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(202) 388-5303

February 2023

Tuesday, 28 February 2023 00:00

Toe Pain and Sugar

Toe pain, although it might not seem like a significant concern at first glance, can be very painful and uncomfortable if not properly managed. Many different things can cause toe pain. Potential causes include blunt force trauma, for example. Interestingly, however, toe pain can sometimes be linked to sugar. Very high levels of blood sugar in certain individuals can lead to diabetic neuropathy. In turn, this might lead to uncomfortable feelings of numbness or tingling in the toes. If you are someone that already has diabetic neuropathy or might be susceptible to developing this condition, consider contacting a podiatrist immediately for treatment. A podiatrist is a trusted medical professional that can answer any questions you might have and provide effective treatment. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment today.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, 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.

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 Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 21 February 2023 00:00

Various Reasons to Have Heel Pain

A common cause of heel pain is overuse. People who enjoy running are apt to experience heel pain at some point, and protective measures can be implemented which may help to minimize it. Conditions such as flat feet and obesity may lead to developing heel pain, in addition to having an abnormal foot structure. An injury to the Achilles tendon will generally affect the heel. This tendon is located in the calf, and it connects the heel to the calf muscles. The heel often becomes inflamed and walking can be difficult. Additionally, some people develop stress fractures in the heel, which can be very painful, and prompt medical attention is often sought. Other forms of heel pain can include osteomyelitis, which is a bone infection, and a contusion, or bruised heel bone. It is important to obtain a proper diagnosis of any type of heel pain, which consists of having an X-ray taken, or possibly undergoing an ultrasound or MRI. Treating heel pain requires the expert advice of a podiatrist, and it is strongly suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can help you with the correct treatment.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

  • Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
  • Wearing non-supportive shoes
  • Weight change           
  • Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 14 February 2023 00:00

Psoriatic Arthritis and the Feet

Psoriatic arthritis often occurs with people who have already been diagnosed with psoriasis, a disease that produces a skin rash, typically on the scalp and hands. But many of those affected also experience pain in the feet and Achilles tendon. This is known as enthesitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the tendons and ligaments that connect to bones. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness. Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis in the feet is not a straightforward process, as it may develop before the symptoms of psoriasis appear. Treatment options include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications of varying strength, depending on the severity of the disease. Seeing a podiatrist is a good idea, so that a complete examination and diagnosis can be made. A podiatrist can also offer other lifestyle and footwear changes that may help to reduce the effects of psoriatic arthritis in the feet and ankles.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves the inflammation of different joints in your body, such as those in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. In addition to this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

  • Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility
  • Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications
  • Massages can help temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.

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

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Published in Blog
Friday, 10 February 2023 00:00

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 07 February 2023 00:00

Various Reasons for Ankle Pain

There are many reasons why people can experience ankle pain. These include ailments that range from chronic conditions consisting of arthritis to minor injuries such as an ankle sprain. Ankle pain can happen from damage that has been done to the muscles and soft tissues that support the ankle, and it can interfere with walking. Swelling can often accompany ankle pain, and it is suggested to seek medical attention. An Achilles tendon injury can radiate to the ankle, and this can happen suddenly or gradually. It causes difficulty to stand on tiptoes, and there may be a limited range of motion. Severe pain is generally present if the ankle has fractured, and treatment can require wearing a supportive boot or cast. People who have frequent gout attacks may notice that they have ankle pain. This is considered to be a form of arthritis, and the ankle joints may become inflamed. If you have ankle pain for any reason, please contact a podiatrist as quickly as possible. This doctor can determine what the cause is, and choose the best treatment for it.

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.

 

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