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Bunion: (Hallux Abducto Valgus):
A bunion is a deformity of the great toe joint. It is generally noticed as a bump that does not fit well in shoes or
causes pain in the joint. Bunions are caused when the bones move. The metatarsal moves in and the toe
moves out. Bunions can also begin very early in children because the problem is often hereditary.
The bunion deformity often gets worse over time and may become more severe with poorly fitting shoes.
Treating the symptoms of bunions often includes therapeutic shoes and orthotics as well as padding the
irritated area. The deformity does not usually improve, but the symptoms may be limited.
Fixing the structural deformity requires surgery by a foot and ankle specialist. The type of surgery depends
on the severity of the deformity, patient’s expectations and ability to comply with post-operative instructions,
and patient’s health.
A bunion is a deformity of the great toe joint. It is generally noticed as a bump that does not fit well in shoes or
causes pain in the joint. Bunions are caused when the bones move. The metatarsal moves in and the toe
moves out. Bunions can also begin very early in children because the problem is often hereditary.
The bunion deformity often gets worse over time and may become more severe with poorly fitting shoes.
Treating the symptoms of bunions often includes therapeutic shoes and orthotics as well as padding the
irritated area. The deformity does not usually improve, but the symptoms may be limited.
Fixing the structural deformity requires surgery by a foot and ankle specialist. The type of surgery depends
on the severity of the deformity, patient’s expectations and ability to comply with post-operative instructions,
and patient’s health.
Hammertoes: (Contracted toe):
A hammertoe deformity usually causes pain because the base of the toe points upward and the end of the toe
points down. The knuckle or the end of the toe rubs on the shoe and causes a painful callus. In immune-
compromised (i.e. diabetes) patient’s, such a callus can form into an open wound (ulcer). The contracted
joints can also become stiff and painful. The toe may become dislocated and rub into other toes.
Treatment of the symptoms usually begins with high toe-box or diabetic shoes, debridement of calluses and
padding. If symptoms do not respond to conservative remedies, surgery may be recommended to straighten
the toe and excise the callus. The most common surgical procedure is arthroplasty (removal of a small
section of the bone from the affected joint).
A hammertoe deformity usually causes pain because the base of the toe points upward and the end of the toe
points down. The knuckle or the end of the toe rubs on the shoe and causes a painful callus. In immune-
compromised (i.e. diabetes) patient’s, such a callus can form into an open wound (ulcer). The contracted
joints can also become stiff and painful. The toe may become dislocated and rub into other toes.
Treatment of the symptoms usually begins with high toe-box or diabetic shoes, debridement of calluses and
padding. If symptoms do not respond to conservative remedies, surgery may be recommended to straighten
the toe and excise the callus. The most common surgical procedure is arthroplasty (removal of a small
section of the bone from the affected joint).
Foot and Ankle Trauma:
While foot and ankle trauma is not life-threatening, it does have the potential to be life-altering. A fracture of
the foot or ankle that heals in a deformed position can cause problems that include swelling, pain, inability to
bear weight, inability to wear shoes, or to work.
Fractures need to be quickly evaluated for possible surgical repair versus other methods such as casting.
Radiographs and other testing modalities may be used to identify the extent of injury. With today’s
technological advances, serious injuries can be salvaged with quick intervention with realignment and
fixation with combination of pins, screws plates or external frames.
While foot and ankle trauma is not life-threatening, it does have the potential to be life-altering. A fracture of
the foot or ankle that heals in a deformed position can cause problems that include swelling, pain, inability to
bear weight, inability to wear shoes, or to work.
Fractures need to be quickly evaluated for possible surgical repair versus other methods such as casting.
Radiographs and other testing modalities may be used to identify the extent of injury. With today’s
technological advances, serious injuries can be salvaged with quick intervention with realignment and
fixation with combination of pins, screws plates or external frames.
Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis:
The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis (pronounced PLAN-tar
fashee-EYE-tiss) is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. "Plantar" means the bottom of the foot; "fascia" is a
type of connective tissue, and "itis" means "inflammation". Heel spurs are soft, bendable deposits of calcium
that are the result of tension and inflammation in the plantar fascia attachment to the heel. Heel spurs do not
cause pain. They are only evidence (not proof) that a patient may have plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia
encapsulates muscles in the sole of the foot. It supports the arch of the foot by acting as a bowstring to
connect the ball of the foot to the heel. When walking and at the moment the heel of the trailing leg begins to
lift off the ground, the plantar fascia endures tension that is approximately two times body weight. This
moment of maximum tension is increased and "sharpened" (it increases suddenly) if there is lack of flexibility
in the calf muscles. A percentage increase in body weight causes the same percentage increase in tension in
the fascia. Due to the repetitive nature of walking, plantar fasciitis may be a repetitive stress disorder similar to
tennis elbow. Both conditions benefit greatly from rest, ice, and stretching. Surgery is a last resort because
90% get relief with conservative treatment. Causes of heel pain include inadequate flexibility in the calf
muscles, lack of arch support, being overweight, suddenly increasing activity, and spending too much time
on the feet.
Dr. Kaplansky, when diagnosing and treating this condition will need an x-ray and sometimes a gait analysis
to ascertain the exact cause of this condition. Arch supports, or better yet, custom orthotics are the number
one treatment modality for this condition. Physical therapy is another modality that physicians use in the
treatment of this condition. Ice packs, muscle stimulants, ultra sound, theraband, cortisone injections and the
night splints are also helpful.
If all these conservative measures fail to relieve the pain, then surgery is indicated. The newer minimal
incision surgeries such as the Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy surgery are extremely beneficial for this
condition.
The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis (pronounced PLAN-tar
fashee-EYE-tiss) is an inflammation of the plantar fascia. "Plantar" means the bottom of the foot; "fascia" is a
type of connective tissue, and "itis" means "inflammation". Heel spurs are soft, bendable deposits of calcium
that are the result of tension and inflammation in the plantar fascia attachment to the heel. Heel spurs do not
cause pain. They are only evidence (not proof) that a patient may have plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia
encapsulates muscles in the sole of the foot. It supports the arch of the foot by acting as a bowstring to
connect the ball of the foot to the heel. When walking and at the moment the heel of the trailing leg begins to
lift off the ground, the plantar fascia endures tension that is approximately two times body weight. This
moment of maximum tension is increased and "sharpened" (it increases suddenly) if there is lack of flexibility
in the calf muscles. A percentage increase in body weight causes the same percentage increase in tension in
the fascia. Due to the repetitive nature of walking, plantar fasciitis may be a repetitive stress disorder similar to
tennis elbow. Both conditions benefit greatly from rest, ice, and stretching. Surgery is a last resort because
90% get relief with conservative treatment. Causes of heel pain include inadequate flexibility in the calf
muscles, lack of arch support, being overweight, suddenly increasing activity, and spending too much time
on the feet.
Dr. Kaplansky, when diagnosing and treating this condition will need an x-ray and sometimes a gait analysis
to ascertain the exact cause of this condition. Arch supports, or better yet, custom orthotics are the number
one treatment modality for this condition. Physical therapy is another modality that physicians use in the
treatment of this condition. Ice packs, muscle stimulants, ultra sound, theraband, cortisone injections and the
night splints are also helpful.
If all these conservative measures fail to relieve the pain, then surgery is indicated. The newer minimal
incision surgeries such as the Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy surgery are extremely beneficial for this
condition.
Tendonitis, Tendon Ruptures and Tendon Tears:
Ankle and foot injuries can cause ruptures, tears or chronic irritation to important tendons involved in walking.
Tendonitis: sometimes tendons become inflamed for a variety of reasons, and the action of pulling the
muscle becomes irritating. If the normal smooth gliding motion of your tendon is impaired, the tendon will
become inflamed and movement will become painful. This is called tendonitis, and literally means
inflammation of the tendon.
Rupture: The most common debilitating tendon rupture is of the Achilles tendon (heel cord). The Achilles
tendon can grow weak and thin with age and lack of use. Then it becomes prone to injury or rupture. Rupture
most commonly occurs in the middle-aged male athlete (the weekend warrior who is engaging in a pickup
game of basketball, for example). Any acute injury causing pain, swelling, and difficulty with weight-bearing
activities such as standing and walking may indicate you have a tear in your Achilles tendon. Seek prompt
medical attention from your doctor or emergency department.
Tendon Tear: Refers to an incomplete rupture or a long tear within the length of the tendon. These are often
caused by over use injuries or from acute injuries. Commonly, the tendons on the inside and outside of the
ankle are affected because of the twisting and turning, and sometimes rubbing against the ankle bones.
The above conditions often require special exams and tests such as X-rays, MRI or ultrasound to obtain a
thorough diagnosis and to define the extent of the injury. Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery
may be recommended. However, many such injuries respond to immobilization in a cast or physical therapy
and braces.
Ankle and foot injuries can cause ruptures, tears or chronic irritation to important tendons involved in walking.
Tendonitis: sometimes tendons become inflamed for a variety of reasons, and the action of pulling the
muscle becomes irritating. If the normal smooth gliding motion of your tendon is impaired, the tendon will
become inflamed and movement will become painful. This is called tendonitis, and literally means
inflammation of the tendon.
Rupture: The most common debilitating tendon rupture is of the Achilles tendon (heel cord). The Achilles
tendon can grow weak and thin with age and lack of use. Then it becomes prone to injury or rupture. Rupture
most commonly occurs in the middle-aged male athlete (the weekend warrior who is engaging in a pickup
game of basketball, for example). Any acute injury causing pain, swelling, and difficulty with weight-bearing
activities such as standing and walking may indicate you have a tear in your Achilles tendon. Seek prompt
medical attention from your doctor or emergency department.
Tendon Tear: Refers to an incomplete rupture or a long tear within the length of the tendon. These are often
caused by over use injuries or from acute injuries. Commonly, the tendons on the inside and outside of the
ankle are affected because of the twisting and turning, and sometimes rubbing against the ankle bones.
The above conditions often require special exams and tests such as X-rays, MRI or ultrasound to obtain a
thorough diagnosis and to define the extent of the injury. Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery
may be recommended. However, many such injuries respond to immobilization in a cast or physical therapy
and braces.
Morton’s Neuroma:
Morton's Neuroma is a foot problem characterized by pain, swelling and/or an inflammation of a nerve usually
at the ball of the foot between the 3rd and 4th toes. Symptoms of this condition include sharp pain, burning
and even a lack of feeling in the affected area. Morton's Neuroma may also cause numbness, tingling or
cramping in the forefoot.
Morton's Neuroma is a foot condition caused from an abnormal function of the foot that leads to bones
squeezing a nerve usually between the 3rd and 4th Metatarsal heads, but also the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal
heads. Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma often occur during or after you have been placing significant
pressure on the forefoot area while walking, standing, jumping or sprinting. This condition can also be
caused from footwear with pointed toes and/or high heels, constricting shoes can pinch a nerve between the
metatarsal heads causing discomfort and extreme pain.
Treatment of Morton’s Neuroma. This involves the use of foot orthoses with appropriate padding to deflect
pressure from the forefoot and nerve. Some cases may benefit from a local injection to reduce inflammation.
Chronic (long term) or unresponsive cases may require minor surgery to deal with the affected part of the
nerve.
Morton's Neuroma is a foot problem characterized by pain, swelling and/or an inflammation of a nerve usually
at the ball of the foot between the 3rd and 4th toes. Symptoms of this condition include sharp pain, burning
and even a lack of feeling in the affected area. Morton's Neuroma may also cause numbness, tingling or
cramping in the forefoot.
Morton's Neuroma is a foot condition caused from an abnormal function of the foot that leads to bones
squeezing a nerve usually between the 3rd and 4th Metatarsal heads, but also the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal
heads. Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma often occur during or after you have been placing significant
pressure on the forefoot area while walking, standing, jumping or sprinting. This condition can also be
caused from footwear with pointed toes and/or high heels, constricting shoes can pinch a nerve between the
metatarsal heads causing discomfort and extreme pain.
Treatment of Morton’s Neuroma. This involves the use of foot orthoses with appropriate padding to deflect
pressure from the forefoot and nerve. Some cases may benefit from a local injection to reduce inflammation.
Chronic (long term) or unresponsive cases may require minor surgery to deal with the affected part of the
nerve.
Ankle sprains:
An ankle sprain is the stretching and tearing of ligaments - in the sprained ankle the most common damage is
done to the talo-fibula ligament (if the ankle sprain is worse, the calcaneo-fibula ligament can also be
damaged) - sometimes the tendons also get damaged. An ankle sprain is the most common injury to the ankle
and the long term consequences of an ankle sprain is a common cause of chronic ankle pain.
Acute ankle sprains require a period of Rest Ice Compression and Elevation (RICE). They may also be treated
with special compressive wraps or immobilization boots or splints depending on the severity. All ankle
sprains require some form of physical therapy to assure rehabilitation. The most common cause for long
term pain after an ankle sprain is poor rehabilitation of a previous ankle sprain. All causes of chronic pain
after an ankle sprain should be evaluation by a health professional. Those who chronically sprain the ankle
on a regular basis usually need surgery to 'tighten' the ligaments or move a tendon to help stabilize the ankle.
Often ankle arthroscopy is indicated to clean debris or loose cartilage in the ankle joint.
The common causes are of chronic ankle pain are:
* poor rehabilitation
* a fracture that was not initially diagnosed
* congenital abnormality
* post traumatic arthritis
* osteochondritis dissecans (loose bit of bone in the joint)
* sinus tarsi syndrome
* syndesmotic ligament injury
* functional instability (a feeling of 'giving way')
* ankle impingement
An ankle sprain is the stretching and tearing of ligaments - in the sprained ankle the most common damage is
done to the talo-fibula ligament (if the ankle sprain is worse, the calcaneo-fibula ligament can also be
damaged) - sometimes the tendons also get damaged. An ankle sprain is the most common injury to the ankle
and the long term consequences of an ankle sprain is a common cause of chronic ankle pain.
Acute ankle sprains require a period of Rest Ice Compression and Elevation (RICE). They may also be treated
with special compressive wraps or immobilization boots or splints depending on the severity. All ankle
sprains require some form of physical therapy to assure rehabilitation. The most common cause for long
term pain after an ankle sprain is poor rehabilitation of a previous ankle sprain. All causes of chronic pain
after an ankle sprain should be evaluation by a health professional. Those who chronically sprain the ankle
on a regular basis usually need surgery to 'tighten' the ligaments or move a tendon to help stabilize the ankle.
Often ankle arthroscopy is indicated to clean debris or loose cartilage in the ankle joint.
The common causes are of chronic ankle pain are:
* poor rehabilitation
* a fracture that was not initially diagnosed
* congenital abnormality
* post traumatic arthritis
* osteochondritis dissecans (loose bit of bone in the joint)
* sinus tarsi syndrome
* syndesmotic ligament injury
* functional instability (a feeling of 'giving way')
* ankle impingement
Ganglion Cyst:
A ganglion is a sac-like swelling or cyst formed from the tissue that lines a joint or tendon. The tissue, called
synovium, normally functions to produce lubricating fluid for these areas. A ganglion is a cyst formed by the
synovium that is filled with a thick jelly-like fluid. While ganglia can follow local trauma to the tendon or joint,
they usually form for unknown reasons.
A ganglion can spontaneously rupture and go away. Other treatment options include removal of the ganglion
fluid with a needle and syringe (aspiration) with or without an injection of cortisone medication. Occasionally,
the entire ganglion is resected with surgery. Persons with a persisting or recurring ganglion should be
evaluated for signs of systemic forms of arthritis.
A ganglion is a sac-like swelling or cyst formed from the tissue that lines a joint or tendon. The tissue, called
synovium, normally functions to produce lubricating fluid for these areas. A ganglion is a cyst formed by the
synovium that is filled with a thick jelly-like fluid. While ganglia can follow local trauma to the tendon or joint,
they usually form for unknown reasons.
A ganglion can spontaneously rupture and go away. Other treatment options include removal of the ganglion
fluid with a needle and syringe (aspiration) with or without an injection of cortisone medication. Occasionally,
the entire ganglion is resected with surgery. Persons with a persisting or recurring ganglion should be
evaluated for signs of systemic forms of arthritis.
Ingrown Toenails:
An ingrown nail is the result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it. They may be caused by
impropper trimming, inherited nail deformities, injuries, fungal infections, or pressure. Pain is usually the first
symptom of an ingrown nail. It may also lead to infection which causes redness and drainage.
If the nail is not infected, the doctor may trim the corner to relieve the symptoms. He may also need to remove
the nails side permanently by removing the nail root so it will not grow back. The procedure is performed in
the office and requires a local anesthetic injection. More severe infections may require antibiotics.
An ingrown nail is the result of a nail growing into the skin that surrounds it. They may be caused by
impropper trimming, inherited nail deformities, injuries, fungal infections, or pressure. Pain is usually the first
symptom of an ingrown nail. It may also lead to infection which causes redness and drainage.
If the nail is not infected, the doctor may trim the corner to relieve the symptoms. He may also need to remove
the nails side permanently by removing the nail root so it will not grow back. The procedure is performed in
the office and requires a local anesthetic injection. More severe infections may require antibiotics.
| WE CARE ABOUT YOUR FEET |
| WE CARE ABOUT YOUR FEET |
| 1275 Olentangy River Rd. Ste 120 Columbus, Ohio 43212 Telephone: (614) 291-5555 Fax: (614) 291-7720 |
|
| 7453 E. Main Street Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 Telephone: (614) 868-5555 Fax: (614) 291-7720 |
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