Items filtered by date: April 2024

Ledderhose's disease, more commonly known as plantar fibromatosis, was named after George Ledderhose who first described it in 1894. It is a rare condition characterized by the growth of fibrous tissue in the plantar fascia, the ligament connecting the heel to the toes. This leads to the formation of nodules or lumps on the bottom of the foot, causing pain and stiffness. While the exact cause is unknown, factors such as genetics, trauma, or certain medical conditions may contribute to its development. Ledderhose's disease predominantly affects middle-aged and older adults, with men being more commonly affected than women. Treatment options for Ledderhose's disease range from conservative measures like custom-made orthotics to more invasive interventions, such as steroid injections or surgery to remove the nodules. Outcomes vary, and recurrence is possible. If you have lumps on the soles of your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.

A plantar fibroma may disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. 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 New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Foot and ankle stress fractures encompass various types, commonly occurring among athletes due to repetitive impact activities like running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. These fractures result from the accumulation of microtrauma, leading to small cracks in the bones. Athletes often describe the sensation as a gradual onset of localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Stress fractures can occur in different areas of the foot and ankle, including the metatarsals, navicular, calcaneus, and fibula. Prompt diagnosis is important to prevent further damage and facilitate proper healing. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. A podiatrist can employ techniques like imaging studies, biomechanical assessments, and customized treatment plans. By providing targeted interventions and guidance on activity modification, podiatrists help shorten your time away from sports and expedite your return to activity with reduced risk of complications.

Stress fractures occur when there is a tiny crack within a bone. To learn more, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM from LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Are They Caused?

Stress fractures are the result of repetitive force being placed on the bone. Since the lower leg and feet often carry most of the body’s weight, stress fractures are likely to occur in these areas. If you rush into a new exercise, you are more likely to develop a stress fracture since you are starting too much, too soon.  Pain resulting from stress fractures may go unnoticed at first, however it may start to worsen over time.

Risk Factors

• Gender – They are more commonly found in women compared to men.
• Foot Problems – People with unusual arches in their feet are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Certain Sports – Dancers, gymnasts, tennis players, runners, and basketball players are more likely to develop stress fractures.
• Lack of Nutrients – A lack of vitamin D and calcium may weaken the bones and make you more prone to stress fractures
• Weak Bones – Osteoporosis can weaken the bones therefore resulting in stress fractures

Stress fractures do not always heal properly, so it is important that you seek help from a podiatrist if you suspect you may have one. Ignoring your stress fracture may cause it to worsen, and you may develop chronic pain as well as additional fractures.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic limb salvage is a medical procedure designed to save the limbs of diabetes patients who have severe foot and leg complications. These limb issues could be infections, ulcers, or tissue damage that are severe enough to lead to amputation. Diabetes can cause poor blood circulation and nerve damage, making it hard for wounds to heal and increasing the risk of infection. The goal of diabetic limb salvage is to treat these conditions effectively, prevent the progression of damage, and maintain as much function of the foot and leg as possible. Various treatments are used, including surgery to improve blood flow, removing infected or dead tissue, and reconstructing the foot if necessary. Diabetic limb salvage is a team effort that includes podiatrists and other specialists working together to create a personalized treatment plan. This approach can not only help save the limb but also significantly improve the patient's quality of life and independence. It is suggested that you add a podiatrist to your care team if you are a diabetic patient experiencing wound healing issues. 

Limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have diabetes, cancer, or any other condition that could lead to foot amputation if left unchecked, consult with Gabrielle Clark, DPM from LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Limb Salvage?

Limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

However, there are other causes as well, such as cancer and traumatic injury. Links between higher mortality rates and amputation have been found. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Regular walking, with many people aiming for 10,000 steps a day, is beneficial for foot health, joint function, and overall mobility. Walking strengthens foot and ankle muscles, improves circulation, and enhances joint flexibility, reducing the risk of foot problems and arthritis. It also helps maintain a healthy weight, alleviating pressure on the feet, and preventing conditions like plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists play a vital role in guiding individuals toward safe walking routines. They assess foot biomechanics, recommend suitable footwear, and provide tailored exercise plans. Additionally, podiatrists detect early signs of foot issues and intervene promptly, ensuring optimal foot health. Incorporating regular walking, under a podiatrist's guidance, promotes healthy feet, joints, and overall mobility, whether reaching for 10,000 steps or simply embracing a more active lifestyle. If you want healthier feet and joints through a regular walking routine, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM from LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

A hammertoe is a foot deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. Symptoms can include pain, discomfort, corns, calluses, and difficulty wearing shoes. Common causes include wearing tight shoes, muscle imbalance, arthritis, and genetic predisposition. Diagnosis involves physical examination and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays. Treatment options for hammertoe depend on the severity and may include wearing roomier shoes and custom-made orthotic devices, performing exercises to stretch and strengthen toe muscles, and in severe cases, undergoing surgery to correct the toe's alignment. Living with hammertoe requires wearing proper footwear, avoiding high heels and narrow shoes, and doing regular foot inspections. Adapting lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, can also help to alleviate symptoms and prevent the worsening of the condition. If you have a hammertoe and it is causing discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective management options.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Gabrielle Clark, DPM of LA Feet Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.