Conditions Treated
Achilles Tendon Tears
An Achilles tendon tear typically occurs from suddenly increasing the intensity of a sport activity, stepping onto an uneven surface or jumping and landing. Those who participate in “stop and start” activities such as basketball and tennis are more at risk. Tears are more prevalent in males and people between the ages of 30 and 40. Steroid use and taking certain antibiotics called fluoroquinolones can increase the risk of an Achilles rupture.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendon that can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort along the back of the leg near the heel. This condition typically results from repetitive stress on the tendon.
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Posterior tibial tendonitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the ankle and foot. It is caused by inflammation and tears of the posterior tibial tendon, a band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the bone on the inside of the foot. The pain occurs along the inside of the foot and ankle and worsens with activity. When the tendon becomes inflamed it may not be able to support the arch and cause flatfoot. When the arch collapses the pain will be on the outside of the ankle.
Adult Flatfoot
There are many conditions that can lead to adult-acquired flatfoot, a deformity characterized by arch collapse and an outward aiming of the foot. This condition tends to be progressive and can cause significant pain and foot malformation.
Bunions
A bunion is a common foot deformity that occurs most frequently in females. Those who wear high-heels and poorly fitting shoes that are too narrow, too small and/or too tight are at increased risk. A bunion develops at the base of the big toe and can cause pain and change of foot shape along with causing pain in shoes and the inability to walk well in normal shoe gear.
Cartilage Restoration
The large joints in the foot and ankle are separated by a covering of smooth white tissue called cartilage. This covering is what allows the bones to glide easily over each other making it easier to move and prolongs the longevity of the joint. When cartilage is damaged by normal wear and tear or injury, function is compromised by pain with movement.
Flexible Flat Feet
A common condition in children, flexible flat foot is characterized by absence of the foot arch while standing. When the child is off their feet, the arch reappears. Many children are born with flat feet and they will outgrow it as they get older. This condition always affects both feet and is usually not painful or activity altering.
Tendonitis / Tendon Contracture of the Foot
Flexor tendonitis is swelling of the tendon(s) that bends the toes. The tendons are smooth, thick ropes that allow the foot to move, bend and straighten. The tendons connect the muscles of the lower leg to the foot and toes and the muscles pull on the tendons to bend the toes and balance the foot on the ankle.
Foot Fractures / Malunions / Non-unions
A foot fracture, or break in the bone, can happen from numerous causes, including a fall, trauma, direct blow, overuse, or repetitive stress on the foot. The bones in the foot can break in different ways. There may be one fracture and the bone remains in alignment, or multiple breaks which can be unstable. Open fractures, when the bone breaks through the skin, carry the risk of infection.
Foot and Ankle Arthritis
The foot is a complex body part comprised of 28 bones that form over 30 joints to stabilize your foot and facilitate walking. A smooth covering of cartilage protects the bone surfaces and provides cushion as the joint moves freely. Arthritis is a condition characterized by cartilage deterioration and joint inflammation that leads to decreased joint spacing.
Foot and Ankle Pain
Foot and ankle pain can be caused by a variety of things, including injury, arthritis, wear and tear, and other conditions. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the pain.
Ganglion Cysts
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump or mass that develops from the tissues in a joint. This cyst typically forms on or near a joint or tendon in the palm of the hand or on the back of the wrist, but can occur at the base of a fingernail or on the base of a finger on the palm side of the hand. Sometimes a ganglion cyst can form on the outside of the ankle or on the top of the foot. It may be made of multiple small cysts or one large cyst.
Gout and Pseudogout
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by constantly high levels of uric acid in the blood that causes a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues. Accumulation of these crystals in the joint creates irritation and leads to attacks of painful swollen, red, hot and stiff joints. The big toe joint is affected in 50% of cases. Recurrent acute attacks are common. However, gout can affect any joint and can irritate tendons near the affected joint. These crystals can also form in the kidneys and cause kidney stones.
Pseudogout is also called calcium pyrophosphate deposition or CPPD. It is another type of inflammatory arthritis that produces sudden, severe attacks of joint pain and inflammation which limits mobility for days or weeks. It is caused by deposits of calcium phosphate crystals in the cartilage of a joint and damage to the cartilage.
Hammer Toes
A hammer toe is a deformity in which the middle joint of a toe becomes bent causing the toe to curl under. Corns and calluses may be present on the top of the joint or tip of the toe due to pressure caused by the bent toe. Toe pain can develop and wearing shoes may be uncomfortable as it rubs the skin over the deformity.
Numbness and Tingling (Tarsal Tunnel)
Numbness and tingling are signs of a problem affecting the sensory pathways between the brain, the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system. Called paresthesia, numbness and tingling are potentially dangerous symptoms of nerve compression, a condition that if left to persist can cause permanent damage to the nerves. Numbness is often the first symptom of nerve injury. Severe injuries such as a fracture can present as numbness and mask the underlying pain.
Heel Pain
Heel pain is a very common symptom that occurs from overuse of or too much stress on the heel. Poor fitting shoes, sudden increase in activity, prolonged standing, being overweight and tight calf muscles can cause heel pain. In most cases, a sore heel can be treated with rest and modification of factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Your doctor will discuss symptoms and examine the foot. X-rays are often ordered to look for any bone abnormality in the foot or heel.
Neuroma
A neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. The tissue surrounding a nerve leading to the toe becomes thickened and swollen and can often feel like you are “standing on a marble.” Neuromas are much more common in women than men, and typically develop from irritation, excessive stress, or a trauma to the foot. Burning pain, toe numbness and tingling, and a feeling of fullness under the forefoot can occur.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease of the joints. OA is the most common type of arthritis, the most common joint disorder in America, and the leading cause of disability. It is often referred to as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis because it frequently affects the hands, hips and knees; however, it can affect any joint in the body including the neck, low back and big toe. OA negatively impacts quality of life both physically and mentally.
Osteoarthritis used to be considered the wearing out of the joints with age. However, today we know this is a joint disease.
The above conditions are some of the most common conditions treated. We offer skilled care for numerous other related medical conditions. Call 618-943-8500 to schedule your appointment.
An Achilles tendon tear typically occurs from suddenly increasing the intensity of a sport activity, stepping onto an uneven surface or jumping and landing. Those who participate in “stop and start” activities such as basketball and tennis are more at risk. Tears are more prevalent in males and people between the ages of 30 and 40. Steroid use and taking certain antibiotics called fluoroquinolones can increase the risk of an Achilles rupture.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendon that can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort along the back of the leg near the heel. This condition typically results from repetitive stress on the tendon.
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Posterior tibial tendonitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the ankle and foot. It is caused by inflammation and tears of the posterior tibial tendon, a band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the bone on the inside of the foot. The pain occurs along the inside of the foot and ankle and worsens with activity. When the tendon becomes inflamed it may not be able to support the arch and cause flatfoot. When the arch collapses the pain will be on the outside of the ankle.
Adult Flatfoot
There are many conditions that can lead to adult-acquired flatfoot, a deformity characterized by arch collapse and an outward aiming of the foot. This condition tends to be progressive and can cause significant pain and foot malformation.
Bunions
A bunion is a common foot deformity that occurs most frequently in females. Those who wear high-heels and poorly fitting shoes that are too narrow, too small and/or too tight are at increased risk. A bunion develops at the base of the big toe and can cause pain and change of foot shape along with causing pain in shoes and the inability to walk well in normal shoe gear.
Cartilage Restoration
The large joints in the foot and ankle are separated by a covering of smooth white tissue called cartilage. This covering is what allows the bones to glide easily over each other making it easier to move and prolongs the longevity of the joint. When cartilage is damaged by normal wear and tear or injury, function is compromised by pain with movement.
Flexible Flat Feet
A common condition in children, flexible flat foot is characterized by absence of the foot arch while standing. When the child is off their feet, the arch reappears. Many children are born with flat feet and they will outgrow it as they get older. This condition always affects both feet and is usually not painful or activity altering.
Tendonitis / Tendon Contracture of the Foot
Flexor tendonitis is swelling of the tendon(s) that bends the toes. The tendons are smooth, thick ropes that allow the foot to move, bend and straighten. The tendons connect the muscles of the lower leg to the foot and toes and the muscles pull on the tendons to bend the toes and balance the foot on the ankle.
Foot Fractures / Malunions / Non-unions
A foot fracture, or break in the bone, can happen from numerous causes, including a fall, trauma, direct blow, overuse, or repetitive stress on the foot. The bones in the foot can break in different ways. There may be one fracture and the bone remains in alignment, or multiple breaks which can be unstable. Open fractures, when the bone breaks through the skin, carry the risk of infection.
Foot and Ankle Arthritis
The foot is a complex body part comprised of 28 bones that form over 30 joints to stabilize your foot and facilitate walking. A smooth covering of cartilage protects the bone surfaces and provides cushion as the joint moves freely. Arthritis is a condition characterized by cartilage deterioration and joint inflammation that leads to decreased joint spacing.
Foot and Ankle Pain
Foot and ankle pain can be caused by a variety of things, including injury, arthritis, wear and tear, and other conditions. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the pain.
Ganglion Cysts
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump or mass that develops from the tissues in a joint. This cyst typically forms on or near a joint or tendon in the palm of the hand or on the back of the wrist, but can occur at the base of a fingernail or on the base of a finger on the palm side of the hand. Sometimes a ganglion cyst can form on the outside of the ankle or on the top of the foot. It may be made of multiple small cysts or one large cyst.
Gout and Pseudogout
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by constantly high levels of uric acid in the blood that causes a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues. Accumulation of these crystals in the joint creates irritation and leads to attacks of painful swollen, red, hot and stiff joints. The big toe joint is affected in 50% of cases. Recurrent acute attacks are common. However, gout can affect any joint and can irritate tendons near the affected joint. These crystals can also form in the kidneys and cause kidney stones.
Pseudogout is also called calcium pyrophosphate deposition or CPPD. It is another type of inflammatory arthritis that produces sudden, severe attacks of joint pain and inflammation which limits mobility for days or weeks. It is caused by deposits of calcium phosphate crystals in the cartilage of a joint and damage to the cartilage.
Hammer Toes
A hammer toe is a deformity in which the middle joint of a toe becomes bent causing the toe to curl under. Corns and calluses may be present on the top of the joint or tip of the toe due to pressure caused by the bent toe. Toe pain can develop and wearing shoes may be uncomfortable as it rubs the skin over the deformity.
Numbness and Tingling (Tarsal Tunnel)
Numbness and tingling are signs of a problem affecting the sensory pathways between the brain, the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system. Called paresthesia, numbness and tingling are potentially dangerous symptoms of nerve compression, a condition that if left to persist can cause permanent damage to the nerves. Numbness is often the first symptom of nerve injury. Severe injuries such as a fracture can present as numbness and mask the underlying pain.
Heel Pain
Heel pain is a very common symptom that occurs from overuse of or too much stress on the heel. Poor fitting shoes, sudden increase in activity, prolonged standing, being overweight and tight calf muscles can cause heel pain. In most cases, a sore heel can be treated with rest and modification of factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Your doctor will discuss symptoms and examine the foot. X-rays are often ordered to look for any bone abnormality in the foot or heel.
Neuroma
A neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. The tissue surrounding a nerve leading to the toe becomes thickened and swollen and can often feel like you are “standing on a marble.” Neuromas are much more common in women than men, and typically develop from irritation, excessive stress, or a trauma to the foot. Burning pain, toe numbness and tingling, and a feeling of fullness under the forefoot can occur.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease of the joints. OA is the most common type of arthritis, the most common joint disorder in America, and the leading cause of disability. It is often referred to as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis because it frequently affects the hands, hips and knees; however, it can affect any joint in the body including the neck, low back and big toe. OA negatively impacts quality of life both physically and mentally.
Osteoarthritis used to be considered the wearing out of the joints with age. However, today we know this is a joint disease.
The above conditions are some of the most common conditions treated. We offer skilled care for numerous other related medical conditions. Call 618-943-8500 to schedule your appointment.
