Items filtered by date: September 2022

The tarsal tunnel is a structure within the foot that runs along the ankle bones and protects the posterior tibial nerve. When this nerve becomes squeezed and exposed to pressure, a condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) can develop where the nerve is compressed within a small space. Activities that can cause the tibial nerve to become compressed include spraining one’s ankle because such an injury can sometimes produce swelling around the nerve. Certain types of diseases, like diabetes, can sometimes cause TTS because diabetics can experience swelling of the feet, which may put pressure on the tibial nerve. Additionally, the presence of abnormally sized structures within the tarsal tunnel can also cause TTS. For example, large veins, cysts, bone spurs, or swollen tendons can put pressure on the tibial nerve. If you believe that you have TTS, contact a podiatrist today to schedule an appointment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors 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 office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between obesity and foot pain. Obesity causes an increase in the wear and tear on your feet, but can also cause problems in other body parts, including the hips, knees, and ankles. Obesity is generally defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30. A BMI of between 18 and 25, which can be assessed by a podiatrist, is considered normal. If you're carrying extra weight, one way of reducing foot pain is by wearing supportive shoes. Look for footwear made of strong, but not restrictive, materials. Shoes with a thick sole and adequate cushioning are also recommended. Be sure to have your feet measured again, in case your shoe size has changed. Wearing shoes with good arch support and a slightly raised heel can help to relieve foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Custom orthotics may be another option, to maintain the correct alignment of the feet as you go about your day. For more information on custom orthotics and proper footwear, please consult a podiatrist.  

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Research has shown toenail fungus may be prevalent among the elderly population. There are several methods that can be implemented to treat toenail fungus, including laser treatment. This is a procedure that has been approved by the FDA and is said that it may be effective in killing the fungus as laser beams penetrate the nail bed. It is a painless procedure and many patients have had good results, but they could vary. Toenail fungus can be unsightly, and the symptoms generally consist of yellowed, thickened nails that often become brittle with the possibility of falling off. Patients who have toenail fungus are often embarrassed by their toenails and tend to hide their feet. If you have this condition and would like more information about the pros and cons of laser treatment, it is strongly advised that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can answer any questions you may have.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The name given to a pain in the ball of the foot is metatarsalgia. The five long bones on the bottom of the feet are the metatarsals, and they connect the ankle to the toes. This type of foot pain can feel like a burning sensation or may range from a dull ache to shooting pain. The area that is affected is where the second, third, and fourth toes meet the ball of the foot and may feel worse when walking or running. Some medical reasons that metatarsalgia may develop include arthritis, hammertoe, bunions, or the painful condition known as gout. Additional causes are wearing shoes that do not fit correctly, being overweight, and participating in high-impact sporting activities. Mild relief may be found when elevating the affected foot as often as possible, and it may help to wear shoes that have shock-absorbing insoles. Additionally, many people choose to stretch their Achilles tendon, exercise the ankle, and wear shoes that have flat or low heels. If you have pain in your foot and would like a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, please confer with a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Geller Foot Clinic. 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 our office located in Lathrup Village, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.