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Tuesday, 02 January 2024 00:00
Symptoms and Causes of Plantar Warts
Plantar warts, small growths on the soles of the feet caused by the human papillomavirus, abbreviated HPV, are not only a common ailment but also a source of discomfort for many people. These warts often appear as rough, grainy lesions with tiny black dots, known as seed warts, indicative of tiny blood vessels within. The pressure exerted on the soles of the feet, particularly during walking or standing, can cause plantar warts to embed themselves deeper into the skin, contributing to the characteristic pain associated with these growths. Causes of plantar warts include direct contact with the HPV virus, which thrives in warm and moist environments such as locker rooms or public showers. Understanding the symptoms, such as tenderness or the presence of small, fleshy lesions on the soles, and the potential causes of plantar warts is essential for timely identification and appropriate treatment. If you have developed a plantar wart, it is strongly suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can guide you toward correct treatment methods.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Tuesday, 02 January 2024 00:00
All About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are warts that are only found on the feet, hence the term “plantar”, which means “relating to the foot.” They are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, and occur when this virus gets into open wounds on the feet. The warts themselves are hard bumps on the foot. They are easily recognizable, mostly found on the heels or ball of the foot. Plantar warts are non-malignant, but they can cause some pain, discomfort, and are often unsightly. Removing them is a common step toward treating them.
Plantar warts can cause some pain while standing, sometimes felt as tenderness on the sole of your foot. Unless the wart has grown into the foot behind a callus, you will be able to see the fleshy wart. A podiatrist should only be consulted if there is an excessive amount of pain. Plantar warts are not cancerous or dangerous, but they can affect your walking and continually reappear. Anyone who suffers from diabetes or a compromised immune system disease should seek out care immediately.
Podiatrists are easily able to diagnose plantar warts. They usually scrape off a tiny bit of the rough skin to make tiny blood clots visible and examine the inside of warts. However, a biopsy can be done if the doctor is not able to diagnose them from simply looking at them. Although plantar warts usually do not require an excessive amount of treatment, there are ways to go about removing them. A common method is to freeze them off using liquid nitrogen, removing them using an electrical tool, or burning them off via laser treatment. For a less invasive treatment option, topical creams can be used through a doctor’s prescription. This treatment method takes more time, however. Keep the wart covered for protection in between daily treatments.
The best way to avoid developing plantar warts is to avoid walking barefoot in public places. Avoid this especially if you have open sores or cuts on your feet. It is also important to avoid direct contact with warts in general, as they are highly contagious.
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Tuesday, 26 December 2023 00:00
What Can Cause Gout?
Gout, a form of arthritis, manifests when urate crystals accumulate in the joints, causing intense pain and inflammation. While anyone can develop gout, certain factors increase susceptibility. Men, particularly those over 40 years old, are more prone, as are postmenopausal women. A family history of gout raises the risk, indicating a genetic predisposition. Lifestyle choices also play a pivotal role, and a diet rich in purines found in red meat, seafood, and alcohol can contribute to elevated uric acid levels. Obesity and medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes amplify the likelihood of gout. Dehydration and certain medications may also tip the balance towards crystal formation in joints. The intricacies of gout's causes underscore the importance of proactive measures, including dietary adjustments, hydration, and lifestyle modifications. By understanding the factors and vulnerabilities associated with gout, individuals can take informed steps towards prevention and better management of this often painful condition. If you have developed gout, it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist who can guide you toward effective management and pain relief techniques.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Tuesday, 26 December 2023 00:00
Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Gout, typically found in diabetic patients, is an unusually painful form of arthritis caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. The condition typically strikes the big joint on the big toe. It has also been known to strike the knees, elbows, fingers, ankles and wrists—generally anywhere that has a functioning, moving joint.
The high level of uric acid in a person’s bloodstream creates the condition known as hyperuricema—the main cause of gout. Genetic predisposition occurs in nine out of ten sufferers. The children of parents who suffer gout will have a two in ten chance of developing the condition as well.
This form of arthritis, being particularly painful, is the leftover uric acid crystallizing in the blood stream. The crystallized uric acid then travels to the space between joints where they rub, causing friction when the patient moves. Symptoms include: pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation. Additional side effects may include fatigue and fever, although reports of these effects are very rare. Some patients have reported that pain may intensify when the temperature drops, such as when you sleep.
Most cases of gout are easily diagnosed by a podiatrist’s assessment of the various symptoms. Defined tests can also be performed. A blood test to detect elevated levels of uric acid is often used as well as an x-ray to diagnose visible and chronic gout.
Treatment for gout simply means eliminating symptoms. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (Colchicine and other corticosteroid drugs, etc.) will quell the redness, the swelling, and the inflammation. However, managing your diet, lifestyle changes, and using preventative drugs are all helpful toward fully combating the most severe cases.
Those that lead an inactive lifestyle are at a higher risk for gout. Any amount of exercise decreases the probability of repeat encounters with the condition. Reducing your consumption of red meat, sea food, and fructose-sweetened drinks also reduces the likelihood of chronic gout as well.
Ingesting Vitamin C, coffee, and particular dairy products can help with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are new drugs out on the market that inhibit the body’s production of uric acid-producing enzymes. However, reducing or eliminating your overall levels of uric acid is the best remedy to ensuring you lead a gout-free life.
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Friday, 22 December 2023 00:00
We Can Treat Your Foot or Ankle Pain
Foot or ankle pain can negatively affect your day-to-day life and can occur due to several different conditions. Pain can also be an indicator of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should seek professional help as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your feet.
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Tuesday, 19 December 2023 00:00
Children’s Foot and Ankle Injuries
Children often experience foot and ankle injuries due to sports, games, or falls. These injuries can range in severity, requiring different levels of medical attention. Ankle sprains happen when ligaments in the ankle stretch or tear due to rapid movements, often occurring during sports or high-energy activities. This can lead to swelling, pain, and bruising. Ankle strains involve muscle overstretching or tearing, which can be acute or chronic. Severe strains need immediate medical attention. Sever's disease causes heel pain in growing children, worsening with high-impact activities. It generally resolves over time. Ankle fractures are common in sports, and may involve any ankle bone. Complex fractures may necessitate surgery. Other injuries like puncture wounds, compartment syndrome, and ankle dislocations can occur and should be promptly treated by a podiatrist. If your child has a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and proper treatment.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM of Practice. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
- Make sure their shoes fit properly
- Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
- Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
- Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
- Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
- Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
- Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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Tuesday, 19 December 2023 00:00
How to Care for Your Child's Feet
It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.
It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.
Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.
As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.
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Tuesday, 12 December 2023 00:00
Foot Injuries From Playing Basketball
Basketball is a popular sport known for its fast paced and intense nature. However, the constant running, jumping, pivoting, and sudden stops can put a lot of strain on the lower body, leading to common foot injuries. Three of the most frequent basketball foot injuries are ankle sprains, fractures, and plantar fasciitis. Basketball players often suffer from ankle sprains, which can happen when they land awkwardly or make sudden changes in direction. These sprains can also occur when they step on another player's foot, causing the supporting ligaments to stretch too far. The repetitive impact from jumping and running on hard surfaces can lead to fractures in the foot. Stress fractures can develop gradually due to overuse, while more severe fractures are typically caused by sudden impacts. Players with poor foot structure, such as flat feet, may develop plantar fasciitis, resulting in heel pain. If you play basketball and have sustained a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Matthew Fillipi, DPM of Practice. 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 East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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Tuesday, 12 December 2023 00:00
Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries
Foot and ankle injuries are common among athletes and those who exercise frequently. Most of these injuries are non-life-threatening and can heal in weeks with proper treatment and care. Serious injuries, however, require urgent medical treatment.
Common minor injuries include ankle sprains, ankle strains, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and turf toe. An ankle sprain is when the ligaments in the ankle have either become stretched or torn. When the muscle or tendon is stretched or torn, it is an ankle strain. When the big toe is sprained, it is known as turf toe. Achilles tendonitis is the overuse and inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia and generally occurs from overuse in athletics. Stress fractures are also caused from overuse and are small cracks in the bone.
Achilles tendon ruptures are common, but more serious. This injury occurs when the Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body, ruptures. In most cases, this causes severe pain and difficulty walking; some who have experienced this injury have reported, however, no signs or symptoms. A laceration is a deep cut that can occur anywhere on the body. Lacerations on the foot are rarer, but can occur from things like metal cleats landing on the foot.
Treatment options cover a wide range of methods based upon the injury and its severity. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, turf toe and ankle sprains/ strains can heal on their own without immediate medical care, but seeing a podiatrist to monitor the injury is always recommended. Following the RICE (Rest, Icing, Compression, and Elevation) protocol is generally enough to treat minor injuries. This means resting the foot by either keeping pressure off the foot or not walking at all. Icing the injury will help reduce swelling and pain. Compressing the wound with a wrap will immobilize and help promote healing. Finally, keeping the wound elevated will also reduce swelling and also help the healing process.
It is important to note that even minor injuries can vary in severity, with grade one being a minor injury and grade three requiring urgent care by a podiatrist. Achilles tendon ruptures and lacerations on the foot generally require urgent medical care and treatment options that need a podiatrist. These could include imaging tests, stitches for cuts, rehabilitation, and casts or braces. Every case is different, however, so it is always recommended to see a podiatrist when pain in the foot does not disappear.
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Tuesday, 05 December 2023 00:00
Possible Travelling Foot Pains
Exploring a different country on foot, whether in the tranquil early morning or during the enchanting twilight hours, offers a unique experience. However, this active exploration can come with challenges, particularly when navigating a city's cobblestone streets. Walking extensively can lead to foot pain, with common issues including plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. These conditions are often caused by overuse, wearing inadequate footwear, or tight and weak muscles. Plantar fasciitis, for example, manifests as a sharp pain in the heel as a result of overburdening the feet. Achilles tendinopathy presents as pain in the lower leg and is often caused by tight calves and wearing unsupportive shoes. To prevent and treat these issues, it is suggested that prior to your trip, you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss options such as using custom-made orthotics and targeted stretching and strengthening exercises that may help you to avoid foot pain so you can enjoy your vacation
Foot Pain
Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Matthew Fillipi, DPM from Practice. 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 East Longmeadow, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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