How Maffucci Syndrome Affects the Feet

There are several troublesome rare diseases that can negatively impact the health of your feet. Although these conditions can be extremely rare, it is important for you to familiarize yourself with these afflictions in case you ever have to identify one of these conditions in yourself or a loved one. One rare condition that negatively impacts the feet is known as Maffucci syndrome, which has only impacted a total of 200 reported patients since its discovery. This syndrome produces a number of abnormalities in the skeleton that can manifest themselves in the feet. For example, people with Maffucci syndrome can experience enchondromas, which are cartilage tumors throughout the bones in their feet. Endochromas caused by Maffucci syndrome can also appear in the hands, ribs, and skull. Individuals suffering from Maffucci syndrome usually also experience some kind of abnormality in the skin. Namely, it is common for individuals to see hemangiomas, or clumps of blood vessels, throughout the skin and possibly on the feet. Maffucci syndrome undoubtedly is a rare condition, but you should be on the lookout for these symptoms. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, or would like to gather more information, it is suggested to speak to 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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Symptoms and Treatment for a Broken Ankle

A broken ankle is easy to notice. It produces severe pain and discomfort after a fall has taken place, and it is often impossible to walk on. Additional symptoms include a numbness in the ankle and surrounding area, swelling, and bruising. To determine if the ankle is fractured, an X-ray is generally taken, and this is helpful in determining the exact location of the break. If the break is severe, an MRI or CT scan may be ordered that can show if there is tissue damage or other injuries. A broken ankle is often treated by wearing a cast or a boot for several weeks. This is beneficial in keeping the ankle stable as the healing process occurs. Additionally, when the ankle is elevated above the heart, the swelling is often reduced, and it may provide relief. If additional symptoms occur, such as warm and tender legs, or if your toenails start to turn gray or blue, immediate attention from a podiatrist is strongly advised. Please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat broken ankles.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors 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 Concord, Charlotte, and Salisbury, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Are You Suffering From Nerve Damage?

Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.

Several Effective Foot Stretches

The feet carry the weight of the body so it is important to take proper care of them. One of the best things you can do for your feet is stretch them frequently. This helps maintain flexibility and range of motion. A stretch that can help the plantar fascia is performed by practicing a foot roll. This is done by placing your foot on top of a golf ball and rolling it back and forth. People who stand for the majority of the day also find this to be an effective foot stretch. The toes can become stronger when toe stretches are done, and this can positively affect the overall foot. Additionally, a towel lift is good for the toes and middle of the foot. This is done by placing a towel on the floor while sitting in a chair and lifting the towel with the toes. The heels can benefit from standing on a step and lowering the heels one at a time until a gentle stretch is felt. If you would like more information about the benefits of stretching the feet and additional stretches to practice, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Stretching the feet is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns with your feet 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.

Stretching the Feet

Being the backbone of the body, the feet carry your entire weight and can easily become overexerted, causing cramps and pain. As with any body part, stretching your feet can serve many benefits. From increasing flexibility to even providing some pain relief, be sure to give your feet a stretch from time to time. This is especially important for athletes or anyone performing aerobic exercises, but anyone experiencing foot pain or is on their feet constantly should also engage in this practice.

Great ways to stretch your feet:

  • Crossing one leg over the others and carefully pull your toes back. Do 10-20 repetitions and repeat the process for each foot
  • Face a wall with your arms out and hands flat against the wall. Step back with one foot and keep it flat on the floor while moving the other leg forward. Lean towards the wall until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and perform 10 repetitions for each foot
  • Be sure not to overextend or push your limbs too hard or you could risk pulling or straining your muscle

Individuals who tend to their feet by regular stretching every day should be able to minimize foot pain and prevent new problems from arising.

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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Toe Fractures

Broken toes can be painful. There are 28 bones in the foot and 19 of them are toe bones. A toe fracture is a break in a toe bone. Toe fractures can either be traumatic or stress fractures. Traumatic toe fractures, also called acute fractures, are caused by a direct blow or impact, like badly stubbing a toe. These can be displaced, where the toe is broken in such a way that it changes position, or nondisplaced. When one has a traumatic toe fracture, there may be a sound when it breaks, the pain is typically at the site of impact, there may be a crooked or abnormal appearance to the toe, and it generally swells and bruises the next day. A stress fracture is a tiny, hairline break usually caused by repetitive stress to the toe. Athletes are often victims of toe stress fractures. They can be caused by an abnormal foot structure, osteoporosis, or improper footwear. These fractures cause pain with or after normal activity, pain at the site of the break when touched, and swelling but no bruising. Both types of toe fractures should be seen by a podiatrist who will provide a proper diagnosis and treatment.



 

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from InStride Family Foot Care. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

  • Swelling
  • Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
  • Stiffness
  • Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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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