What is Sesamoiditis?

Most bones in the human body are connected to each other at joints. However, there are a few bones that are not connected to any other bone. Instead, they are connected only to tendons or are embedded in muscle. These are sesamoids and they act as pulleys in different parts of the body. Sesamoiditis is a painful inflammation of the sesamoid apparatus, which is located in the forefoot. If you are experiencing difficulty and pain in bending and straightening your big toe, our doctors at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center can help.

Sesamoiditis is fairly common in physically active young folks and it can typically be distinguished from other conditions that cause pain in the forefoot by its gradual onset. The foot pain usually begins as a mild ache and increases gradually if the aggravating activity is continued. For this condition, noninvasive treatment is always the first choice. Minor cases require a strict period of rest and the use of a modified shoe or a shoe pad to reduce pressure on the affected area. In addition, the big toe may be bound with tape or athletic strapping to immobilize the joint as much as possible and allow healing to occur.

If these symptoms sound all too familiar to you, please give us a call. To learn about sesamoiditis and other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773. 

Types of Foot Injuries

With each step we take, we place our entire body weight onto our feet. This fact alone makes them prone to injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures. Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in the care and treatment of the lower extremities. Therefore, if you’ve injured your foot or ankle, visit us at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center as soon as possible following the injury.

Many fractures and sprains occur during sports, but since winter is upon us, it’s important to take extra caution while shoveling or walking outside. Tripping or stumbling on uneven ground is a common cause of foot and ankle sprains and fractures. Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking on the on the affected foot or ankle are the most common symptoms of a sprained or fractured foot or ankle. Increased difficulties of these symptoms are definite signs that it’s time to see a podiatrist.

If you have recently suffered a foot injury, give us a call immediately. To learn about foot injuries and other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Treatment for Tailor’s Bunion

Bunions are abnormal bone formations that are prevalent on the foot and tailor’s bunions are a variation of the traditional bunion. Tailor’s bunion, also called a bunionette, is a prominence of the fifth metatarsal bone at the base of the little toe. The prominence that characterizes a tailor’s bunion occurs at the metatarsal “head,” located at the far end of the bone where it meets the toe. Uncomfortable and inappropriate footwear are usually the culprits when it comes to aggravating and worsening these bunions, but luckily our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center can help.

Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of tailor’s bunion are usually aggravated by wearing shoes that are too narrow in the toe, producing constant rubbing and pressure. At Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, treatment of tailor’s Bunions is fairly simple. Just by using padding and wearing a wider, softer shoe can help the problem. Also, shoes can be spot stretched to make the area of the shoe a bit wider next to wear the tailor’s bunion lies. Another treatment option requires applying Vaseline along with special wrapping which may be worn for a set amount of time.

To learn about tailor's bunion and other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Heel Pain: Causes and Treatment

Heel pain is generally the result of walking abnormalities that place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. Heel pain is an extremely common and potentially disruptive affliction that has many possible causes, including stress fractures, arthritis, nerve irritation, cysts, tendonitis and most often, plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, no matter what is causing your heel pain, our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center can treat it.

Heel pain is not usually caused by a single injury, such as a twist or a fall, but rather the result of repetitive stress and pounding of the heel. Your feet can handle a heavy load, but too much stress pushes them over their limits. Heel pain is frequently triggered by wearing flat-footwear because this type of footwear can stretch the plantar fascia to such an extent that the area becomes swollen (inflamed). When you continue to walk on a sore heel, it will only get worse and could become a chronic condition leading to more problems. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but methods may include resting from the activities that caused the problem, doing stretch exercises, using pain medication and wearing open-back shoes.

To learn about heel pain and other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot – also called tinea pedis – is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet and can spread to the toenails and sometimes the hands. How you treat athlete’s foot depends on the type and its severity and at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center we offer a variety of nonprescription as well as prescription methods.

Athlete’s foot often appears as an itchy red rash, typically beginning between the fourth and fifth toe. Anyone can get athlete’s foot, but certain behaviors increase your risk. Visiting public places barefoot, especially locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools are one of these factors. In addition, wearing tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes and keeping your feet wet for long periods of time are also factors that increase your risk of getting the infection. If left untreated, the skin may become highly sensitive to the touch. It is important to treat Athlete’s foot at the first sign of infection as the body may become vulnerable to other bacterial infections as large cracks occur in the skin.

If you suffer from itchy feet and suspect it may be Athlete’s foot, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about Athlete’s Foot as well as other conditions we treat, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

What is a Ganglion?

 

Ganglions are small sacs (cysts) filled with fluid that develop on top of a joint, ligament or tendon. Typically located on the ankle or top of the foot, ganglions usually grow slowly but can cause severe irritation when the size becomes too large. The symptoms of this condition range from tingling and numbness to pain. Once diagnosed by our staff at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, ganglion treatment will be discussed from there. 

A physical examination is often all that is needed to diagnose a ganglion. The cause of ganglion cysts is unknown; however, they may be linked to inflammation or irritation of the tendon sheath or joint capsule, an injury, overuse or repetitive motions, or arthritis. Ganglions are usually small, painless bumps and do not cause other symptoms. Sometimes the bump can be tender to the touch, or there can be pain that gets worse with activity or pressure. If the ganglion puts pressure on nearby nerves, you may experience a tingling sensation. 

If you have questions ganglions, give us a call. To learn more about ganglions, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Ganglions are small sacs (cysts) filled with fluid that develop on top of a joint, ligament or tendon. Typically located on the ankle or top of the foot, ganglions usually grow slowly but can cause severe irritation when the size becomes too large. The symptoms of this condition range from tingling and numbness to pain. Once diagnosed by our staff at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center, ganglion treatment will be discussed from there.

A physical examination is often all that is needed to diagnose a ganglion. The cause of ganglion cysts is unknown; however, they may be linked to inflammation or irritation of the tendon sheath or joint capsule, an injury, overuse or repetitive motions, or arthritis. Ganglions are usually small, painless bumps and do not cause other symptoms. Sometimes the bump can be tender to the touch, or there can be pain that gets worse with activity or pressure. If the ganglion puts pressure on nearby nerves, you may experience a tingling sensation.

If you have questions ganglions, give us a call. To learn more about ganglions, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

 

Diabetic Foot Care

If you have diabetes it is important to inspect your feet every day and seek care early if you get a foot injury. As a person with diabetes, you are more vulnerable to foot problems, because diabetes can damage your nerves and reduce blood flow to your feet. If you suffer from diabetes, it is crucial that you contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your feet for a lifetime.

By taking proper care of your feet, most serious health problems associated with diabetes can be prevented. Here are some diabetic foot care tips to follow.

• Wash and dry your feet daily using mild soaps and warm water. Once patting your skin dry, apply lotion on your feet to prevent cracking.


• Examine your feet each day by checking for dry, cracked skin, blisters, scratches and other sores that appear out of the ordinary.


• Take care of your toenails by cutting them after bathing, when they are soft. Avoid cutting into the corners of toes and cut toenails straight across and smooth with a nail file.


• Protect your feet with shoes and socks.

If you have questions about diabetic foot care, give us a call. To learn more about diabetic foot care, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

Do You Suffer From Flat Feet?

Most people have a gap under the arch of their foot when they are in a standing position. The arch, the inner part of the foot is slightly raised off the ground. People with flat feet or fallen arches either have no arch or it is very low. Flatfoot is often a complex disorder, with diverse symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. If you experience symptoms with flatfoot, at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center non-surgical treatment options are always explored first.

A significant number of people with flat feet experience no pain and have no problems. Some, however, may experience pain in their feet, especially when connecting ligaments and muscles are strained. The leg joints may also be affected, resulting in pain. If the ankles turn inwards because of flat feet the most likely affected areas will be the feet, ankles, and knees. Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the condition. A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, including the doctor may detect.

If you have pain in your feet, give us a call so we can diagnose your condition and discuss your treatment options. To learn more about flat feet, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.

What Is Hammertoe?

Hammertoe is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toes. In this condition, the toe is bent at the middle joint so that it resembles a hammer. Hammer toe results from shoes that don’t fit properly or a muscle imbalance, usually in combination with one or more factors. If your feet often hurt and you believe hammertoe is a result, our staff at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center are here to help.

Some symptoms of hammertoe include:

• Pain or irritation of the affected toe when wearing shoes.


• Corns and calluses on the toe, between two toes, or on the ball of the foot.


• Inflammation, redness, or a burning sensation.


• Contracture of the toe.


• In more severe cases of hammertoe, open sores may form.
  
  

Although hammertoes are readily apparent, to arrive at a diagnosis our doctors will obtain a thorough history of your symptoms and examine your foot. Hammertoes are progressive and usually will get worse over time; however, not all cases are alike. There is a variety of treatment options for hammertoe. The treatment our doctors select will depend upon the severity of your hammertoe and other factors.

If you relate to any of these hammertoe symptoms, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about hammertoe, visit www.myhappyfoot.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists at Cumberland Foot and Ankle Center in Somerset, KY, call 606-679-2773.