Facts About Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, CMT,  is an inherited nerve condition that attacks muscles in the feet, legs, arms, and hands. The disease, which is named after the three doctors who first described it, is progressive and incurable. It is thought to be caused by a disorder in a particular gene that controls the peripheral nervous system. In short, the peripheral nerves have trouble sending the correct messages to the extremities. Symptoms often are noticed in the feet and legs first, causing weakness and balance problems. Often, sufferers may think they are clumsy or accident-prone. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease also causes the ankles to become weakened. This further affects the gait, and falling is prevalent. A visit to a podiatrist for an examination and diagnosis is suggested, because there are some ways to treat the symptoms. People with CMT can benefit from custom shoes and leg braces, along with other walking aids to improve mobility and balance. In some cases, surgery can correct bone abnormalities. For more information, contact a podiatrist.  

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

  • Freiberg’s disease
  • Kohler’s disease
  • Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

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Why You Should Care About Falls Prevention for Seniors

Although some people might not know about the severity of falls among senior citizens, this is a serious issue that affects a large portion of elderly Americans. A staggering number of elderly citizens are hospitalized annually because of an injury from falling —approximately 3 million. With this in mind, the concern of falling has become a public health issue among this older population. It is critical to note that preventing falls is a chief way in which a senior can protect their health, and one way they might go about doing this is by strengthening their feet. When a seniors’ feet are weak, they can become more susceptible to suffering from a fall of some sort. By strengthening the muscles in the feet, a senior can help guard against falls that could be potentially damaging and even deadly. If you are a senior citizen, it is a good idea to contact a podiatrist today for more information.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

  • Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
  • Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
  • Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
  • Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
  • Utilizing a walker or cane
  • Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
  • Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

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Methods to Relieve Ankle Pain

The ankle controls foot movement, and this may be compromised with existing ankle pain. It can happen from excessive exercising, or from wearing shoes that are too tight. Enduring a foot injury may lead to ankle pain, and additional symptoms can include immediate bruising and swelling. It is often difficult to walk with ankle pain, and many people seek medical attention to rule out a fracture. This is done by having an X-ray performed, where the cause of the pain can be determined. Ankle pain in diabetic patients can be indicative of serious issues, and steps need to be taken that can help the patient stay ahead of potential problems. People who have ankle pain may find mild relief when the affected foot is frequently elevated, and this may help to reduce existing swelling. Additionally, treatment can begin when the ankle is wrapped in a compression bandage which can provide stability as the ankle heals. For any type of ankle pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can offer you treatment methods that are right for you.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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
  • Bursitis
  • 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 Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

Understanding Ingrown Toenails

Most people misunderstand the seriousness of an ingrown toenail unless they experience one. Ingrown toenails frequently affect the big toe and result from the nail growing into the skin, instead of over it. Pain and discomfort are often the beginning signs that an ingrown toenail has developed. When left untreated, it may become infected, bleed, and there may be discharge or pus. An ingrown toenail can be caused by trimming the toenails incorrectly, wearing shoes that are too tight, and genetic reasons. Occasionally, the toe will feel better when soaked in warm water and a cotton swab can be used to gently push the skin away from the nail. This is a temporary fix for mild relief. A permanent solution can be found at a podiatrist's office. People who have recurring ingrown toenails often seek the expertise of this type of doctor, who can effectively treat it. An infected ingrown toenail may qualify for surgery, and it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist to determine the best course of treatment for you. 

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact one of our podiatrists of InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Why Does Pregnancy Cause Foot Pain?

One of the things many pregnant women complain about is foot pain. Foot pain often worsens as the pregnancy progresses, but this is quite common and normal. Swollen ankles are prevalent during pregnancy due to the extra fluid the body carries to support the baby. The blood becomes thicker, and the growing fetus will cause the glands to produce more hormones. The feet endure extra pressure as the mother’s weight increases, so it is suggested to elevate the legs as frequently as possible. This may help provide mild relief from foot pain. The arch may flatten as the feet endure the additional weight, which may put pressure on the plantar fascia. This is the band of tissue that connects the toes to the heels and when it becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis could result. If you have foot pain and would like to learn more about various relief methods, please consult a podiatrist who can help you during your pregnancy.

Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?

One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward.  This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.  

Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. 

How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?

  • Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
  • Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
  • Wear shoes with good arch support
  • Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
  • Elevate feet if you experience swelling
  • Massage your feet
  • Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet

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

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