Items filtered by date: July 2024

Foot pain can originate from various areas, each indicating different potential causes. Generalized toe pain may suggest conditions like arthritis or improper footwear causing pressure. Pain in the big toe often points to gout or bunions, while discomfort in the ball of the foot may be due to metatarsalgia from high-impact activities or wearing high heels. Heel pain, commonly associated with plantar fasciitis, occurs due to inflammation of the ligament connecting the heel bone to the toes. Arch pain may signal conditions, such as flat feet or plantar fasciitis, where the arch support structure is strained. Identifying the precise location of foot pain helps determine appropriate treatments, such as rest, stretching exercises, or orthotic inserts. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.

Ankle strengthening involves exercises designed to improve the stability and strength of the ankle joint. Key exercises include calf raises, where you lift your heels off the ground while standing, and ankle circles, which involve rotating the ankle in both directions to enhance flexibility. Resistance band exercises, such as dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, target specific muscles around the ankle. Having strong ankles is vital for overall fitness, as they provide support and stability, reducing the risk of injuries during physical activities. Strong ankles improve balance and agility, essential for sports and daily activities. Regularly incorporating ankle strengthening exercises into your routine ensures better performance and prevents common issues like sprains. If you have endured an ankle injury, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you successful treatment solutions, in addition to guiding you on effective ankle-strengthening exercises.

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.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome causes significant ankle pain, resulting from the compression of the posterior tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. This narrow space on the inside of the ankle acts as a passageway for nerves, tendons, and blood vessels between the foot and the back of the leg. Compression of the tarsal tunnel can lead to burning or tingling sensations, numbness, and sharp, shooting pain along the path of the tibial nerve. Causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include trauma, systemic diseases, or other factors, though in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Diagnosis by a podiatrist typically involves a combination of patient history, clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and imaging techniques to accurately assess the extent and origin of the nerve entrapment. Conservative treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications and rest. In more severe cases, surgery may be suggested as a way to alleviate the symptoms. Early treatment can help to prevent the progression of tarsal tunnel syndrome and avoid permanent nerve damage. If you are experiencing pain on the inside of the ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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.

Stretches are essential for maintaining healthy, flexible ankles, which play a pivotal role in overall foot and knee health. Performing ankle stretches can enhance joint mobility, making it easier to perform daily activities and reducing the risk of injuries, particularly during exercise or sports. A variety of effective ankle stretches can be easily incorporated into your routine. For instance, while seated on a chair or floor, you can stretch your ankles by pointing your toes away from and then towards your body, holding each position for about 20 seconds and repeating five to ten times. Another beneficial stretch involves rotating the ankle, which helps to loosen the joint. Additionally, inversion and eversion stretches, where you turn your foot inward and outward, can significantly improve ankle flexibility. Incorporating dynamic movements like jumping and hopping after static stretching further prepares your ankles for more intense physical activity. Stretching the ankle muscles not only helps to prevent injuries but also optimizes performance by enhancing muscle elasticity and power. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, 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.

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:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

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 New Orleans, and Metairie, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. This condition is often seen in the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, or injury to the toe. When the nail pierces the skin, it creates an entry point for bacteria, leading to redness, pain, and pus formation. Managing an ingrown toenail involves soaking the affected foot in warm water to reduce swelling, gently lifting the nail edge, and applying antibiotic ointment. It is important to avoid cutting the nail too short or rounding the corners, as this can worsen the condition. Complications from untreated ingrown toenails can include severe infections, abscess formation, and in extreme cases, bone infections. To prevent ingrown toenails, trim nails straight across, wear properly fitting shoes, and maintain good foot hygiene. If the condition persists or worsens, it is suggested that you

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, 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.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right 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 and ankle needs.