Items filtered by date: June 2023

Tuesday, 27 June 2023 00:00

How Is Cuboid Syndrome Treated?

The cuboid bone is located on the outside of the foot, and cuboid syndrome can develop if this bone becomes injured or displaced. People who have suffered an ankle sprain may get cuboid syndrome, in addition to athletes who are involved in tennis or basketball. The quick stop and go of the foot while participating in these types of activities may cause the cuboid bone to shift. Cuboid syndrome may also affect ballet dancers who have poor alignment, possibly causing pressure on the foot. Common symptoms that many patients experience can include severe pain, and their gait, or walking pattern may be altered. Treatment can include wearing a specific type of orthotic and performing certain exercises several times throughout the day. Additionally, cuboid syndrome may be treated by manipulating the cuboid bone back into place. If you have foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat cuboid syndrome.

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 one of our podiatrists from In Motion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Cypress and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

 

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Friday, 23 June 2023 00:00

We Can Treat Your Foot or Ankle Pain

Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.

Tuesday, 20 June 2023 00:00

Stationary Bikes and the Feet

Working out on a stationary bike can provide good cardiovascular fitness and burn calories, without incurring joint pain other forms of exercise can cause. However, while riding on a stationary bike, people can suffer from foot tingling, numbness, and pain. This can be brought on by constriction of nerves or a lack of blood supply to the feet. Causes of this sensation can be as simple as shoelaces being tied too tight, or the pressure from the bike pedals pressing on the small nerves between the toes. Additionally, it may happen from an electrolyte imbalance, or a vitamin deficiency.  More serious health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or Raynaud’s phenomenon can also cause tingling of the feet. Things to check for can include the fit of shoes, and making sure there is plenty of room for the toes to move freely in. The shoelaces may also need to be loosened, in addition to the adjustments of the seat and pedal distance. Pressure from the seat should be on the sit bones, and the pedal distance should allow for a small amount of bend in the knee when the foot is extended. Rest may help if the tingling is from overuse and it may be beneficial to wear orthotics if it is from nerve pressure. If you are experiencing tingling or pain in your feet while riding a stationary bike, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who determine the underlying cause, and obtain treatment for relief.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with one of our podiatrists from In Motion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

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Tuesday, 13 June 2023 00:00

Gout Often Flares up at Night

The joints in the big toe are affected with the condition that is known as gout. This painful arthritic condition happens as a result of excess uric acid in the blood. This can be caused by genetic reasons or from eating foods that are high in purines. These types of foods include shellfish, red meat, and drinks that are made with large amounts of sugar. Gout attacks generally begin at night and may last for several weeks. This condition can be managed when lifestyle changes are implemented, such as replacing some of the foods that are eaten with healthier choices. It is beneficial to engage in a gentle exercise program on a regular basis, in addition to drinking plenty of water daily. People who are overweight may be prone to developing gout, and additional weight may be lost when they limit the type of, and amount of, foods that are eaten. If you have had one or frequent gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that a podiatrist is contacted who can help you to manage, and possibly prevent, this uncomfortable condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from In Motion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Cypress and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Tuesday, 06 June 2023 00:00

Why Does My Big Toe Hurt?

There are various reasons why pain in the big toe can happen. The foot condition that is known as gout causes sharp pain in the joints of the big toe. Many people notice the pain can begin at night, and happens as a result of excess uric acid that collects in the toe joints. Having an ingrown toenail can cause intense toe pain. This condition occurs when the nail grows into the skin of the side of the toe instead of over it, and can be accompanied by swelling, redness, and tenderness. The ligaments in the toe are affected when turf toe happens, and can be a common injury among athletes. A bony lump that forms on the side of the big toe may indicate a bunion has developed. The gradual movement of this toe may cause the other toes to shift toward each other, and larger shoes may need to be purchased. If you have toe pain, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective treatment solutions. 

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of In Motion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors 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 offices located in Cypress and Houston, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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