Middlefield (860) 349-8500
Wallingford (203) 294-4977
Middlefield (860) 349-8500
Wallingford (203) 294-4977
Bunions, a common source of discomfort in the big toe, can often lead to surgical solutions. With an array of over 150 bunion surgeries available, it is beneficial to comprehend the prevailing procedures in use today. The bunionectomy is a foundational method. It involves removing the bony outgrowth at the base of the big toe that is responsible for the bunion and realigning the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Osteotomy, another prevalent technique, necessitates cutting the toe bone to reposition the affected joint. It may also involve securing the bone with pins or screws for sustained correction. Arthrodesis is employed in cases of significant joint damage. This procedure entails fusing the surrounding bones with screws, wires, or plates. Arthroplasty is reserved for severe cases. The damaged portion of the joint is replaced with an implant, aiming to restore joint function. Integral to all bunion surgeries is soft tissue repair, ensuring the equilibrium of tendons and ligaments surrounding the joint to deter deformity recurrence. If you have a bunion that is causing extreme pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination and suggestions for treatment options.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. 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?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Peroneal tendonitis, a source of pain surrounding the ankle, often targets individuals engaged in rigorous physical activities, particularly runners and athletes who intensify their training routines. This condition typically evolves gradually, progressing from mild discomfort to persistent pain around the ankle. The primary culprit behind peroneal tendonitis is overuse. Sudden spikes in training intensity, coupled with inappropriate footwear or flawed training techniques, frequently trigger this ailment. Sports that demand quick pivoting movements, such as basketball, football, and gymnastics, are particularly associated with the development of tears in the peroneal tendons. Runners who frequently traverse sloped or uneven surfaces, causing the foot to excessively roll out into eversion, face an elevated risk of peroneal tendonitis. Anyone with a history of ankle injuries or recurrent sprains may be more susceptible to peroneal tendon problems. The continuous damage to the ligaments supporting the foot and ankle results in weakened stability, placing increased strain on the peroneal tendons. An abnormal foot position, where the heel is turned slightly inward or if the arch is too high, heightens the risk of peroneal tendonitis. These conditions force the peroneal muscles and tendons to work harder, which contributes to their overuse and potential inflammation. Tight calf muscles combined with weakness in the calf and peroneal muscles may be factors leading to tendonitis. If you are experiencing ankle pain that may be a sign of peroneal tendonitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a full exam and diagnosis.
Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.
Causes
The most common causes of ankle pain include:
Symptoms
Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.
Diagnosis
Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Cracked heels, a common foot condition, can escalate into heel fissures if not properly treated. Initially appearing as dry, flaky skin on the edge of the heel, these cracks can deepen, becoming painful fissures. Heel fissures occur when the skin around the heel is dry and thickened, often exacerbated by factors such as walking barefoot, excessive standing, or wearing open backed shoes. The pressure on the heels from daily activities can cause the skin to split, leading to fissures. These can be more than just a cosmetic concern, especially for individuals with diabetes or compromised circulation, as they may lead to serious infections. Preventative measures include regularly moisturizing the feet, avoiding harsh soaps, and wearing shoes that cushion the heels. If you have a severe case of cracked heels it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide more advanced treatment. This can include removing the hard skin and potentially using specialized heel dressings or strappings that can allow the area to heal properly and prevent complications.
If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Cracked Heels
It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.
Ways to Help Heal Them
Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels
If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!
Concerns exist regarding the impact of a sedentary lifestyle on children, but there are also issues related to sports injuries in children participating in organized sports, which often involve intensive training from a young age. This trend is driven by the belief that early training is essential for future success, leading to a younger demographic in sporting activities such as tennis, swimming, and gymnastics. Specialized training at a young age increases the risk of both acute and overuse injuries, with boys, especially during growth spurts, being more susceptible. Factors like physical attributes and playing conditions play a significant role in these injuries, which can range from ligamentous and meniscal injuries to fractures during peak growth periods. Stress fractures, although rare, are noteworthy in young athletes. The long-term consequences of overuse injuries remain a concern. While accidents are more common outside sports settings, the potential long-term impact of overuse injuries in sports such as gymnastics and soccer is an area of concern. If your child is involved in organized sports, it is suggested to consult a podiatrist to discuss preventive measures and address any foot and ankle issues that may arise from sports participation.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
