Dr. Brian Nagy | April 5th, 2017
Posted In: Foot Treatments
Freedom from foot pain is just a step away. At Nagy Footcare, our goal is to find effective solutions to the problems that are causing your foot pain. We have many treatment options available that we can use to treat both illnesses and injuries that affect the feet.
You do not have to live in constant pain. Many foot conditions are easily treated by a New Hampshire podiatrist with the use of orthotics, physical therapy, strengthening exercises, foot/heel supports, foot massage, braces/splints, and over-the-counter medications designed to reduce inflammation and ease pain. Many foot conditions require multiple treatment methods to bring about the desired healing response.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition in which the fascia or connective tissues that run from the toes to the heel become stressed and inflamed. The fascia is a thin strip of fibrous tissue that helps to support the arch of the foot and provide stability as the person walks or runs. Individuals who must stand or walk for long periods of time can stretch the fascia beyond its normal limits.
For patients who suffer from this painful condition, orthotics, heel supports, stretching exercises, and physical therapy can be used together as part of an effective treatment plan that works to strengthen and tone the foot providing the support that is needed during the healing process. Elevating the feet during rest and performing stretching exercises may be of substantial benefit as the foot begins to heal.
Bunions are bone deformities that grow at the base of the big toe. They are caused by the toe shifting out of place and putting pressure on the joint at the base of the toe. The condition is extremely painful and is aggravated by wearing shoes that are too small or too tight.
Injuries to the foot and minor bone deformities can also place enough pressure on the big toe to shift it out of place and cause the joint to continue to grow. Soaking the feet in a small tub of warm water, applying ice packs, and wearing shoes that fit properly are two ways of reducing the discomfort.
Toe splitters, splints, and orthotics can also be used to help separate and stabilize the toes providing the guidance they need to keep them in their natural position. While toe splitters focus primarily on the toes, orthotics mold to the entire foot providing support and relieving the pressure placed on the joints of the toes.
Minimally invasive bunion surgery can be performed to remove the bunions and return the toe to its proper position. A bunionectomy is used to surgically remove the bunion and realign the toe to relieve pressure and pain. Once the toe has been realigned with the rest of the foot and healing has started, the patient will be able to use orthotics to help maintain proper structure of the foot.
Ingrown toenails develop for several reasons. They can be the result of poorly trimmed toenails that are too short or cut an angle. As the toenail begins to grow, it can cut deeply into the skin at the side of the nail. As it continues to grow, pushing deeper into the flesh, it can become infected with bacteria or a fungus.
Ingrown toenails most commonly develop on the big toes simply because the nail is larger and more prone to damage. Ingrown toenails may also be caused by pressure placed on the sides of the feet from shoes that are too small.
Ingrown toenails are treated in several different ways. If the toenail is embedded deeply into the flesh, an incision may need to be made and the nail trimmed so that it will no longer cause a problem. This type of minimally invasive surgery allows the doctor to either remove the flesh that is covering the sharpened edge of the nail or remove the nail.
A minimally invasive procedure involves very little damage to the tissue which makes it much easier for the injured area to begin healing. Once the procedure has been performed, the nail can begin to grow back normally without cutting into the tissues.
Arthritis can affect the joints in the foot and make walking or moving the foot extremely painful. Arthritis is characterized by red, swollen or inflamed joints that are tender to the touch. They may also be warmer than the surrounding tissues.
Arthritis can develop as a person ages or it can begin to appear after a person severely injures a joint. Once the joint has been damaged, arthritis can begin to settle in the joint causing it to swell and become painful during cold weather.
Arthritis in any joint is normally treated with anti-inflammatory medications and over the counter pain relievers. Massaging the foot and ankle, wearing customized orthotics, and exercising the foot are all ways that can be used to help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Stretching the foot keeps the blood circulating through the area, minimizing inflammation and helping to maintain flexibility.
Heel pain can be associated with bone spurs, bruising of the pads or soles of the feet, and wearing poorly fitting shoes that provide little support. Treatment options will vary depending on the cause of the pain. Stretching will help to keep the blood circulating through the foot while elevating it during rest will help to prevent inflammation.
Customized orthotics that provide ample support to all areas of the feet can help to reduce pain and inflammation as well. If the heel pain is associated with an ankle injury of some kind, wearing a brace or splint will offer ample support and help to protect the foot and ankle from further injury.
Sports related ankle injuries involve sprains, strains, fractures, and breaks. Because the foot bears the weight of the body during an athletic maneuver, it’s more vulnerable to injury. Twisting or landing on the foot while it’s in the wrong position can result in torn tendons, ligaments, and muscles affecting structures deep into the foot or upwards into the leg. Individuals who have injured their ankles or feet in the past are more susceptible to repeat injuries.
One of the most effective treatment recommendations for athletic or sports-related injuries is to use R.I.C.E. — rest, ice, compression, and elevation — to help reduce the swelling and inflammation and give the joint time to start the healing process.
Maintaining mild to moderate exercise is also beneficial. Because the ankle joint is vulnerable, wearing a brace or splint to help support the bones of the foot and the ankle itself will prevent straining or spraining the joint during the recovery time. Over-the-counter medications can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
At Nagy Footcare, our best day is the day you wake up with no foot pain! Call the staff of Nagy Footcare today to find out how a New Hampshire podiatrist can help you find a positive solution for your foot pain.
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PORTSMOUTH
875 Greenland Road
Unit C-4
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 964-6555
(603) 516-4411
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