Items filtered by date: December 2024

Calcific spurs are bony growths that form at the insertion of the Achilles tendon, where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. These spurs can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the back of the heel, especially during activities like walking or running. They develop when calcium deposits build up over time, often due to repeated stress or inflammation of the tendon. Risk factors include age, overuse, tight calf muscles, or conditions like arthritis. Athletes, active individuals, and older adults are more commonly affected. A podiatrist diagnoses calcific spurs through a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays to confirm the size and location of the spur. Treatment may involve stretching exercises, custom orthotics, or anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases might require surgery. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for expert care and relief.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact David Cain, DPM of Iowa. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

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

Bunion surgery can help alleviate discomfort and improve foot alignment, but it is essential to understand the potential risks involved. One concern is the recurrence of the bunion, which may happen if the surgical approach does not address the underlying bone misalignment. Another complication of bunion surgery is stiffness in the big toe joint, often due to scar tissue or pre-existing arthritis, which can limit motion after surgery. Infection, while uncommon, may occur and could involve any hardware used to stabilize the bone. Hallux varus, a rare complication, may cause the big toe to deviate excessively in the opposite direction, potentially leading to pain and further deformity. Also, some patients experience postoperative issues, such as nonunion, where the bone fails to heal properly, often linked to overall health or other factors. A podiatrist can assess your case, recommend the best surgical techniques, and provide expert care during recovery to reduce risks and promote optimal results. If you have a painful bunion, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to find out if surgery is an option for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact David Cain, DPM of Iowa. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Pickleball is soaring in popularity as a low-impact, fast-paced sport enjoyed by players of all ages. However, its quick pivots and sudden stops can still lead to foot and ankle injuries. Acute injuries, such as ankle sprains, often occur when the foot rolls inward, called inversion, causing pain and swelling. Falls during gameplay can also lead to fractures or bruising, especially for beginners or those returning to exercise. Overuse injuries like Achilles tendon strain are common, especially in players who increase intensity too quickly without proper warm-ups. These injuries can result in stiffness, swelling, or even tears if untreated. Wearing supportive shoes, strengthening muscles, and maintaining flexibility are key to preventing injuries. If you have injured your foot or ankle while playing pickleball and pain or swelling persists, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an expert diagnosis and tailored treatment, ensuring you get back on the court as soon as possible without compromising your mobility.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact David Cain, DPM of Iowa. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, often resulting in sharp pain in the bottom of the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed due to overuse, wearing poor footwear, or excessive pressure. To manage plantar fasciitis, stretching exercises like calf stretches, toe stretches, and plantar fascia stretches can help relieve tension and improve flexibility. Strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle can also aid in recovery. Additionally, wearing supportive shoes and using orthotic insoles can provide extra cushioning and protect the heel from further strain. A podiatrist can recommend personalized treatments, including custom orthotics, and guide you through proper care to prevent recurrence. If you are struggling with heel pain from plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to develop an effective treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact David Cain, DPM  from Iowa. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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

Ingrown toenails occur when the edges of the nail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. This can happen on any toe but is most common on the big toe. Ingrown toenails can develop at the side or tip of the nail, with inner side ingrown toenails being more common. The primary causes include improper nail trimming, such as cutting nails too short or rounding the corners, wearing tight shoes, injury to the toe, or having naturally curved nails. Infections may also develop if left untreated, leading to pus, increased pain, and swelling. Treatment typically involves soaking the foot, applying antibiotics, and, in severe cases, surgically removing part of the nail. A podiatrist can provide expert care by gently removing the ingrown portion of the nail, offering pain relief, and advising on proper nail care to prevent recurrence. If you have an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment and relief.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact David Cain, DPM of Iowa. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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