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(202) 388-5303

May 2023

Some people pay little attention to their feet until foot pain develops. When an everyday foot care routine is practiced, the chances of incurring painful foot conditions may be reduced. Begin with washing and drying the feet daily, then apply a moisturizer. The daily use of moisturizers may help prevent cracked heels from occurring. Ingrown toenails may be avoided when the nails are trimmed properly, which means cutting them straight across instead of in a curved fashion. All-day comfort for the feet and body may be achieved when the right size shoes are worn. Determine your shoe size using a Brannock device, and purchase shoes at the end of the day when the feet are at their largest. The feet can become stronger when daily foot exercises and stretches are performed, possibly making it easier to complete daily activities. If you would like additional techniques about every day foot care procedures, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide you with the correct tips.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

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Published in Blog
Tuesday, 23 May 2023 00:00

Who Can Get Sever’s Disease?

Sever’s disease affects the heel. It can happen in children and young teenagers who frequently participate in running and jumping activities. Parents may notice their child is limping or walking on tiptoes, which are common symptoms of Sever’s disease. This condition can happen as a result of repetitive stress to the heel bone growth area. As the heel grows, the consistent activity may cause the growth plate to heal improperly, possibly causing Sever's disease. The growth plate can be protected by wearing shoes that fit well while engaging in these types of activities. Having good arch support and cushioning may help the heel to recover in a timely manner. Treatment generally begins with temporarily stopping the activity that caused this condition, and it may help to elevate the affected foot as often as possible. If your child has symptoms of Sever’s disease, it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist is consulted as quickly as possible who can provide permanent treatment solutions.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their 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 injuries.

Read more about Sever's Disease
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 16 May 2023 00:00

Treatment Options for Sprained Ankles

When you think of sprained ankles, athletes often come to mind, but anyone can incur this painful injury. Simply stepping unexpectedly off of a curb can cause an ankle sprain. A sprain is the overstretching, tearing, or rupturing of ligaments that hold the ankle together. Experts suggest immobilizing the affected ankle immediately, to stabilize the joint, and reduce existing swelling. If the sprain is mild, utilizing the rest, ice, compression, and elevation first aid techniques can help. If putting weight on the injured foot is extremely painful, the sprain is likely to be more severe, possibly causing recovery time to increase. Unfortunately, healing from a sprained ankle can generally take several months. An essential part of healing a sprained ankle is performing stretching and strengthening exercises to help the joint become more stable. In addition, wearing an ankle brace or using crutches may help with mobility. A podiatrist can offer more advanced treatment options, including prescribing anti-inflammatory medications, recommending appropriate orthotic devices, and performing surgery to repair the ligament, if needed. If you believe you have sprained an ankle, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist for an exam and treatment options. 

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, 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.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Mild to moderate bruising
  • Limited mobility
  • Swelling
  • Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

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

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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 Three Grades of Ankle Sprains
Published in Blog
Friday, 12 May 2023 00:00

Do Your Child's Feet Hurt?

Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 09 May 2023 00:00

Broken Toe Warning Signs

Breaking any bone in the body should never be taken lightly. The toes of the feet are no exception. When an individual breaks their toe, they may experience any number of unpleasant symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and bruising. If you have broken your toe, you might seek health attention from a trusted medical professional, such as a podiatrist. This ought to be done especially if your broken toe is accompanied by bleeding or sensations of numbness. Additionally, if a broken toe appears to be pointing the incorrect way or there is discoloration, these are usually signs that immediate medical attention be sought. If any of this information applies to you or a loved one, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today for 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 Dr. Lubrina Bryant from District Podiatry, PLLC. Our doctor 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 office located in Washington, D.C . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about What to Know About a Broken Toe
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 02 May 2023 00:00

Nerve Problems That Cause Foot Pain

While there are numerous causes for foot pain, if you feel pain on the top of the foot or through the arch, it may be caused by nerve problems. Common symptoms of nerve pain in the feet are burning and shooting or stabbing pain when a nerve is aggravated. Unfortunately, such nerve pain in the feet can occur when you are active and when you are resting. The four most common causes of nerve pain in the feet are Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes, and a pinched nerve. With Morton’s neuroma, the pain will be felt between the third and fourth toes as the nerve in that area thickens. This condition affects women more often as a result of frequent wearing of high heels. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused when the tibial nerve that is located near the heel is compressed. A pinched nerve, which is also called nerve entrapment, is often caused by swelling, tight shoes, or trauma to the foot. Diabetic foot neuropathy is the result of nerve damage caused by high levels of blood sugar. If you are experiencing any type of shooting or stabbing pain in the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to determine the cause and find appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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 Foot Pain
Published in Blog
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