If you need a more accessible version of this website, click this button on the right.Switch to Accessible Site

(202) 388-5303

(202) 388-5303

September 2022

Tuesday, 27 September 2022 00:00

Preventing Foot Wounds in Children

If you are a parent, it is important for you to be doing all you can to minimize the extent to which your child could scrape or develop a wound on their feet. If your child is playing outside in the yard, you might, for instance, clear sharp objects like pointy twigs and rocks that could pierce your child’s skin. There are also many helpful ways in which a parent can immediately treat a wound if it develops on the child’s feet. For example, it might be a good idea to clean the affected area and dry it, applying a bandage. Importantly, if your child’s abrasion causes swelling or a fever, medical attention should be sought out. Contact a podiatrist today if you want to learn more about how to protect your child’s feet.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant of District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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

Read more about What to Do to Keep Your Child’s Feet Healthy
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 20 September 2022 00:00

Pain From Ankle Avulsion Fractures

The ankle is one of the most critical parts of the human body because it enables the foot to move upwards and downwards. However, the ankle can be susceptible to painful sensations. For example, ankle avulsion fractures can cause pain in the ankles. This condition occurs when a tendon or ligament is torn and part of a bone is taken with it. Ankle avulsion fractures can feel very similar to ankle sprains, in terms of pain felt and swelling around the affected area. X-rays are usually required to identify ankle avulsion fractures and to distinguish them from regular ankle sprains. Treatment options for those suffering from an ankle avulsion fracture vary widely, depending on the severity of the case. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today if you have ankle pain or an ankle avulsion fracture.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. 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 office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

Read more about Ankle Pain
Published in Blog
Wednesday, 14 September 2022 00:00

How Lupus Can Affect the Feet

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that attacks tissues throughout the body, including the feet. It can attack muscles, blood vessels, tendons, and skin around the joints of the feet, and may cause joint deformity. This can be referred to as deforming arthropathy, and the most common form is known as Jaccoud’s type arthropathy. Bearing body weight on the feet with deformed joints can be a major source of pain. Lupus can cause the feet to swell, become numb, and ache due to arthritis. This can make it difficult for a person to move and sleep, which can cause other lupus symptoms to worsen. Feet can also turn blue from sensitivity to cold, which signals a vascular disorder known as Raynaud’s phenomenon. This is when the autoimmune system attacks small blood vessels, causing them to constrict when exposed to cold. Swelling and numbness can result, and pressure on the nerves of the feet can also cause pain. Sores and blisters that develop on the feet of those patients who have lupus can be slow to heal. This may be a result of the immune system suppressing drugs that keep the disease controlled. If the skin opens from these sores, it may be prone to infection. If you have lupus and are experiencing these symptoms in your feet, please see a podiatrist who can help with treatment options that might help restore pain, and free movement and functioning.



 

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. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. 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 Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Systemic Diseases of the Foot
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 13 September 2022 00:00

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Published in Blog
Wednesday, 07 September 2022 00:00

Foot Pain and Golf

Foot pain can interfere with your enjoyment of golf, particularly pain in your big toe, heel, and ball of the foot. Foot pain can result from stiff joints, stretched-out tissues, and nerve damage. Relief is possible and often without surgery. The three most common foot conditions sustained by golfers are neuromas, arthritis, and heel pain. A Morton’s neuroma is a thickened, enlarged nerve in the ball of the foot that is compressed or irritated. This can cause pain when transferring weight from one foot to the other while swinging a golf club. Arthritis in the joint of the big toe also makes it difficult to follow through on a swing. Heel pain from plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot, makes it uncomfortable for a golfer to maintain a solid stance while swinging the golf club. Less common afflictions that can cause pain and interfere with golf include ankle arthritis, Achilles tendonitis, and corns and calluses. If you golf and are suffering from foot pain, consult with a podiatrist who will be able to diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment so that you are back to good golf form as quickly as possible.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant of District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Plantar Fasciosis
  • Achilles Tendinitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Read more about Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Published in Blog
Connect with us