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January 2023

Tuesday, 31 January 2023 00:00

Car Accidents and Broken Ankles

When an individual is involved in a car accident, usually any negative impact on the feet is not the first concern that might come to mind. However, being involved in a car accident when driving can lead to damaging effects on the feet that one ought to be aware of. For example, ankle injuries, and more specifically broken or fractured ankles are a common consequence of being involved in a car accident. Ankle fractures are defined as a condition of the foot when one or more bones around the ankle (i.e. the ankle joint) become broken. When only one bone is broken, this condition is not always as severe as when multiple bones are fractured. Ankle fractures are nothing to take lightly and if you have suffered an ankle fracture due to a car accident, it might be best to reach out to a podiatrist today to receive any treatment that is necessary to address the problem. Contact a podiatrist today to schedule an appointment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

  • Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
  •  Swelling around the area
  •  Bruising of the area
  • Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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

Read more about All About Broken Ankle
Tuesday, 24 January 2023 00:00

Signs and Solutions for Sesamoiditis

Two tiny bones in the feet located just below the big toe are called the sesamoid bones. The sesamoid bones are at work each time you walk or run, providing leverage to the big toe. When these bones, which are held in place by tendons or embedded in muscle, become irritated, the result is an inflammatory condition known as sesamoiditis. It is considered an overuse injury. People who spend a lot of time on their feet for work, sports, or high-impact activities often incur sesamoiditis. In addition, people with flat feet or high arches may experience this inflammation. Symptoms generally do not emerge suddenly, but instead, develop over a period of time. You may feel intermittent pain in the big toe, notice swelling or bruising in the area, or experience a decrease in the normal functioning of the big toe. Resting the foot often is a good idea, and wearing orthotics in the shoes is another. For more information on how to deal with sesamoiditis, including being fitted for custom orthotics, please consult a podiatrist.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

  • Sudden increase in activity
  • Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
  • Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

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Wednesday, 18 January 2023 00:00

Taking Care of Your Baby’s Feet

After your baby is born, taking care of their feet is of major importance. Experts agree that giving babies the freedom to move their legs and feet is how they develop muscle strength. Until the baby is ready to stand or walk, it is beneficial to let them go barefoot as often as possible. Any shoes or other foot coverings should be fitted properly and checked often as the baby's feet grow quickly. This includes onesies that may be too tight as the baby’s length increases. Keep your baby’s feet clean and dry. As your baby starts to stand or walk, be aware of any abnormalities that may be apparent, such as in-toeing or out-toeing. Once the baby starts walking outside the home, choosing the right shoes is important. It’s suggested that you measure your baby’s feet periodically to make sure their shoes are not too tight in the toes, too loose in the heel, or too narrow. For more guidance on proper foot care for your baby, please consult a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Tuesday, 17 January 2023 00:00

Gout Pain Can Be Managed

Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.

A broken foot is a common injury that can occur in children. The majority of children spend their day running, jumping, and falling, and in most cases, the bones have adequate flexibility and strength that may help to avoid fracturing a foot. For the rare occasions that a child breaks their foot, it is beneficial to know that the healing time is often accelerated as a result of their age. One of the most common reasons a child may break their foot is from falling. There are noticeable symptoms of this, including severe pain, numbness, and the inability to walk. Once a proper diagnosis is obtained, the correct treatment can begin.This generally involves putting the broken foot in a cast or walking boot, which is typically adequate in providing the necessary stability as the healing process occurs. If your child has broken their foot, please consult with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can help advise you of proper treatment, so your child can resume normal activities.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM from Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

  • Bruising
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Blue in color
  • Numbness
  • Cold
  • Misshapen
  • Cuts
  • Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Read more about Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for a Broken Foot
Tuesday, 03 January 2023 00:00

What Causes Foot and Toe Cramps?

Anyone who has been jarred awake in the middle of the night by a toe, foot, or leg cramp knows how uncomfortable that can be. A cramp occurs when a muscle involuntarily contracts and is unable to relax. The intense pain caused by a cramp usually goes away, either on its own or by gently massaging or stretching the muscle that is affected. Athletes are most likely to experience foot and toe cramps after long bouts of exercise or other physical activity. High temperatures can also cause cramps from loss of electrolytes, which is a sign of dehydration. Wearing tight shoes or holding a specific position for a long period can bring on cramps, resulting from restricted blood flow. A more serious cause of cramps is arteriosclerosis, which is a constriction of blood flow to the extremities caused by a blockage in the arteries. In some cases, the cramping may be the result of diabetes, nerve damage, or Parkinson’s disease. Cramps may also be caused by deficiencies in certain minerals, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. If lower leg, foot, or toe cramps are becoming a regular occurrence, it is wise to visit a podiatrist for a diagnosis and possible treatment options.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Toe Pain
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