Items filtered by date: February 2024

Dystonia is a neurological disorder causing involuntary muscle contractions and repetitive movements. When it affects the feet, it can lead to abnormal postures, twisting, and repetitive movements that affect mobility and balance. Foot dystonia can manifest as toe curling, arch cramping, or uncontrollable foot movements. These symptoms can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty walking or standing. Additionally, foot dystonia may result in deformities, such as claw toes or high arches, over time. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapies, including medications, injections, and sometimes surgical interventions. If you or your child has unusual symptoms to do with movement of the feet, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an evaluation and diagnosis. Regular monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans may be necessary to address changes in symptoms and optimize outcomes.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM of FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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

Cuboid syndrome is a foot condition in which the cuboid bone has been displaced due to stress on the foot. Someone with cuboid syndrome may experience pain on the outer side of the foot, particularly in the midfoot area, which can worsen with weight-bearing activities like walking or running. The patient’s foot may be swollen, tender to the touch, and difficult to stand on. Additionally, they might complain of discomfort or pain during sports and physical activity. Early recognition and intervention can help alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term complications, allowing patients to return to their normal activities. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested you seek medical attention from a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat the source of the pain. 

Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.

Causes

The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:

• Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
• Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
• Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.

Symptoms

A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.

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

Daily wear and tear can harm your toes, which are essential for balance and movement. Hammertoe is a toe problem where the middle joint bends upward, making the toe look like a hammer. Toes have muscles on top to stretch them and muscles underneath to bend them. Weak bottom muscles can lead to an upward bend at the middle joint, causing a hammertoe. This can hurt while walking and may affect balance. Symptoms include a bent toe that will not relax, swelling, corns, calluses, pain while walking, and changes in balance or walking style. Other toe issues like claw toes, mallet toes, and bunions exist, often alongside hammertoes. Risk factors include foot shape, medical conditions, like diabetes, arthritis, wrong shoes, and foot injuries. If you have a hammertoe that is causing discomfort, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance.

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM of FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments that normally hold the toe straight. It can be caused by the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure, trauma, and certain disease processes.

Symptoms

• Painful and/or difficult toe movement
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Calluses/Corns
• Physical deformity

Risk Factors

• Age – The risk of hammertoe increases with age
• Sex – Women are more likely to have hammertoe compared to men
• Toe Length – You are more likely to develop hammertoe if your second toe is longer than your big toe
• Certain Diseases – Arthritis and diabetes may make you more likely to develop hammertoe

Treatment

If you have hammertoe, you should change into a more comfortable shoe that provides enough room for your toes. Exercises such as picking up marbles may strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. Nevertheless, it is important to seek assistance from a podiatrist in order to determine the severity of your hammertoe and see which treatment option will work best for you.

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

Incorporating orthotics into dress shoes can provide much-needed comfort and support for individuals with foot issues, even in formal settings. Custom-made orthotics, tailored to the individual's foot shape and condition, can fit discreetly inside dress shoes. When opting for this combination, it is important to consider a few key factors. First, talk to a podiatrist about having orthotics with a slim, low-profile design made to prevent discomfort or overcrowding in dress shoes. Look for dress shoes that feature removable insoles or offer extra depth, as these provide the necessary space for accommodating orthotic inserts. Common dress shoe styles like loafers, oxfords, and derbies often have removable insoles, making them suitable choices. Ensuring that the dress shoes are the correct size is essential to maintain both comfort and support. Additionally, consult with a podiatrist to make any necessary adjustments to the orthotics for a proper fit within the chosen dress shoe style. Finally, select dress shoes that strike a balance between style and comfort, as there are fashionable and elegant options available for orthotic wearers. If you want the help of custom-made orthotics but do not want to sacrifice your formal appearance, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss your concerns.

If you’re experiencing foot discomfort, have a history of foot and ankle injuries, or are interested in exploring Custom orthotics, don’t hesitate to contact Soorena Sadri, DPM at FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor is dedicated to offering the care required to help you remain pain-free and stay on your feet. 

What are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics refer to custom inserts designed for placement in different shoe types, including athletic and formal footwear, with the purpose of alleviating a spectrum of foot-related problems such as flat feet, heel pain, and overall foot discomfort. These inserts are instrumental in providing relief and comfort for a diverse range of foot conditions, including heel pain, and can also act as a proactive approach to injury prevention. 

Medical Grade Shoe Inserts: 

A diverse array of shoe inserts is available for addressing foot pain, heel discomfort, and minor issues. For instance, you can place arch supports in your shoes to rectify overarched or flat feet, and gel and cushioned insoles are frequently chosen for the comfort and relief they provide from foot and heel pain by reducing pressure. 

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Fort Myers, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

There is a growing concern regarding the prevalence of being overweight or obese among individuals aged 60 and older. Excess weight not only elevates the risk of chronic diseases but also poses a significant threat to physical performance in older adults, potentially leading to dependency. Being overweight or obese in later life is closely linked to adverse outcomes, including a higher risk of falls and an increased likelihood of developing walking limitations compared to those maintaining a normal weight. These challenges are compounded by factors such as low muscle strength, reduced cardiorespiratory capacity, and the elevated energy cost of walking. If you are older and overweight and it is impacting your mobility, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss strategies that might help with improved functioning.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Soorena Sadri, DPM from FootWorx Active Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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