February 2023

The term “trauma” might not be immediately intuitive for many patients. In everyday usage, this term can refer to emotional damage. However, in the field of podiatry, it means something entirely different. Trauma, or blunt force trauma, is essentially some kind of direct force applied to the foot. This force can be the result of having someone step onto your foot or some other kind of direct blow. If the force impacts the muscles, then it is a possibility that you might experience a foot contusion as a result of the blunt force trauma. This could lead to pain in the foot or even swelling in some cases. If you are interested in learning more about trauma in the feet and what can be done to prevent it, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for more information. This foot specialist will be able to answer any questions you might have and provide treatment.

Foot and ankle trauma is common among athletes and the elderly. If you have concerns that you may have experienced trauma to the foot and ankle, 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.

Foot and ankle trauma cover a range of injuries all over the foot; common injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Muscle strains
• Injuries to the tendons and ligaments
• Stress fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of foot and ankle injuries vary depending on the injury, but more common ones include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation/ Swelling
• Pain

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose the exact type of injury, podiatrists will conduct a number of different tests. Some of these include sensation and visual tests, X-rays, and MRIs. Medical and family histories will also be taken into account.

Treatment

Once the injury has been diagnosed, the podiatrist can than offer the best treatment options for you. In less severe cases, rest and keeping pressure off the foot may be all that’s necessary. Orthotics, such as a specially made shoes, or immobilization devices, like splints or casts, may be deemed necessary. Finally, if the injury is severe enough, surgery may be necessary.

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.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful foot condition that affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. It causes this nerve to become compressed, and it can happen from frequently wearing high heels. These types of shoes can have inadequate room for the toes to move freely in, and can cause a stabbing or burning sensation between these toes. Some patients also report they feel as if there is a small rock or marble that is in the shoe, and walking may become difficult. The pain may subside when shoes are worn with a larger toe area, and physical activities are temporarily ceased. Additionally, the affected foot may feel better when extra weight is lost, if applicable, and soft insoles are worn in the shoes. If you have pain in this area of your foot, please confer with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can effectively diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. 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 our offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Many people have professions that require standing for most of the day. These may include outdoor jobs, and temperatures may become cold. It is important to have knowledge about how to protect your feet from the cold while working, and this is beneficial to maintaining proper circulation. If the feet are not properly protected from the cold, the body will gradually start to ration the blood supply and redistribute it to the heart, lungs, and other organs. When this happens, less blood flow is going to the feet, which may lead to getting frostbite or immersion foot syndrome. Good foot protection from the cold begins with wearing the correct shoe size. It is helpful to measure the feet properly, and this can determine what the right shoe size is. It is suggested that boots or shoes that are worn for the cold weather are made with heavy insulation, in addition to anti-slip soles that are designed for walking on wet or slick surfaces. If your profession involves working outside in cold weather, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist for advice to help you determine what shoes are best for you.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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 and ankle needs.

If your big toe is red, swollen, and radiating extreme pain, you may have developed a case of gout, which is a form of arthritis. Gout occurs when the body contains too much uric acid. This acid forms crystals that collect in the joints, commonly the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the big toe. This results in inflammation that swells and reddens the skin around the joint. The pain usually starts in the morning and increases throughout the day. It can come on suddenly, and it can be quite severe. Gout also can cause stiffness in the MTP joint, which may make it difficult to walk. If gout is not treated immediately, it can become chronic and spread to other joints, such as the ankles, knees, fingers, and wrists. A podiatrist can prescribe medications and suggest lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the flare ups of gout. If you have been experiencing the symptoms of gout on a regular basis, it is wise to seek the help of a podiatrist immediately. 

Gout is a painful condition that can be treated. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints. The condition usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe. A gout attack can occur at any random time, such as the middle of the night while you are asleep.

Symptoms

• Intense Joint Pain - Usually around the large joint of your big toe, and it most severe within the first four to twelve hours
• Lingering Discomfort - Joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks
• Inflammation and Redness -Affected joints may become swollen, tender, warm and red
• Limited Range of Motion - May experience a decrease in joint mobility

Risk Factors

• Genetics - If family members have gout, you’re more likely to have it
• Medications - Diuretic medications can raise uric acid levels
• Gender/Age - Gout is more common in men until the age of 60. It is believed that estrogen protects women until that point
• Diet - Eating red meat and shellfish increases your risk
• Alcohol - Having more than two alcoholic drinks per day increases your risk
• Obesity - Obese people are at a higher risk for gout

Prior to visiting your podiatrist to receive treatment for gout, there are a few things you should do beforehand. If you have gout you should write down your symptoms--including when they started and how often you experience them, important medical information you may have, and any questions you may have. Writing down these three things will help your podiatrist in assessing your specific situation so that he or she may provide the best route of treatment for you.

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.