Items filtered by date: November 2024

Osteoarthritis of the ankle, while less common than in the knees or hips, can significantly affect quality of life. It often develops after an injury, such as a fracture or sprain, leading to wear and tear of the cartilage. The average age of onset is typically in the 50s, but earlier cases may occur after trauma. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods. Initial treatments focus on relieving symptoms with conservative measures like targeted stretching exercises and wearing supportive footwear. If pain persists, more advanced options include cortisone injections and orthotics. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Among the joint-preserving procedures are arthroscopy which cleans out damaged tissue, or osteotomy which involves reshaping the bones to realign the joint. Joint-sacrificing options include ankle fusion or total ankle replacement to restore mobility and reduce pain. If you suffer from ankle arthritis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and treatment for the level of pain you are experiencing.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gerard Skaziak, DPM from Lakeview Family Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

• Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
• Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
• Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Guntersville and Albertville, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Eczema and athlete's foot are two common skin conditions that can cause discomfort, but they have distinct characteristics. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, typically presents as dry, itchy patches of skin that may be red and inflamed. It often occurs on areas such as the hands, feet, and behind the knees, and is associated with a history of allergies or asthma. In contrast, athlete's foot is a highly contagious fungal infection that primarily affects the feet, especially between the toes. Symptoms include intense itching, burning sensations, and flaky, peeling skin. Athlete's foot may also cause redness and blisters. While both conditions can be itchy, the location and appearance of the symptoms help differentiate them. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide a proper diagnosis and offer prescribed medication for relief.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Gerard Skaziak, DPM from Lakeview Family Foot Care.  Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Guntersville and Albertville, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone commonly caused by repetitive force or overuse. Symptoms often include localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Swelling and tenderness in the affected area may also be present, making it difficult to walk or engage in physical activities. The primary causes of foot stress fractures include sudden increases in exercise intensity, wearing inadequate footwear, and poor biomechanics. To find relief, it is essential to rest and elevate the affected foot when possible. Mild pain medications can help manage discomfort. Seeking medical advice from a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis is vital, as it may involve imaging tests to assess the severity of the fracture. If you have symptoms of a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can properly treat this condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Gerard Skaziak, DPM from Lakeview Family Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Guntersville and Albertville, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

A plantar fibroma is a benign tumor that develops in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot. Typically found in the arch, it appears as a firm lump that may cause discomfort during walking or standing. Diagnosing a plantar fibroma involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, where a podiatrist will assess the lump's size, location, and texture. Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI scans may be employed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. The exact causes of plantar fibromas remain unclear, though factors such as genetics, trauma, and certain medical conditions may contribute to their development. Having a plantar fibroma can be uncomfortable. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you relief options.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gerard Skaziak, DPM of Lakeview Family Foot Care. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Plantar Fibroma

A plantar fibroma is a fibrous knot in the arch of the foot. It is embedded in the plantar fascia which is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes along the bottom of the foot. There can be multiple plantar fibromas in the feet at the same time. There are no known causes for this condition. If you have a plantar fibroma, there will be a bump in the arch of your foot that cannot be missed. Any associated pain is most often due to a shoe rubbing against the nodule. Non-surgical options, such as steroid injections, physical therapy, and orthotics should be tried first. Surgery is a last resort and is the only thing that will remove a plantar fibroma entirely. Consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and to determine the treatment regimen that is right for you.

What Causes a Plantar Fibroma?

While there are no specific causes identified, a plantar fibroma can possibly come from genetic predisposition or the formation of scar tissue that forms from healing the tears in the plantar fascia.

What Are the Symptoms of a Plantar Fibroma?

There will be a noticeable lump in the arch of the foot that may or may not cause pain. If pain is felt, it is typically because a shoe is rubbing up against the lump or when walking or standing barefoot.

Treatment and Prevention

A plantar fibroma will not disappear without treatment, but it can get smaller and be a non-issue. If pain persists, a podiatrist examines the foot and when the arch of the foot is pressed, pain can be felt down to the toes. An MRI or biopsy might be performed to help diagnose or evaluate the plantar fibroma. The following non-surgical options are generally enough to reduce the size and pain of these nodules:

• Steroid injections
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy to help apply anti-inflammatory creams on the bump 

Surgery is considered if the mass increases in size and the patient continues to feel pain after non-surgical methods are tried.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Guntersville and Albertville, AL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.