition that can severely impact the joints, including those in the feet. When conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, foot surgery becomes a viable option for managing RA and related foot deformities. Surgical procedures aim to correct joint alignment, reduce inflammation, and improve overall foot function. Common surgical interventions for RA in the feet include a synovectomy, which is the removal of the inflamed joint lining, tendon repair or transfer, joint fusion, and joint replacement. It's important to note that foot surgery for RA is considered a last resort when other treatments have proven ineffective. It is beneficial for patients to work closely with their podiatrist to determine the most suitable surgical approach based on individual needs and medical history. While foot surgery may involve a recovery period, it can significantly enhance mobility, reduce pain, and ultimately improve the quality of life for those living with RA. It is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist if this condition affects you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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.

Swollen feet are a common foot condition. There are several causes of swollen feet, and relief may be found when determining the source of the problem. Lifestyle factors may contribute to getting swollen feet, which can range from eating habits to pregnancy. Some patients are afflicted with chronic venous insufficiency, which is a condition that limits blood flow from the feet to the heart. Having swollen feet may also characterize an infection and can be common among diabetic patients. Serious ailments involving blood clots can be known to cause swollen feet and ankles, and immediate medical attention is often sought. Additionally, swollen feet may indicate heart disease, which may cause the blood to back up and pool in the feet and ankles. If you have swollen feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Swollen feet can be a sign of an underlying condition. If you have any concerns, 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.

Swollen feet are a common ailment among pregnant women and people who stand or sit for extended periods. Aging may increase the possibility of swollen feet and patients who are obese often notice when their feet are swelling too. There may be medical reasons why swollen feet occur:

• Phlebitis - A condition that causes the veins to become inflamed and can also cause leg pain.
• Liver disease - This may lead to low blood levels of albumin which is a protein. This can cause fluid in the blood to pass into the tissues and several areas of the body can become swollen.
• Heart failure - When the heart doesn’t pump properly the blood that is normally pumped back to the heart can pool in the veins of the legs causing swollen feet.
• Kidney disease - One of the main functions of the kidneys is releasing excess fluid in the body. This type of condition can make it difficult for the kidneys to function properly, and as a result the feet may become swollen.
• Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)- This is a serious condition where blood clots form in the veins of the legs. They can block the return of blood from the legs to the heart which may cause the feet to swell. It is important to be treated by a podiatrist if this condition is present.

Swollen feet can also be caused by bone and tendon conditions, including fractures, arthritis, and tendinitis. Additionally, there may be skin and toenail conditions and an infection may cause the feet to swell. Patients who take medicine to treat high blood pressure may be prone to getting swollen feet. 

Many patients elevate their feet to help relieve the swelling and this is generally a temporary remedy. When a podiatrist is consulted the reason behind the swelling can be uncovered and subsequently treated.

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

Aging takes a toll on the body, including the feet. Given all that the feet do for us in our lifetimes and what they endure, it is no surprise that problems occur. From general wear and tear to structural changes, several factors contribute to the impact of aging on our feet. The natural slowdown of cell turnover and collagen production can result in thinner skin, including the fatty layer that provides cushioning on the soles and heels of the feet, which can make walking and standing uncomfortable. The erosion of cartilage between joints and inflammation of the bursa and tendons increases with age, and this can cause reduced flexibility in the feet and discomfort. Various types of arthritis can affect the joints, bones, and tendons in the feet, toes, and ankles, causing pain and stiffness. Dry skin, particularly on the soles of their feet can lead to cracked heels and calluses. Hormonal changes related to aging can cause toenails to thicken and become brittle, making them harder to maintain and increasing the risk of nail-related problems. Furthermore, circulation problems become more common as we age. Edema, characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the feet and ankles, may occur due to compromised blood circulation. This can lead to discomfort, swelling, and a higher susceptibility to infections. To deal with age-related foot issues, it is suggested that seniors visit a podiatrist as part of their healthcare routine. A podiatrist can examine the feet, identify issues, and provide appropriate treatment and guidance for maintaining foot health.

If you need your feet checked, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs and provide you with quality treatment.

Geriatrics and Podiatry
When people age, some common issues that may occur are bone density loss, dry skin, poor circulation, and rough brittle nails. These issues may also affect your foot health if the necessary steps are not taken to alleviate the problems.

It is important to take care of your feet because feet that are injured or diseased can affect your overall health. Having painful feet hinders your ability to do daily activities or may decrease your willingness to do the things that you need to do.

Visiting Your Geriatrician
As we age, health problems become more likely, so it is essential to visit your doctor for check-ups to ensure that you are doing the best you can to take care of your health. It is recommended to check your feet frequently for any possible cuts, bruises, swelling, corns or any other irregularities. 

Taking Care of Elderly Feet
Cracked or dry feet can be treated by applying moisturizer often. It is also important not to wear old socks because the older the sock is, the higher the possibility there will be that there is bacteria there. Wear fresh socks and make sure they fit properly.

Proper foot health means that you can have a more active lifestyle and you will not be bogged down by pain. Foot health also leads to good circulation, which is paramount for overall health.

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