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(202) 388-5303

April 2023

Tuesday, 25 April 2023 00:00

Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis

Juvenile plantar dermatosis, also known as atopic winter feet or forefoot dermatitis, is a condition that causes chronic dry skin on the feet. It mainly affects pre-adolescent children between the ages of three and 14. It is slightly more common in boys, and is rarely seen in adults. This problem may happen from repetitive movements causing friction on the feet. Additionally, footwear that is made of synthetic materials, excessive sweating of the feet, or genetic skin sensitivity may contribute to getting this condition. The skin on the weight-bearing parts of the soles of the feet are typically involved. The areas may be itchy, sore, and red, with a glazed appearance. The usual ridge pattern on the soles may be lost, and painful cracking and fissures can develop. Both feet of the child are generally affected. Typically, the affected site is the ball of the big toes. Untreated, this condition can take longer to heal and may lead to a bacterial infection. If you notice your child is experiencing these uncomfortable symptoms, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment solutions.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, 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.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

  • Make sure their shoes fit properly
  • Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
  • Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
  • Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
  • Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
  • Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
  • Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
  • Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

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 How to Care for Your Child's Feet
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 18 April 2023 00:00

Taping and Cuboid Syndrome

Some conditions of the foot can occur when certain bones in the feet become misaligned. Cuboid syndrome is one such foot condition. It occurs when the cuboid bone, located on the outside of the foot, moves out of alignment. To address this foot affliction, a patient may take several steps. Commonly, an individual might utilize taping to treat their cuboid syndrome. A medical professional can use taping on a patient by wrapping medical tape around the foot. This is done to ultimately stabilize the foot and its bones, ensuring that the affected cuboid bone stays in proper alignment. If taping is effective, it will help the affected area of the foot heal and return to normal. If you have cuboid syndrome, it is highly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for treatment.  

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

  • Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
  • Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
  • Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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 Cuboid Syndrome
Published in Blog
Wednesday, 12 April 2023 00:00

Wounds That Don't Heal Need to Be Checked

Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 11 April 2023 00:00

When Are Custom Orthotics Needed?

Many people are confused by the many types of inserts that can be used in shoes to alleviate foot pain. In certain cases, however, such over-the-counter items do not solve the problem and custom insoles are needed. A major use of custom orthotics is to correct arch problems that often lead to pain, not only in the feet but also in other parts of the body. Low arches or flat feet, high arches, and overpronation call for different and specific solutions that can only be corrected with a custom insert. In addition, deformities such as bunions or hammertoes, as well as heel spurs, may benefit from specially made orthotics. A podiatrist can examine your feet, the way you walk, and your posture to determine if custom orthotics will be best for you. Then this foot doctor can measure your feet, create a mold to see which areas need to be corrected and make a pair of orthotics that will specifically address your foot problems. It is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an exam and effective treatment solutions.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, 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.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

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.

Read more about Ankle Foot Orthotics for Athletes
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 04 April 2023 00:00

Various Causes of Ankle Pain

The ankle joint is a complex structure involving bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that work together to help you walk, stand, run, and jump. When any one of these elements becomes injured, you may experience mild, moderate, or severe ankle pain, depending on the cause. When the ankle becomes stiff, making it difficult to walk, the pain usually involves a sprain, a strain, or an inflamed tendon. Such stiffness may also be caused by arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. A swollen ankle can be caused by several conditions, including arthritis, blood clots, or pregnancy. Heart and kidney disease can also result in a buildup of fluid in the ankles. A crunching or grinding sound in the ankle, termed crepitus, is most commonly caused by a bone spur or by hardened or brittle ligaments. This is often the result of arthritis and is more common among seniors. General weakness or instability in the ankles may be caused by overuse or from a previous injury. If you are experiencing ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer treatment options. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be 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
  • 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
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