Items filtered by date: March 2022

A specific type of growth on the bottom of the foot is known as a plantar wart. It grows inward as a result of the constant pressure the feet endure from walking and standing for the majority of the day. It is known to be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and is contagious. The virus can enter the body through a small break in the skin and can cause an infection. These warts can form in a variety of shapes and sizes and cause severe pain and discomfort. They appear to be thickened portions of skin with small blood vessels in the center, which appear as tiny black dots. If you think you may have plantar warts, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

• Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
• Hard or thick callused spots
• Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
• Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

• Freezing
• Electric tool removal
• Laser Treatment
• Topical Creams (prescription only)
• Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

The plantar fascia is a strong supportive tissue that runs under the arch of the foot, connecting the heel to the base of the toes. It helps distribute weight evenly across the foot which enables us to walk and run with ease. If the plantar fascia gets stretched or stressed excessively, it can become painful and inflamed. This condition is known as plantar fasciitis. Certain factors that contribute to this condition include wearing shoes that don’t support or cushion the feet properly, having low or high arches, being obese, increasing the intensity of workouts abruptly or exercising on a hard surface, standing for prolonged periods of time, and old age. In addition to creating heel pain which usually is at its worst in the morning or after periods of rest, plantar fasciitis can increase the likelihood of calcium deposits forming on the heel bone (heel spurs). Podiatrists have a great deal of experience treating plantar fasciitis as it is the most common form of heel pain. Reach out to a podiatrist if you believe you have plantar fasciitis to get on the road to recovery.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Broken ankles are usually caused by the ankle turning, twisting, or rolling while walking, running, or participating in sports. An ankle can also break from repetitive stress (stress fracture) or high-impact trauma to the ankle, like a fall or an auto accident (traumatic ankle fracture). Some ankle fractures can occur where bones break but remain in correct alignment, while in other instances, portions of the bone become separated or misaligned. Pain and swelling will typically occur in the ankle area and parts of the foot, and might radiate up to the knee. Putting weight on the affected ankle can make all symptoms worse. Different types of fractures require different treatment based on alignment and stability of the ankle. X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI may be needed to determine the extent of the injury. Seeing a podiatrist will help determine which type of fracture has been sustained and the proper course of treatment to help preserve the ankle joint for life.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

There are several conditions that cause foot pain that worsens in the evening or interrupts sleep. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing musculoskeletal pain, burning, tenderness, and tightness which often occurs in the feet. These symptoms can be worse in the evening due to decreased levels of cortisol. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the tibial nerve in your ankle becomes compressed, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or a pins and needles sensation in your feet that may flare up at night. Bony bunions that get irritated rubbing against shoes during the day are often sore at night and throb. Peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves outside of the central nervous system) can cause painful sensations such as tingling, burning or sharp pains, which tend to intensify due to cooler nighttime temperatures. If you are experiencing any type of nighttime pain or discomfort in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you get your condition diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Charles Perry, DPM from Ohio. 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 Cambridge and Zanesville, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the otherwise healthy cells that make up the linings of joints. Because each foot contains 33 joints, the feet, as well as the ankles, are often affected. RA can make other foot and ankle conditions more likely to occur. One such condition is tarsal tunnel syndrome, in which the posterior tibial nerve is compressed or damaged, causing burning pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is frequently seen in people with RA. If you have RA, it is suggested that you be under the care of a podiatrist who can monitor the health of your feet and treat any problems as they arise.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Charles Perry, DPM of Ohio. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

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