Items filtered by date: October 2024

Critical limb ischemia, or CLI, is a serious condition caused by poor blood flow, often due to diabetes or hardened arteries. It leads to severe pain, wounds that will not heal, and even dead tissue. If left untreated, one might need to have their toe amputated, and many others may not survive within a year. CLI can also be linked to black toe, as both conditions result from poor circulation. In severe cases like CLI, lack of blood flow can cause the tissues, including toes, to die, leading to blackening. Treatment aims to restore blood flow to the toe through surgery or other procedures. If that is not possible, treatments like oxygen therapy or special compression can help relieve symptoms. Without any treatment, the affected area, including the black toe, may dry up and worsen. If you have a painful black or discolored toe, it is strongly suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rouder of S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or are not properly developed. This condition can cause the entire foot to make contact with the ground while standing. Flat feet may be caused by genetics, injury, aging, or conditions like obesity and arthritis. Common symptoms include foot pain, particularly in the arch or heel, swelling, and discomfort during physical activities. Some people may experience knee, hip, or lower back pain due to the altered biomechanics of the body. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays to assess foot alignment. Treatment options range from wearing supportive footwear and custom orthotics to surgery for severe cases. While many people live comfortably with flat feet, untreated cases can lead to complications like tendonitis, arthritis, and chronic pain. If you have pain from flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a diagnosis and pain-relieving treatment.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Fabry disease is a rare genetic disorder caused by the buildup of a fat-like substance called globotriaosylceramide due to a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. This buildup affects various parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, nervous system, and skin. In terms of foot involvement, Fabry disease can cause burning pain, tingling, and numbness, primarily due to nerve damage, or neuropathy in the feet. This discomfort often becomes worse by physical activity or heat. Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure enzyme levels, genetic testing to confirm mutations, and tissue biopsies to detect GL-3 accumulation. Early diagnosis is imperative as symptoms can progress. If you have foot discomfort or neuropathy, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment to help relieve symptoms.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Rouder from S.I. Podiatry. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Staten Island, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.