Items filtered by date: August 2022

Many people who participate in sports activities experience ankle sprains, although this type of injury is not limited to this particular group of people. Patients from all walks of life that range from being physically fit to having limited exercise experience can incur an ankle sprain. Research has shown the ankle is a common joint that can be injured, and it is often the result of twisting the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. This can happen from stepping off of a curb unexpectedly, or from walking or running on uneven surfaces. Additionally, it can occur from landing improperly on the foot after jumping, or from having endured a fall.  An ankle sprain is divided into three classes, consisting of a grade one, two, or three ankle sprain. A mild sprain can be categorized into the grade one class, and there is generally no disability that accompanies this type of sprain. A grade two sprain can cause pain and discomfort, and there may be a slight tear of one or more of the ligaments. The approximate time for a full recovery is six weeks or less. A severe ankle sprain can fall into the grade three class, and often involves a complete tear. This type of sprain can take up to three months to completely heal. If you have endured an ankle sprain, please consult with a podiatrist who can categorize the sprain, and offer correct treatment options. 

Although ankle sprains are common, they aren’t always minor injuries. If you need your ankle injury looked at, contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM from Choice Podiatry Center. 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 office located in Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There is a nerve called the plantar digital nerve which is located between the toes. Morton’s neuroma is a condition that occurs when that nerve is irritated or squeezed and can happen from wearing shoes that do not have enough room in the toe area. When this nerve is inflamed the pressure is felt in the ball of the foot. The nerve can become thickened, and this ailment gradually becomes painful. Some of the symptoms that are associated with Morton’s neuroma can include the sensation of stepping on a pebble, the foot can feel numb, and the pain can travel between the third and fourth toes. This is a common condition among ballet dancers because of the style of dance they enjoy. There may also be existing medical conditions that can trigger Morton’s neuroma like hammertoe, bunions, and flat feet. If you have any of these symptoms please confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment options, which may include surgery for permanent removal of the nerve.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM of Choice Podiatry Center. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Peripheral neuropathy is the result of nerve damage to parts of the body other than the brain and spinal column. The peripheral nervous system sends signals to the feet and ankles. If the nerves are damaged, the messages are blocked. This can result in tingling, numbness, muscle cramps, and burning pain. Periods of extreme sensitivity can alternate with periods of numbness. Among the possible causes of peripheral neuropathy are traumatic injury, infections (shingles), genetics, exposure to toxins, increased age, and problems with the metabolism. One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy is as a side effect of diabetes. Unfortunately, peripheral neuropathy of the feet can result in additional problems. Sores and cuts may go undetected because of numbness or inability to detect hot or cold temperatures, especially on the soles of the feet. Wounds may go untreated and cause infection, which in turn can lead to ulcers. If you are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, especially if you also are a diabetic, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist for a complete examination and possible treatment options.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Vivian C. Iwu, DPM from Choice Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

There are many kinds of foot conditions that may alter the natural structure of your feet. Flat feet are one such foot condition. Also known as fallen arches, flat feet are defined by the lack of a natural arch in the feet. Individuals with flat feet, for example, can stand upright on the ground with the sole of the foot pressing flush against the floor. Although flat feet are not typically considered a serious condition, they can make running and walking for extended periods more difficult. Some individuals are more apt to develop fallen arches. Infants are one commonly affected group, as their tendons and ligaments in the feet are not yet fully grown and tightened. However, by the age of two or three, fallen arches usually disappear. Another group is those who have muscle diseases. Individuals who suffer from cerebral palsy, for instance, might experience flat feet because of their muscle condition. Lastly, since flat feet can be caused by experiencing an injury to the foot, athletes and senior citizens who are prone to falling are also at risk of flat feet. If you fall into one of the aforementioned categories, contact a podiatrist to learn more about your susceptibility to flat feet.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM from Choice Podiatry Center. 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 office located in Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As toddlers are learning to walk, their gait may be characterized as duck-footed, or out-toeing. This happens when they walk with their toes pointing outward rather than forward. In many children, this way of walking is temporary. A child will often outgrow this by age six to eight years of age. However, sometimes it can persist into adolescence, or even adulthood, and can lead to more serious complications. Out-toeing is a type of torsional deformity and usually occurs when one of the leg’s two longest bones (the tibia, located between the knee and ankle, and the femur, located between the hip and knee) turn towards the outside of the leg, causing the foot to jut out. This condition can occur in one or both legs. Most often, the child does not experience pain or discomfort with this condition, and it does not affect their mobility. Parents might see that their kid’s shoes wear out or have more obvious scuff marks on the outer edges of the shoes if the child is duck-footed. Causes of out-toeing include genetics, fetal position of the legs in the uterus prior to birth, the resting position of the legs during infancy, and being flat-footed. Rarer reasons for this condition are congenital bone deformity or a hip condition, called slipped capital femoral epiphysis, that causes the ball at the top of the femur to slip backwards. If you are concerned about your child’s gait or you notice that they are experiencing pain, imbalance, or instability when walking, see a podiatrist who can alleviate your concerns or provide treatment options to consider.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Vivian C. Iwu, DPM of Choice Podiatry Center. 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 Marietta, GA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.