Posted by Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists on Thu, Feb 09, 2012 @ 12:23 PM
Ingrown toenails are painful and can lead to complications including infection. If you believe you are suffering from ingrown toenails, read more.
Ingrown toenails are a very common condition that most commonly concerns the big toe. This condition occurs when the corner or side of one of your toenails grows into the soft flesh of that toe. The result is pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes an infection.
If the pain is persistent, severe, or spreading, it is recommended that a doctor evaluate your ingrown toenail and take steps to relieve your discomfort. Additionally, we can help you avoid complications of an ingrown toenail.
What should be done with my ingrown toenails?
Do not attempt to remove infected nails on your own. If you notice an increase of swelling, pain or any discharge is present; the toenail is likely infected and should be treated by a podiatrist.
Contact us if you are experiencing painful ingrown toenails, especially if you believe the condition worsening or you have diabetes or circulation issues. Addressing this condition early will help in the prevention of infection and other complications. Ingrown toenails can be very painful and can be treated easily depending upon the severity.
Tips to prevent ingrown toenails:
Wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes that you wear every day should have plenty of room around your toes. Shoes that you wear for walking briskly or for running should have plenty of room also, but not be too loose.
When trimming your toenails:
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Considering briefly soaking your foot in warm water to soften the nail
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Use a clean, sharp nail trimmer
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Trim toenails straight across the top. Do not taper or round the corners or trim too short
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Do not pick or tear at the nails
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Keep the feet clean and dry
Ready for relief? Request an appointment.
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com
Posted by Brandon Nelson on Wed, Jan 25, 2012 @ 10:17 AM
Preoperative and Postoperative Patients with Achilles Tendonitis I recently evaluated and treated a patient who suffered from
achilles tendonitis for multiple years. He had seen numerous other physicians and attempted conservative therapy consisting of physical therapy, NSAIDS, immobilization and bracing. His preoperative xrays are below;
On the xray one can appreciate the large prominent posterior process of the calcaneaus or heel bone. This is a source of constant mechanical irritation of the achilles tendon as it inserts. Below one can see how the bone was removed and now the achilles tendon will not be irritated in the normal ambulatory cycle. The achilles tendon required partial detachment then was reattached with bone anchors.
We see quite a few patients with achilles tendonitis, most do not require surgery. Or treatment protocols for tendonitis have been well established and time tested. If our patients do require surgery we are often able to preform it in our
surgery center saving a costly and timely trip to the hospital.
Some Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis:
- Pain behind the heel
- Pain after a period of inactivity
- Stiffness, soreness or tenderness in the tendon (directly above the heel to just below the calf muscle)
- The area above the heel is tender to the touch
- Enlarged tendon
Read more about the symptoms, causes and
Achilles Tendonitis treatement.
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com
Posted by Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists on Thu, Jan 12, 2012 @ 01:50 PM
Effectively Treating Plantar Fasciitis...
Sometimes it's about commitment.
I run into some of our clinic patients who have had plantar fasciitis for some time. I treat them to address both the inflammatory and mechanical aspects of their plantar fasciitis. This often includes prescription orthotics, home stretching, and special braces for day and night depending upon the circumstances. In addition we have them do stretching, wearing supportive shoes at home instead of being barefoot. Also, if their plantar fasciitis is quite pronounced we sometimes will do an ultrasound guided cortisone injection or PRP injection. It is very rare that our patients do not show remarkable improvement when we do the right combination of treatments for their case of plantar fasciitis. However it is surprising when some patient's come into the office and they are surprised that they are not improving. After I review the recommendations that have been made since the last visit I find that very often they have not followed up with my recommendations. For example if I recommended a certain shoe or activity or referral to physical therapy sometimes it's like "oh I haven't gotten around to that yet". Or they have been in severe pain and have seen multiple doctors and finally come in to see us. We make certain that the orthotics are perfect and that all the mechanical aspects of treatment are in place.
If additional treatments are recommended we discuss and recommend a PRP (growth factor) ultrasound guided injection and often patients for whatever reason do not schedule this treatment. After additional follow-up their surprised if their plantar fasciitis is still not getting better. So sometimes it is simple aspects of treatment that have to be part of the patient's commitment themselves to address. We do our best to make recommendations on the best possible course of treatment for our patients. We tailor specific treatment plans to each patient with plantar fasciitis and there are often many elements involved in the effective treatment of plantar fasciitis. Consistent use of prescription orthotics, stretching, splints and office procedures are used in conjunction for many patients and are used to successfully treat plantar fasciitis.
But again it is surprising when some patient's are still not getting better but also have not done their part. One of the most surprising home treatments that some patients don't do is to get a good supportive sandal to wear as a "house shoe". Patients are surprised when walking barefoot or standing barefoot all day long on ceramic tile or hardwood floors and their heel pain is not getting better!
The road to recovery from plantar fasciitis and the prevention of future bouts with this condition will require some modifications to footwear or a patient’s lifestyle. However, with our successful plantar fasciitis treatment protocols patients experience quick relief and successful prevention if the treatment plans are followed.
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com
Posted by Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists on Thu, Jan 05, 2012 @ 11:02 AM
Your car's tires can tell you if your car is out of alignment, if there is an imablance and much more. Decoding the common wear patterns on your car's tires is fairly simple. Evaluating your cars tires will tell you if an adjustment is needed to prevent mechanical breakdown, avoid repairs, improve fuel economy and more
The shoes on your feet are also a good indicator of if you need your shoes rotated or an alignment.
The wear patterns on your shoes can indicate wether you may be a supinator or a pronator. Pronation refers to the inward roll of the foot. A moderate amount of pronation is required for the foot to function properly. However potential damage and and an increased risk of injury can occur with excessive pronation.
Supination is the inverse of pronation and is the outward roll of the foot. However, excessive supination will place increased strain on the muscles and tendons of the ankle. The increased strain can lead ankle sprains or total ligament rupture.
Excessive pronation and supination can lead to:
- Arch pain
- Heel pain
- Flat feet
- Corns and calluses
- Ankle sprains
- Shin Splints
- Achilles tendonitis
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Back pain
- and more
There are many other things your shoes can tell you. If you believe you have an abnormal gait that causes pain, weak ankles or there have been changes to the wear patterns of your shoes you should have your gait evaluated. Attached is a link to the
full article about what your car's tires are telling you. The article contains a cheat sheet with information about how to read your tires.
If your car's tires need an alignment it is best to take your car to the mechanic. However, if your feet are out of alignment it would be best to take your feet to us. We provide a full biomechanical gait analysis that identifies your unique walking pattern. The best way to align your feet (which also can help align the rest of your body) is with prescription orthotics. We use the latest technology to produce 3-D images of your feet and custom tailor orthotic inserts for your shoes that will address your unique alignment or support needs.
Check your tires, check your shoes, you never knew how much they were telling you. You will enjoy more miles out both if you make certain they are in alignment!
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com
Posted by Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists on Thu, Dec 15, 2011 @ 10:17 AM
Cirsumstances will determine if bunion surgery will be recommended. Considering bunions are a progressive disorder, the likelyhood surgery will be a recommended course of action increases over time. Many bunion patients do not need surgery!
When is bunion surgery recommended?
If you have have exhausted non-surgical methods including bunion splints, prescription orthotics (we are no longer perfroming casting for orhotics, we now use the latest in 3-D imaging to create digital images of your feet to make our prescription orthotics), or changes or modifications in footwear. Surgery is considered the last course of treatment for bunions at our clinic. However, when conservative therapy is not decreasing pain or discomfort anymore, surgery is an option.
For many patients bunion surgery is chosen when their bunion interferes with daily activities or when footwear becomes increasingly painful or difficult to deal with.
Early treatment for bunion pain is the best course of action. Bunions are progressive and early intervention will help control the rate of progression. If bunions are treated early the liklyhood of surgery is reduced or delayed.
Dr. Timothy Young and Dr. Brandon Nelson were named Top Doctors for 2011 by Seattle Metropolitain magazine and have a dedicated resource for those with bunions. Bunions are a common condition treated by the "Top Docs" in podiatry and therefore have created the Bellevue Bunion Center. Visit the website for more information about bunion treatments.
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com
Posted by Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists on Wed, Dec 07, 2011 @ 02:27 PM
When bunions become an issue, learn abou tboth surgical and non-surgical bunion treatments. The Bellevue Bunion Center has more information about Bunions and Tailor's Buions. Find information about Buinon Treaments.
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com
Posted by Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists on Wed, Dec 07, 2011 @ 01:20 PM
There are several fluid-filled sacs behind the heel bone that act as a cushion and a lubricant between muscles and tendons sliding over bone. Everyone has hundreds of bursa over their body. A bursa functions as a smooth, slippery surface between two moving objects.
Repetitive or over use of the ankle can cause the bursa to become inflamed or irritated leading to heel bursitis. Once the bursa is inflamed, normal movements and activities can become painful. The condition is often mistaken for Achilles Tendonitis. Symptoms include pain in the heel, especially when walking, running, or jumping or when the area is touched. The skin around the back of the heel may be red and warm to the touch, and the pain may worsen when standing on tiptoe. It is commonly seen in people who are just starting an aggressive exercise routine.
Both ankle bursitis and Achilles tendonitis have similar symptoms. For example, both conditions cause discomfort when pushing off the foot, cause pain in the morning, during walking, or after he or she has been sedentary for a period, the pain will worsen with more activity.
Ankle bursitis can be caused by either a repeated friction or by a single blow to the area. If you are just starting a new exercise program and do too much at one time, you may be at risk for heel bursitis.
Rest is important with this condition. However, proper diagnosis is important to determine the best course of action.
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com
Posted by Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists on Fri, Nov 18, 2011 @ 11:10 AM
A recent NPR story highlighted orthotics as an answer to foot pain.
"Probably in the past five years, I've noticed a real shift in my foot," she says. "It's narrow in the back and wide in the front, and my arches are falling."
This quote from the story is from a woman who discusses how she found amazing relief from custom orthoitics.
"My feet never touch the ground unless I have my orthotics."
As we age our feet change. The article also highlights that roughly 28 percent of the population experience chronic foot pain, and women are almost twice as likely to report foot pain than men. Many people report the pain was so bad, they could hardly walk or even consider exercise.
When our feet change we often do not adjust our lifestyle or have any desire to do so. As with many pains people experience as we age, people often consider dealing with pain just part of the changes in our bodies. However, you do not have to deal with foot pain. Many people wait too long too address pain in their feet, and after treatment, or using custom orthotics wonder why they waited so long. Pain in our feet often causes us to alter our lifestyle and becomes nagging. Many causes of foot pain are progressive. Therefore early intervention is the best course of action.
People also have misconceptions of orthotics. Many believe that they will have to wear special shoes or buy new shoes altogether. This is not usually the case. Prescription orthotics complement the lack of support in your shoes. These orthotics mold perfectly to your feet and provide the exact support your feet need. Orthotics are useful in correcting issues that are caused by the shape of your feet or your gait.
Most people say that orthotics change their life or they say how they would never go without them. Everyone is different, so are your feet.
The NPR article ends with a quote from a woman interviewed for the article...
"It's been like a miracle," Bentz says. "My feet never touch the ground unless I have my orthotics."
Bentz says she was astounded that something so simple would cure such a huge problem, and she's forever grateful. But things don't always work out this way. Cook says some patients eventually require surgery, particularly for bunions. But often surgery can be put off for years with good shoes — and, possibly, orthotics
The article from NPR (and the audio version) can be found at this link http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130573069
If heel pain is an issue we encourage you to visit www.SeattleHeelPain.com.
If you have painful bunions the Bellevue Bunion Center can provide relief, visit www.BellevueBunionCenter.com
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com
Posted by Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists on Thu, Sep 15, 2011 @ 01:10 PM
Many people tend to postpone addressing painful conditions with their feet or ankles. Often, people believe that pain in their feet is just something they have to live with. Perhaps the most common complaint of our patients with persistent pain is bunions.
Bunions are generally progressive and the pain also increases with time. Many people wait too long to address the issue and continue to wear improperly fitting footwear that increases the sensitivity. When the pain becomes significant enough patients seek our treatment.
Non-surgical treatments are preferred by both doctor and patient, however as the bunion continues to progress untreated non-surgical treatments become less effective. If a bunion disorder progresses to the point when surgery is needed, what are the options?
Bunion surgery is an ambulatory procedure. This means that the procedure is performed in an outpatient setting (we perform these in our own ambulatory surgery center located in our office) and typically takes an hour or two to perform the surgery.
Initial evaluation including x-rays and a gait analysis will be performed. The 
surgery is typically performed with a local anesthesia and either Arthroplasty or Osteotomy is performed. These procedures will reshape or cut the protrusion and typically titanium screws are inserted. The surgical screws will hold the bones in the new corrected position and provide long term stability to the area.
The surgery in painless with minimal discomfort the during recovery period, which is treated with over the counter pain relievers. Dependent upon the severity and degree of correction, many patients are back on their feet in a few days.
What can be done to avoid surgery for my bunions?
Non-surgical bunion treatments mostly attempt to mitigate the pain associated with bunions. These include changing your footwear and specifically avoiding narrow or pointed shoes. Padding and taping will provide some cushion to the area and may reduce friction, swelling and sensitivity. Orthotics or shoe inserts can provide relief. Over the counter shoe inserts can be helpful, however the best orthotics are custom made, prescription orthotics. These prescription orthotics are made specifically to address your unique issues that many of the over the counter orthotics cannot address.
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com
Posted by Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists on Wed, Aug 10, 2011 @ 01:37 PM
When plantar fasciitis is causing heel pain, grab some juice and take a break.
Now, apply the juice directly to your foot...
If relief is what you are after and would like to try to ease the pain at home, try frozen juice.
Juice concentrates come in a cylindrical container that will easily roll along the bottom of your foot. When your plantar fasciitis is causing pain, take a frozen juice concentrate. Right out of the freezer it may be too cold, so you may want to place a towel over the container. This will create a barrier so that the frozen juice container does not add to any discomfort.
Before placing your foot on top of a frozen juice container check to see that it is sealed and do not apply too much pressure. The safety of your juice container and the floor below are at stake here. If the container is not sealed or is punctured you will likely have a sticky mess.
From a seated position you will gently roll the frozen juice container along the arch of your foot to your heel and back again. A few minutes of this can provide some relief to the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Heel pain that does not subside should be evaluated by a doctor. If you find that you are limping in the morning, when you first get out of bed, plantar fasciitis is the likely cause. Read more about the causes, diagnosis and treatment options for plantar fasciitis.
After rolling your feet over the juice concentrate you can easily mix up a beverage to enjoy and relax. Resting the painful plantar fascia is important. When the plantar fascia becomes irritated, inflamed or torn, it requires down time to heal. If possible try spending a little more time with your feet up and less of any activities that may have caused the strain of your plantar fascia.
The plantar fascia is the thick ligament that connects your heel to your toes and is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Some of the common causes of this condition are a high arch, wearing high heeled shoes, running or being overweight. A tight Achilles tendon can also be to blame. Because of this stretching your calf muscles can relieve tension on your plantar fascia.
When the heel pain is frequent and nagging it is time to see a doctor. One common approach is to treat this type of heel pain is with prescription orthotics. Depending upon the severity of the injury (plantar fasciitis is generally caused by overuse, that causes strain and tearing of the plantar fascia) there are many treatment options. Surgery for plantar fasciitis is often the last resort.
Treatment options for plantar fasciitis.
Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com
Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com