The feet are comprised of numerous bones, tendons, and ligaments, and are considered to be the foundation of the body. It is important to maintain proper foot care, as this can help to prevent different types of foot pain from occurring. The condition that is known as athlete’s foot may cause severe itching between the toes and on the bottom of the feet. It is caused by a fungus that lives in warm and damp environments, and may be avoided if appropriate shoes are worn while in public areas. A large bump that forms on the side of the big toe may be a bunion, and can develop from genetic factors, or from wearing shoes that do not fit correctly. Ingrown toenails often produce pain and discomfort, and may be avoided when the toenails are trimmed properly. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer the best course of treatment for you.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The Achilles tendon is a fibrous band of tissue that links the muscles from your calf to your heel. The flexibility of the tendon is key for jumping, running, and walking. The Achilles bears a lot of stress and pressure during everyday activities, as well as during athletic and recreational play. If it becomes inflamed, swollen or irritated, it is called tendonitis. The most common risk factors for Achilles tendon injuries are starting a new sport, an increased amount or intensity of an activity, bone spurs on the heels, tight calf muscles when starting an activity, and wearing improper shoes when exercising. Common symptoms of Achilles tendon injuries include the following: pain that gets worse while being active, a stiff/sore Achilles tendon when first getting up in the morning, thickening of the tendon, and difficulty in flexing the affected foot. Some treatment options are rest, physical therapy, specific exercises to strengthen the calf muscles, and anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief such as ibuprofen or naproxen. An Achilles tendon injury may be prevented by stretching before exercising and by wearing the correct shoes. It may be suggested to cease exercise on uneven surfaces and stop activities that cause pain. If you have an Achilles injury or if you would like to take precautions to prevent an Achilles injury, please consult with your local podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Patients who have chronic foot pain may understand the benefits of receiving shockwave therapy. It can be helpful in alleviating pain that comes from plantar fasciitis. There are two forms of this type of treatment, and they are known as high and low energy. The former is administered in three or more sessions, which are generally not painful. The latter is often given with a form of anesthesia, and can produce severe pain and discomfort. Both forms of this type of treatment use pressurized air or electromagnetic pulses which may be effective in reducing a portion of chronic foot pain from plantar fasciitis. If you have this type of foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist who can help you in determining if this type of treatment is correct for you.

Shockwave therapy is a treatment commonly used to treat various injuries and conditions, particularly plantar fasciitis in the feet. To learn more, consult with one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option designed to treat bone conditions such as tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and others. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves that are directed to the affected tissues of the body with pinpoint accuracy. The effects are very beneficial, leading to a production of collagen fibers, eliminating inflammation.

Who Benefits from Shockwave?

Shockwave is recommended for patients suffering from heel pain and associated problems. Heel pain is a common condition which can be caused by obesity, overexertion, and spending a substantial amount of time on hard floors with your feet exposed and unsupported.

Fast and Easy

The therapy is actually a simple process that can leave patients feeling better the very next day. Shockwave therapy is not as dramatic as it sounds. It enables more blood flow to effected areas, addressing the source of the problem and allowing treatment to last for a long time.

Treatment & Recovery Time

Shockwave treatment will enable your feet to recover quickly. This is especially important since surgery is not required. It is cost effective and does not require the use of anesthesia. This treatment is a better option to surgery, since it is proven safe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Tinea pedis, which is also referred to as “athlete’s foot,” is a skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It lives and thrives in warm and damp environments, so it is suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these places. These include public swimming pools, shower room floors, and surrounding areas. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this condition often consist of peeling skin between the toes, redness on the bottom of the feet, blisters and cracked skin. For mild cases of athlete’s foot, treatment generally consists of applying an antifungal spray between the toes for several weeks. There are measures that can be implemented which can help to prevent athlete’s foot. These include washing and drying the feet daily, wearing cotton socks that can absorb moisture, and not sharing towels or shoes. If you feel you have this condition, it is advised that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat this affliction.

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 one of our podiatrists from Central Ohio Comprehensive Foot Care.  Our doctors 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 one of our offices located in Delaware and Westerville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.