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Middlefield (860) 349-8500
Wallingford (203) 294-4977

September 2021

Tuesday, 28 September 2021 00:00

Making Sense of Pinky Toe Pain

Discovering the cause of pinky toe pain can be challenging. Its strategic placement on the outside of the foot helps the pinky toe work in tandem with the heel and big toe to balance the body during movement. However, this very location and its petite size make the pinky toe more susceptible to injury. For instance, stubbing, or dropping something heavy on it can cause one or more of its three bones to break. Stress, or hairline, fractures may also occur from repeated motions and activities such as running and jumping. One of its bones may separate from the others, causing dislocation (complete separation), or subluxation (partial separation). If ligaments become damaged, this can result in a sprain. Other conditions that may cause pinky toe pain include tailor’s bunions (a bunionette that forms on the outside of the pinky toe), or deformities such as hammer toe, claw toe, or overlapping pinky toe. Any chronic pain, swelling, or malformation in your pinky toe should be diagnosed by a podiatrist, followed by an appropriate course of treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bone Spurs
  • Corns
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
  • Flat Feet
  • Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
  • And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This 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

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Read more about Foot Pain
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 21 September 2021 00:00

What Is Cold Treatment?

Cold treatment is a simple and useful way to treat foot and ankle injuries by applying ice to the affected area. Ice helps with injuries by cooling down the affected soft tissues, making blood vessels constrict and reducing blood flow and bleeding in the area. Reducing blood flow to the injured area also reduces swelling, and therefore pain and inflammation. The ice that you use should never be placed directly on your skin, as this could cause an ice burn. Instead, wrap the ice in a towel before putting it on the injury. You should ice an injury for approximately 10-15 minutes, then wait at least two hours before applying ice again. If you have certain medical conditions, such as a loss of sensation in your feet, high blood pressure, heart problems, open wounds, or Raynaud’s disease, you should not use cold treatment without a doctor’s approval. To learn more about the benefits of cold treatment for foot and ankle injuries, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Achilles Tendon Rupture
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Broken Foot
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Stress Fractures
  • Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Read more about Sports Related Foot And Ankle Injuries
Published in Blog
Friday, 17 September 2021 00:00

Are You Suffering From Ingrown Toenails?

If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!

Published in Blog
Tuesday, 14 September 2021 00:00

Are Bunions Noticeable?

It is generally easy to notice a bunion when it has developed on your foot. A bunion is a bump that forms on the side of the big toe that can make wearing shoes difficult for the majority of the day. A common reason why bunions can form is from wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in.  Additionally, they may form from genetic reasons. If the bunion grows, it can change the shape of the foot, and larger shoes may need to be purchased. Ballet dancers are often at risk of developing bunions because of the constant stress the feet endure while practicing specific poses. Pregnancy can lead to the formation of bunions, which may come from hormonal changes that can affect the feet. Mild relief may be found when a protective pad is worn over the bunion, and this can be helpful in protecting it against friction that can come from wearing shoes. If you notice a bump has formed on your foot, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can perform a proper diagnosis and offer you correct treatment methods.

If you are suffering from bunion pain, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

Bunions are painful bony bumps that usually develop on the inside of the foot at the joint of the big toe. As the deformity increases over time, it may become painful to walk and wear shoes. Women are more likely to exacerbate existing bunions since they often wear tight, narrow shoes that shift their toes together. Bunion pain can be relieved by wearing wider shoes with enough room for the toes.

Causes

  • Genetics – some people inherit feet that are more prone to bunion development
  • Inflammatory Conditions - rheumatoid arthritis and polio may cause bunion development

Symptoms

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Pain and tenderness
  • Callus or corns on the bump
  • Restricted motion in the big toe

In order to diagnose your bunion, your podiatrist may ask about your medical history, symptoms, and general health. Your doctor might also order an x-ray to take a closer look at your feet. Nonsurgical treatment options include orthotics, padding, icing, changes in footwear, and medication. If nonsurgical treatments don’t alleviate your bunion pain, surgery may be necessary.

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

Read more about What Are Bunions?
Published in Blog
Tuesday, 07 September 2021 00:00

Ankle Fracture ORIF

An ankle fracture open reduction or internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgical procedure that can be used to fix a severe ankle fracture. Done while under anesthesia, open reduction means that any displaced bones will be put back into proper alignment. Internal fixation means that hardware such as wires, screws, pins, or plates, will be used to hold the bones in place as they heal. Following the surgery, a cast or splint will likely need to be worn on the injured leg. This prevents movement and allows the broken bones to heal properly. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to manage pain or prevent infection. To learn more about this and other treatment options for broken ankles, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick from Affiliated Foot Care 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 offices located in Middlefield and Wallingford, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about All About Broken Ankle
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