Items filtered by date: April 2023

Flat feet is an affliction in which the arches of the feet disappear or were never properly developed. As a result, the entire soles of the feet rest flush against the floor. Many new parents often wonder whether it is natural for their babies to have flat feet. They also often ask podiatrists when it is normal for their babies to develop arches in the feet. Although these answers are not ironclad and completely consistent from person to person, several rules of thumb might be gleaned. Typically speaking, newborn babies are born without foot arches. However, they commonly begin to develop by the time the child is about 3 years old. It is also important to note that young children might have either of two types of flat feet: rigid or flexible. If you are a new parent and want to make sure that your child’s feet are developing properly, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today. 

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Troy Wilde, DPM from Practice. 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 offices located in Phoenix, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle pain is possible to have when there is no obvious injury that has occurred. It may be the result of an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, or from various types of arthritis. These can include gout, reactive arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Some people can experience ankle pain from having flat feet and Achilles tendonitis, which may happen gradually from wear and tear of the Achilles tendon. Some people may have ankle pain from an existing infection, such as streptococcus, which can affect the ankle bone and surrounding joints. An examination is often performed to determine the cause of the ankle pain. This is done by having an ultrasound or CT scan, which are successful methods for viewing joint or bone damage. If you have ankle pain for any reason, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment solutions.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Troy Wilde, DPM from Practice. Our doctor 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 Phoenix, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hammertoe is a particular condition of the foot in which the joints of the toes point upward in a “v” shape at the center of the toe. The toe ultimately has a hammer-like shape. This condition can be caused by many different things. Specifically, wearing flip-flops may contribute to the onset of hammertoe. When an individual wears flip-flops, they must essentially scrunch up their toes to keep the flip-flop on their feet. This is an unnatural and strenuous task for the toes. As a result, the muscles in the toes might experience an imbalance. Hammertoe can result. If you are someone that wears flip-flops frequently, you might be at an increased risk of developing foot conditions such as hammertoe. It is suggested that you reach out to a foot care specialist such as a podiatrist to receive treatment or attention.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Troy Wilde, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Phoenix, Gilbert, and Chandler, AZ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ankle sprain is an overstretched or torn ligament in the ankle that can happen for various reasons. One may step off a curb unexpectedly or land on the foot in the wrong direction. Common symptoms that many people experience can include immediate swelling and bruising, and it is often difficult to walk. Sometimes a popping sound may be heard if the sprain is severe, and the pain can be debilitating. A diagnosis is needed to determine if the injury is a fracture or a sprain. An X-ray will be taken, followed by beginning the correct treatment. Ankle sprains will heal faster when the foot is elevated and the weight is kept off the affected foot as much as possible. Many people choose to use a walking aid that is generally effective in restoring mobility. If you have ankle pain or fear you may have sprained it, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can confirm this and offer you the correct treatment options

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Troy Wilde, DPM from Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains are the result of a tear in the ligaments within the ankle. These injuries may happen when you make a rapid shifting movement while your foot is planted. A less common way to sprain your ankle is when your ankle rolls inward while your foot turns outward.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Pain at the sight of the tear
• Bruising/Swelling
• Ankle area is tender to touch
• In severe cases, may hear/feel something tear
• Skin discoloration

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

In many cases, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) is used to treat ankle sprains. However, you should see a podiatrist to see which treatment option would work best with your injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

It is important to ask your doctor about rehab options after you receive treatment for your injury. Stretching, strength training, and balance exercises may help the ankle heal while also preventing further injury.

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