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.