What is a Plantar Wart?
A wart is a small growth on the skin that develops when the skin is infected by a virus. Warts can develop anywhere on the foot, but typically they appear on the bottom (plantar side) of the foot. Plantar warts most commonly occur in children, adolescents, and the elderly.
There are two types of plantar warts:
•A solitary wart is a single wart. It often increases in size and may eventually multiply, forming additional "satellite" warts.
•Mosaic warts are a cluster of several small warts growing closely together in one area. Mosaic warts are more difficult to treat than solitary warts.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a plantar wart may include:
•Thickened skin. Often a plantar wart resembles a callus because of its tough, thick tissue.
•Pain. A plantar wart usually hurts during walking and standing, and there is pain when the sides of the wart are squeezed.
•Tiny black dots. These often appear on the surface of the wart. The dots are actually dried blood contained in the infected capillaries (tiny blood vessels).
Plantar warts grow deep into the skin. Usually this growth occurs slowly -- the wart starts off small and gets larger over time.
What Causes a Plantar Wart?
Plantar warts are caused by direct contact with the human papilloma virus (HPV). This is the same virus that causes warts on other areas of the body. Typically, the plantar wart virus is acquired in public places where people go barefoot, such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and karate classes. It can also be acquired at home if other family members have the virus.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose a plantar wart, the foot and ankle surgeon will examine the patient's foot and look for signs and symptoms of a wart.
Although plantar warts may eventually clear up on their own, most patients desire faster relief. The goal of treatment is to completely remove the wart.
The foot and ankle surgeon may use topical or oral treatments, laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), or surgery to remove the wart.
Regardless of the treatment approaches undertaken, it is important that the patient follow the surgeon's instructions, including all home care and medication that has been prescribed, as well as follow-up visits with the surgeon. Warts may return, requiring further treatment.
If there is no response to treatment, further diagnostic evaluation may be necessary. In such cases, the surgeon can perform a biopsy to rule out other potential causes for the growth.
Although there are many folk remedies for warts, patients should be aware that these remain unproven and may be dangerous. Patients should never try to remove a wart themselves -- this can do more harm than good.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Showing posts with label ball of foot pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ball of foot pain. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Special Report on Gout
What is Gout?
Gout is a disorder that results from the build-up of uric acid in the tissues or a joint -- most often the joint of the big toe. An attack of gout can be miserable, marked by the following symptoms:
• Intense pain that comes on suddenly -- often in the middle of the night or upon arising.
• Redness, swelling, and warmth over the joint -- all of which are signs of inflammation.
What Causes Gout?
Gout attacks are caused by deposits of crystallized uric acid in the joint. Uric acid is present in the blood and eliminated in the urine, but in people who have gout, uric acid accumulates and crystallizes in the joints. Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of purines, chemicals that are found naturally in our bodies and in food. Some people develop gout because their kidneys have difficulty eliminating normal amounts of uric acid, while others produce too much uric acid. Gout occurs most commonly in the big toe because uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes. At cooler temperatures, uric acid turns into crystals. Since the toe is the part of the body that is furthest from the heart, it's also the coolest part of the body -- and, thus, the most likely target of gout. However, gout can affect any joint in the body. The tendency to accumulate uric acid is often inherited. Other factors that put a person at risk for developing gout include: high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, surgery, chemotherapy, stress, and certain medications and vitamins. For example, the body's ability to remove uric acid can be negatively affected by taking aspirin, some diuretic medications ("water pills"), and the vitamin niacin (also called nicotinic acid). While gout is more common in men aged 40 to 60 years, it can occur in younger men and also occurs in women. Consuming foods and beverages that contain high levels of purines can trigger an attack of gout. Some foods contain more purines than others and have been associated with an increase of uric acid, which leads to gout. You may be able to reduce your chances of getting a gout attack by limiting or avoiding the following foods and beverages: shellfish, organ meats (kidney, liver, etc.), red wine, beer, and red meat.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing gout, the foot and ankle surgeon will take your personal and family history and examine the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout.
Treatment
Initial treatment of an attack of gout typically includes the following:
• Medications. Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation.
• Dietary restrictions. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided, since purines are converted in the body to uric acid.
• Fluids. Drink plenty of water and other fluids each day, while also avoiding alcoholic beverages, which cause dehydration.
• Immobilize and elevate the foot. Avoid standing and walking to give your foot a rest. Also, elevate your foot (level with or slightly above the heart) to help reduce the swelling.
The symptoms of gout and the inflammatory process usually resolve in three to ten days with treatment. If gout symptoms continue despite the initial treatment, or if repeated attacks occur, see your primary care physician for maintenance treatment that may involve daily medication. In cases of repeated episodes, the underlying problem must be addressed, as the build-up of uric acid over time can cause arthritic damage to the joint.
When is Surgery Needed?
In some cases of gout, surgery is required to remove the uric acid crystals and repair the joint. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine the procedure that would be most beneficial in your case.
Testimonials:
“My foot was red, hot and swollen for 2 days. The pain was so intense I could hardly walk. After taking the medication I could walk the next day and the pain was gone in 3 days! It was like a miracle.”
-Richard K.
“When the doctor told me I had gout I couldn’t believe it. I thought only men that drink a lot get gout. Imagine my surprise when the pills for gout worked like a charm.”
-Selma J.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Gout is a disorder that results from the build-up of uric acid in the tissues or a joint -- most often the joint of the big toe. An attack of gout can be miserable, marked by the following symptoms:
• Intense pain that comes on suddenly -- often in the middle of the night or upon arising.
• Redness, swelling, and warmth over the joint -- all of which are signs of inflammation.
What Causes Gout?
Gout attacks are caused by deposits of crystallized uric acid in the joint. Uric acid is present in the blood and eliminated in the urine, but in people who have gout, uric acid accumulates and crystallizes in the joints. Uric acid is the result of the breakdown of purines, chemicals that are found naturally in our bodies and in food. Some people develop gout because their kidneys have difficulty eliminating normal amounts of uric acid, while others produce too much uric acid. Gout occurs most commonly in the big toe because uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes. At cooler temperatures, uric acid turns into crystals. Since the toe is the part of the body that is furthest from the heart, it's also the coolest part of the body -- and, thus, the most likely target of gout. However, gout can affect any joint in the body. The tendency to accumulate uric acid is often inherited. Other factors that put a person at risk for developing gout include: high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, surgery, chemotherapy, stress, and certain medications and vitamins. For example, the body's ability to remove uric acid can be negatively affected by taking aspirin, some diuretic medications ("water pills"), and the vitamin niacin (also called nicotinic acid). While gout is more common in men aged 40 to 60 years, it can occur in younger men and also occurs in women. Consuming foods and beverages that contain high levels of purines can trigger an attack of gout. Some foods contain more purines than others and have been associated with an increase of uric acid, which leads to gout. You may be able to reduce your chances of getting a gout attack by limiting or avoiding the following foods and beverages: shellfish, organ meats (kidney, liver, etc.), red wine, beer, and red meat.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing gout, the foot and ankle surgeon will take your personal and family history and examine the affected joint. Laboratory tests and x-rays are sometimes ordered to determine if the inflammation is caused by something other than gout.
Treatment
Initial treatment of an attack of gout typically includes the following:
• Medications. Prescription medications or injections are used to treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation.
• Dietary restrictions. Foods and beverages that are high in purines should be avoided, since purines are converted in the body to uric acid.
• Fluids. Drink plenty of water and other fluids each day, while also avoiding alcoholic beverages, which cause dehydration.
• Immobilize and elevate the foot. Avoid standing and walking to give your foot a rest. Also, elevate your foot (level with or slightly above the heart) to help reduce the swelling.
The symptoms of gout and the inflammatory process usually resolve in three to ten days with treatment. If gout symptoms continue despite the initial treatment, or if repeated attacks occur, see your primary care physician for maintenance treatment that may involve daily medication. In cases of repeated episodes, the underlying problem must be addressed, as the build-up of uric acid over time can cause arthritic damage to the joint.
When is Surgery Needed?
In some cases of gout, surgery is required to remove the uric acid crystals and repair the joint. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine the procedure that would be most beneficial in your case.
Testimonials:
“My foot was red, hot and swollen for 2 days. The pain was so intense I could hardly walk. After taking the medication I could walk the next day and the pain was gone in 3 days! It was like a miracle.”
-Richard K.
“When the doctor told me I had gout I couldn’t believe it. I thought only men that drink a lot get gout. Imagine my surprise when the pills for gout worked like a charm.”
-Selma J.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Special Report on Neuromas
What is a Neuroma?
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton's neuroma, which occurs at the base of the third and fourth toes. It is sometimes referred to as an intermetatarsal neuroma. "Intermetatarsal" describes its location - in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones (the bones extending from the toes to the midfoot). Neuromas may also occur in other locations in the foot. The thickening, or enlargement, of the nerve that defines a neuroma is the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. This compression creates swelling of the nerve, eventually leading to permanent nerve damage.
Symptoms of a Morton's Neuroma
If you have a Morton''s neuroma, you will probably have one or more of these symptoms where the nerve damage in occurring:
• Tingling, burning, or numbness
• Pain
• A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot, or that there's a rise in the shoe or a sock is bunched up.
The progression of a Morton's neuroma often follows this pattern:
• The symptoms begin gradually. At first they occur only occasionally, when wearing narrow-toed shoes or performing certain aggravating activities.
• The symptoms may go away temporarily by massaging the foot or by avoiding aggravating shoes or activities.
• Over time the symptoms progressively worsen and may persist for several days or weeks.
• The symptoms become more intense as the neuroma enlarges and the temporary changes in the nerve become permanent.
What Causes a Neuroma?
Anything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common offenders is wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box. People with certain foot deformities -- bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet, or more flexible feet -- are at higher risk for developing a neuroma. Other potential causes are activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or racquet sports. An injury or other type of trauma to the area may also lead to a neuroma.
Diagnosis
To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will obtain a thorough history of your symptoms and examine your foot. During the physical examination, the doctor attempts to reproduce your symptoms by manipulating your foot. Other tests may be performed. The best time to see your foot and ankle surgeon is early in the development of symptoms. Early diagnosis of a Morton's neuroma greatly lessens the need for more invasive treatments and may avoid surgery.
Treatment
In developing a treatment plan, your foot and ankle surgeon will first determine how long you've had the neuroma and evaluate its stage of development. Treatment approaches vary according to the severity of the problem.
For mild to moderate cases of neuroma, treatment options include:
• Padding. Padding techniques provide support for the metatarsal arch, thereby lessening the pressure on the nerve and decreasing the compression when walking.
• Icing. Placing an icepack on the affected area helps reduce swelling.
• Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices provided by your foot and ankle surgeon provide the support needed to reduce pressure and compression on the nerve.
• Activity modifications. Activities that put repetitive pressure on the neuroma should be avoided until the condition improves.
• Changes in shoewear. It's important to wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid narrow-toed shoes or shoes with high heels.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Injection therapy. If there is no significant improvement after initial treatment, injection therapy may be tried.
When is Surgery Needed?
Surgery may be considered in patients who have not received adequate relief from other treatments. Generally, there are two surgical approaches to treating a neuroma the affected nerve is either removed or released. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine which approach is best for your condition. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed. Regardless of whether you've undergone surgical or nonsurgical treatment, your foot and ankle surgeon will recommend long-term measures to help keep your symptoms from returning. These include appropriate footwear and modification of activities that cause repetitive pressure on the foot.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton's neuroma, which occurs at the base of the third and fourth toes. It is sometimes referred to as an intermetatarsal neuroma. "Intermetatarsal" describes its location - in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones (the bones extending from the toes to the midfoot). Neuromas may also occur in other locations in the foot. The thickening, or enlargement, of the nerve that defines a neuroma is the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. This compression creates swelling of the nerve, eventually leading to permanent nerve damage.
Symptoms of a Morton's Neuroma
If you have a Morton''s neuroma, you will probably have one or more of these symptoms where the nerve damage in occurring:
• Tingling, burning, or numbness
• Pain
• A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot, or that there's a rise in the shoe or a sock is bunched up.
The progression of a Morton's neuroma often follows this pattern:
• The symptoms begin gradually. At first they occur only occasionally, when wearing narrow-toed shoes or performing certain aggravating activities.
• The symptoms may go away temporarily by massaging the foot or by avoiding aggravating shoes or activities.
• Over time the symptoms progressively worsen and may persist for several days or weeks.
• The symptoms become more intense as the neuroma enlarges and the temporary changes in the nerve become permanent.
What Causes a Neuroma?
Anything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common offenders is wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box. People with certain foot deformities -- bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet, or more flexible feet -- are at higher risk for developing a neuroma. Other potential causes are activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or racquet sports. An injury or other type of trauma to the area may also lead to a neuroma.
Diagnosis
To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will obtain a thorough history of your symptoms and examine your foot. During the physical examination, the doctor attempts to reproduce your symptoms by manipulating your foot. Other tests may be performed. The best time to see your foot and ankle surgeon is early in the development of symptoms. Early diagnosis of a Morton's neuroma greatly lessens the need for more invasive treatments and may avoid surgery.
Treatment
In developing a treatment plan, your foot and ankle surgeon will first determine how long you've had the neuroma and evaluate its stage of development. Treatment approaches vary according to the severity of the problem.
For mild to moderate cases of neuroma, treatment options include:
• Padding. Padding techniques provide support for the metatarsal arch, thereby lessening the pressure on the nerve and decreasing the compression when walking.
• Icing. Placing an icepack on the affected area helps reduce swelling.
• Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices provided by your foot and ankle surgeon provide the support needed to reduce pressure and compression on the nerve.
• Activity modifications. Activities that put repetitive pressure on the neuroma should be avoided until the condition improves.
• Changes in shoewear. It's important to wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid narrow-toed shoes or shoes with high heels.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Injection therapy. If there is no significant improvement after initial treatment, injection therapy may be tried.
When is Surgery Needed?
Surgery may be considered in patients who have not received adequate relief from other treatments. Generally, there are two surgical approaches to treating a neuroma the affected nerve is either removed or released. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine which approach is best for your condition. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed. Regardless of whether you've undergone surgical or nonsurgical treatment, your foot and ankle surgeon will recommend long-term measures to help keep your symptoms from returning. These include appropriate footwear and modification of activities that cause repetitive pressure on the foot.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
