tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45856507213030189282024-03-05T00:44:52.527-08:00Steven A. Rothstein DPM // Podiatrist // Foot Doctor // Manchester, NHWe believe in a gentle approach to your foot care needs.
We will listen to your questions and concerns.
New patients welcome.
384 Wilson Street
Manchester, NH 03104
(603)641-TOES-8637
Most insurances accepted.SARhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054222893167351977noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585650721303018928.post-27432649140042570582018-12-20T12:26:00.000-08:002018-12-20T12:26:03.589-08:00Metatarsalgia<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Metatarsalgia<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Metatarsalgia is
an overuse injury with resultant pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot.
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The primary
symptom is pain around the heads of the metatarsals sometimes described as the
ball of the foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can include
burning and shooting sensations, numbness and tingling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The pain can be
aggravated with activities including walking, the high impact from running as
well as other activities including soccer, baseball, tennis, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Other
contributing factors can be:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">a) Wearing high
heel shoes, shoes with a narrow and tapered toe box.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">b) As we age, the
fat padding under the metatarsal heads diminishes <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>allowing more pressure and thus
inflammation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">c) Hammertoe
deformities which raise the base of the proximal phalanx higher on the
metatarsal head and pushing it harder into the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">d) Pronation, a
high arched foot and an abnormal parabola of the length of
the metatarsal bones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">e) Obesity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">f) Arthritic
joint changes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The first step in
treating metatarsalgia is to determine the cause of the pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">If improper
fitting footwear is the cause of the pain, modifications can relieve it. Shoes
with a high/deep, wide/round/squared toe box relieve pressure in this area. A
more supportive shoe can help to support the foot better and disperse pressure.
No barefoot/slipper/stocking walking when on your feet in the house for
prolonged periods.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Other modalities
may include shoe padding, rocker bottom soles and orthotics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">If no other more
serious issues are involved, general care including elevation and icing of the
area may help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />SARhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054222893167351977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585650721303018928.post-26434288147357414632017-05-29T11:43:00.000-07:002017-05-29T11:43:05.660-07:00Diabetic Foot Care<br />Diabetic Foot Care<br /><br />
Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. This damage can cause numbness and reduce feeling in your feet. As a result, your feet may not heal well if they are injured. If you get a blister, you may not notice and it may get worse.<br /><br />Check your feet every day. Inspect the tops, sides, soles, heels, and between your toes. Look for:<br /><br /> Dry and cracked skin<br /> Blisters or sores<br /> Bruises or cuts<br /> Redness, warmth, or tenderness<br /> Firm or hard spots<br /><br />If you cannot see well, ask someone else to check your feet.<br /><br />Call your health care provider right way about any foot problems you have. DO NOT try to treat these problems yourself. Even small sores or blisters can become big problems if infection develops or they DO NOT heal. Foot ulcers are a common reason for hospital stays for people with diabetes.<br /><br />Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Strong soaps may damage the skin.<br /><br /> Check the temperature of the water with your hand or elbow first.<br /> Gently dry your feet, especially between the toes.<br /> Use lotion, petroleum jelly, lanolin, or oil on dry skin. DO NOT put lotion, oil, or cream between your toes.<br /> Your foot doctor (podiatrist) can trim your toenails if you are unable to.<br /><br /> Most people with diabetes should have corns or calluses treated by a foot doctor.<br /><br />DO NOT use medicated pads or try to shave or cut corns and calluses away at home.<br /><br />If you smoke, stop. Smoking decreases blood flow to your feet. Talk to your provider or nurse if you need help quitting.<br /><br />DO NOT use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your feet. DO NOT walk barefoot, especially on hot pavement or hot, sandy beaches.<br />Shoes and Socks<br /><br />Wear shoes at all times to protect your feet from injury. Before you put them on, always check the inside of your shoes for stones, nails, or rough areas that may hurt your feet.<br /><br />Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit well when you buy them. Never buy shoes that are tight, not even if you think they will stretch as you wear them. You may not feel pressure from shoes that DO NOT fit well. Blisters and sores can develop when your foot presses against your shoe.<br /><br />To protect your feet, wear clean, dry socks or non-binding panty hose every day. Holes in socks or stockings can put damaging pressure on your toes.<br /><br />You may want special socks with extra padding. Socks that move moisture away from your feet will keep your feet drier. In cold weather, wear warm socks, and DO NOT stay out in the cold for very long. Wear clean, dry socks to bed if your feet are cold.<br />When to Call the Doctor<br /><br />Call your provider if you have any of the following changes to any part of your foot:<br /><br /> Redness, increased warmth, or swelling<br /> Sores or cracks<br /> Tingling or burning feeling<br /> Pain<br /><br />SARhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054222893167351977noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585650721303018928.post-62663924326768726312016-02-24T03:12:00.000-08:002016-02-24T03:12:26.304-08:00Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis is one of the most common
causes of heel pain. It involves pain and inflammation of a thick band
of tissue, called the plantar fascia, that runs across the bottom of
your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.<br />
Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs
with your very first steps in the morning. Once your foot limbers up,
the pain of plantar fasciitis normally decreases, but it may return
after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated
position.<br />
Plantar fasciitis is particularly common in runners. In addition,
people who are overweight and those who wear shoes with inadequate
support are at risk of plantar fasciitis.<br />
Plantar fasciitis typically causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your
foot near the heel. The pain is usually worst with the first few steps
after awakening, although it can also be triggered by long periods of
standing or getting up from a seated position.<br />
Under normal circumstances, your plantar fascia acts like a
shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch in your foot. If tension
on that bowstring becomes too great, it can create small tears in the
fascia. Repetitive stretching and tearing can cause the fascia to become
irritated or inflamed.<br />
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Factors that may increase your risk of developing plantar fasciitis include:<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Age.</strong> Plantar fasciitis is most common between the ages of 40 and 60.</li>
<li><strong>Certain types of exercise.</strong> Activities that
place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — such as
long-distance running, ballet dancing and dance aerobics — can
contribute to an earlier onset of plantar fasciitis.</li>
<li><strong>Faulty foot mechanics.</strong> Being flat-footed,
having a high arch or even having an abnormal pattern of walking can
adversely affect the way weight is distributed when you're standing and
put added stress on the plantar fascia.</li>
<li><strong>Obesity.</strong> Excess pounds put extra stress on your plantar fascia.</li>
<li><strong>Occupations that keep you on your feet.</strong> Factory
workers, teachers and others who spend most of their work hours walking
or standing on hard surfaces can damage their plantar fascia.</li>
<li> Ignoring plantar fasciitis may result in chronic heel pain that hinders
your regular activities. If you change the way you walk to minimize
plantar fasciitis pain, you might also develop foot, knee, hip or back
problems.</li>
</ul>
SARhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054222893167351977noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585650721303018928.post-32805104195970572602015-01-24T12:16:00.002-08:002015-01-24T12:18:32.861-08:00Neuromas<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Neuromas<br />
A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a “pinched nerve”
or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently
found between the third and fourth toes. It brings on pain, a burning
sensation, tingling, or numbness<br /> between the toes and in the ball of the foot.<br /> The principal symptom associated with a neuroma is pain between the toes while walking. Those suffering<span class="text_exposed_show">
from the condition often find relief by stopping their walk, taking off
their shoe, and rubbing the affected area. At times, the<br /> patient
will describe the pain as similar to having a stone in his or her shoe.
The vast majority of people who develop neuromas are women.<br /> Although the exact cause for this condition is unclear, a number of factors can contribute to the formation of a neuroma:<br />
Biomechanical deformities, such as a high-arched foot or a flat foot,
can lead to the formation of a neuroma. These foot types bring on
instability around the toe joints, leading to the development of the
condition.<br /> Trauma can cause damage to the nerve, resulting in inflammation or swelling of the nerve.<br /> Improper footwear that causes the toes to be squeezed together is problematic.<br /> Avoid high-heeled shoes higher than two inches. Shoes at this height can increase pressure on the forefoot area.<br /> Repeated stress, common to many occupations, can create or aggravate a neuroma.<br /> The symptoms of a neuroma include the following:<br /> Pain in the forefoot and between the toes<br /> Tingling and numbness in the ball of the foot<br /> Swelling between the toes<br /> Pain in the ball of the foot when weight is placed on it</span></span>SARhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054222893167351977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585650721303018928.post-4633267130343839802015-01-24T12:15:00.001-08:002015-01-24T12:15:51.157-08:00Bunions<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Bunions<br />
A bunion is a “bump” on the joint at the base of the big toe—the
metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint—that forms when the bone or tissue at
the big toe joint moves out of place. The toe is forced to bend toward
the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot. Because
this joint carries a lot of the body's weight while walking, bunions can
cause extreme pain if left untreated. The <span class="text_exposed_show">MTP
joint itself may become stiff and sore, making even the wearing of
shoes difficult or impossible. A bunion—from the Latin "bunio," meaning
enlargement—can also occur on the outside of the foot along the little
toe, where it is called a "bunionette" or "tailor's bunion".<br /> Bunions
form when the normal balance of forces that is exerted on the joints
and tendons of the foot becomes disrupted. This disruption can lead to
instability in the joint and cause the deformity. Bunions are brought
about by years of abnormal motion and pressure over the MTP joint. They
are, therefore, a symptom of faulty foot development and are usually
caused by the way we walk and our inherited foot type or our shoes.<br />
Although bunions tend to run in families, it is the foot type that is
passed down—not the bunion. Parents who suffer from poor foot mechanics
can pass their problematic foot type on to their children, who in turn
are prone to developing bunions. The abnormal functioning caused by this
faulty foot development can lead to pressure being exerted on and
within the foot, often resulting in bone and joint deformities such as
bunions and hammertoes.<br /> Other causes of bunions are foot injuries,
neuromuscular disorders, or congenital deformities. People who suffer
from flat feet or low arches are also prone to developing these
problems, as are arthritic patients and those with inflammatory joint
disease. Occupations that place undue stress on the feet are also a
factor; ballet dancers, for instance, often develop the condition.<br />
Wearing shoes that are too tight or cause the toes to be squeezed
together is also a common factor, one that explains the high prevalence
of the disorder among women.<br /> The symptoms of a bunion include the following:<br /> Development of a firm bump on the outside edge of the foot, at the base of the big toe<br /> Redness, swelling, or pain at or near the MTP joint<br /> Corns or other irritations caused by the overlap of the first and second toes<br /> Restricted or painful motion of the big toe</span></span>SARhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054222893167351977noreply@blogger.com2