Items filtered by date: October 2024

A 5th metatarsal fracture involves a break in the long bone on the outer side of the foot, often caused by a sudden twist, direct impact, or overuse. This type of fracture is common in athletes and active individuals. Symptoms typically include sharp pain on the outside of the foot, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight. Treatment for a fifth metatarsal fracture depends on the severity of the break. For minor fractures, rest might be sufficient, along with protective footwear or a walking boot. However, more severe fractures may require immobilization with a cast or even surgical intervention to properly align the bone. If you suspect a fifth metatarsal fracture, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. It is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan to get you back on your feet.

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

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

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that results from damage to the peripheral nerves, affecting communication between the brain and the body. This condition can significantly impact the feet, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and sharp pain. Individuals may also experience weakness or a loss of coordination, which can make walking difficult and increase the risk of falls. There are several types of peripheral neuropathy, including diabetic neuropathy, which is commonly associated with diabetes, and idiopathic neuropathy, where the cause remains unknown. Other forms may stem from injuries, infections, or exposure to toxins. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this condition.

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 Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . 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 Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail abnormalities can indicate underlying health issues and can include clubbed nails, fungal infections, trauma, and ingrown toenails. Clubbed nails appear enlarged and curved, often linked to respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Trauma to the toenail can result from injuries, leading to discoloration, pain, or even loss of the nail. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments and can cause thickening, discoloration, and brittleness of the nail. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and potential infection. Additionally, nail-patella syndrome, a genetic disorder, may appear with abnormal toenails alongside other skeletal issues. If you notice changes in your toenails, it is strongly suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine the cause and offer effective treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD of Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Managing ankle arthritis can be significantly aided by incorporating specific foot exercises into your routine. Ankle pumps are particularly beneficial, and are done by flexing and pointing the foot repeatedly. This can help to improve circulation and reduce stiffness. Another helpful exercise is ankle rotation, which involves gently rotating the foot in a circular motion, promoting flexibility and easing joint pain. The ankle alphabet exercise also proves effective. By using your foot to write the letters of the alphabet in the air, you engage various ankle muscles and enhance mobility. These exercises help maintain joint function, alleviate discomfort, and improve overall ankle health. If you have arthritis in your feet and ankles, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you additional relief and management techniques. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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

A pinched nerve in the foot occurs when surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, or tendons, apply too much pressure on a nerve. This can lead to symptoms like sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or even muscle weakness. Common causes of pinched nerves in the foot include injury, repetitive motions, or structural issues like bone spurs or ganglion cysts. Certain conditions, like tarsal tunnel syndrome or high arches, can compress the nerves in the foot. Wearing improper footwear like tight or high-heeled shoes and carrying extra weight can also contribute to nerve compression in the feet. A podiatrist can determine the cause of your foot pain and recommend treatment, which can include footwear modifications or custom orthotics. If you have unexplained sharp foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if you have a pinched nerve.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Scott Matthews, DPM, MD from Salem Foot Care . 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 Wikesboro, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.