Items filtered by date: May 2021

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that causes nerve damage in the hands and feet. Neuropathy tends to develop slowly, sometimes over several decades, so people with diabetes are urged to closely monitor their foot health. The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include a “pins and needles” sensation in the feet, sensitivity to touch or a loss of touch, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, difficulties with coordination while walking, and muscle weakness. Diabetic neuropathy can be dangerous and lead to serious complications, as the loss of sensation that it causes in the feet can make foot wounds more likely to form. These wounds tend to heal poorly and may become infected. If you have diabetes, a podiatrist can help you maintain the health of your feet.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

There are a variety of painful conditions that can impact the feet, and many of those can cause pain in the toes. Pain and swelling around the toenails where the nail has curled into the skin is a common sign of ingrown toenails. Bunions are formed near the big toe as painful bony lumps that form due to poorly fitting shoes. If any toes are broken, the toes will become painful and swollen, and walking could be difficult. If there is pain and stiffness around the joints, and they feel hot and swollen, that may be a sign of gout, which is affected by the level of uric acid in the blood. If the pain in the toes is severe, gets worse, results in a loss of sensation, or you are diabetic, consulting with a podiatrist is suggested. A podiatrist will be able to diagnose and provide treatment options for pain that is in the toes and feet.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Children's feet grow and change quite rapidly throughout childhood. It is very important to make sure that your child is wearing the right shoes to protect their feet, as well as prevent foot pain and injuries. Since children’s feet tend to grow quickly, it can be difficult to determine whether your child needs new shoes. After all, you just bought a new pair two months ago - could your child have outgrown them already? You should look for new shoes if your child can no longer fit their foot comfortably or wiggle their toes within their current shoes. New shoes should also be purchased if the sole of the shoe is broken or torn as well as if your child is limping or if you notice a different walking pattern. To learn more about the connections between footwear and your child’s foot health, please speak with a podiatrist. 

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Tanisha Richmond, DPM of Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.