Achilles Tendon Injuries
One of the most common causes of heel pain is Achilles tendonitis, a condition that can include inflammation or irritation of the Achilles tendon. As the largest tendon in the body, the Achilles health is particularly important, especially for athletes and highly active people. Inflammation and other irritation can be treated with appropriate care and support, and Dr. Maraist can create a treatment and recovery program for every unique situation. Severe damage like ruptures are also treatable, with the duration of recovery being directly linked to the quality of care that is available. Dr. Maraist can provide industry-leading treatment with a patient-specific approach that ensures the most appropriate methods are used for every unique scenario.
Ankle Instability
The condition of ankle instability can develop in athletes or highly active people who have previous cases of ankle sprains. Instability is more likely to develop when sprains are not treated properly, or when appropriate recovery time is not provided before resuming intensive physical activity. Sufferers of chronic ankle instability will be more at risk of turning or rolling their ankle while on uneven surfaces, or during intensive physical activity such as running or playing sports. A general instability may be felt, and pain and tenderness may reoccur indefinitely. Treatment methods include fitted bracing to provide support and reduce the chance of future sprains, and physical therapy is also effective at strengthening the ankle and returning ligaments to their original state. Physical therapy can be designed specifically to address the range of movement and intensity required of sports and other activities that a patient engages in.
Ankle Sprains
Incredibly painful and debilitating in the worst cases, ankle sprains can impact people of all ages who are involved in sports or regular physical activity. Treatment of sprains should be swift, as incorrect methods can lead to ankle instability and repeat sprains. A professional consultation will not only determine the severity of a sprain but will also ensure that any treatment provided is appropriate to the patient. Follow up treatment and consultation will monitor healing and ensure that ligaments are repairing successfully, and physical rehabilitation can be designed to help patients return to peak condition without pain or loss of mobility.
Arthritic Foot & Ankle Care
Regular stiffness, pain, and a general decrease in mobility of the feet and ankles could indicate the development of arthritis in these areas. Early diagnosis allows for the best treatment path and improved quality of life. Arthritic Foot & Ankle Care will treat the condition, eliminate pain as much and as often as possible, and ensure that mobility is not reduced or lost altogether. Although there is no cure for arthritis, professional treatment and understanding the condition and its triggers will improve day-to-day life, and can help to slow the progression of arthritis and general inflammation.
Athletes Foot Treatment
Untreated Athlete’s Foot can become a serious problem that is difficult to contain and cure. The fungal infection is highly contagious and can spread to toenails, hands, and feet. Over-the-counter topical medications are not always enough, which is why professional consultation is essential when Athlete’s Foot spreads or increases in severity. At the Maraist Foot and Ankle Center, complete diagnosis and a treatment program will identify the cause of Athlete’s Foot, while recommending the most effective clinical strength anti-fungal medications. Understanding the causes of the condition will help to prevent recurrence in highly active individuals.
Bunion Treatment
Bunions are bony bumps that can form around the joint at the base of the big toe. These are commonly caused when the big toe is repeatedly pushed against its neighbor toe, causing an abnormality to develop with the bone joint. Common factors can include excessive weight, improper footwear during physical activity, or improper daily footwear. Tight and narrow shoes can lead to a bunion developing, and continued use of tight footwear can progressively make the condition worse. Treatment at Marist Foot and Ankle center will help patients to understand the causes, while also providing effective surgical solutions for correction of the joint. Early treatment is important to reduce the risk of complications developing.
Callus Removal
Excessive thickening of the skin can lead to calluses, which are often found around high-pressure points of the feet. These flattened areas of thick skin can become excessively large, and may cause pain and redness under the skin. Treatment options are varied and are case-specific. Simple changes of footwear or using prescribed footwear inserts (orthotics) can prevent pain and eliminate the continued formation of calluses. The hard skin of a callus can also be surgically removed, or other treatments like medicated pads can help to soften skin and break down hard calluses. Expert clinical treatment ensures that the correct options are presented for every unique case.
Corn Treatment
Corns, like calluses, are formed around the pads of does and feet where pressure is regularly applied. The most common locations include the heels, soles, and the balls of the feet. Corns are typically smaller than calluses and can become painful due to inflammation under the hardened skin. Similar treatment and diagnosis methods exist for both corns and calluses. Surgical removal can be provided for severe cases, whereas supportive care (orthotics) can be used to prevent worsening of corns and reduce the pressure that led to the formation of them. Consultation will allow the appropriate solution to be provided, based on the severity of the corns and the likely causes.
Crush Injuries Surgery
Crush trauma to the feet can lead to intensive pain, ongoing inflammation, and a lack of mobility. Any time that a crush injury is suffered, expert treatment should be sought. Physical examination, and imaging diagnosis through MRI and X-Ray can determine the extent of interior injuries, allowing for the right treatment to be offered. Crush injuries are unpredictable and the damage is sometimes not visible from the outside. Treatment at Maraist Foot and Ankle Center will help to prevent long term problems developing from undiagnosed complications related to crush trauma.
Diabetic Foot Treatment
Anyone suffering from diabetes has an increased risk of developing ulcers or foot pain. Problems can usually be identified by swelling, general pain, or draining from an ulcer on the foot. Ulcers may not display symptoms until they are infected, which is why any pain or other abnormality should be discussed promptly with Dr. Maraist. Treatments and prevention can be provided with foot braces, compression wraps, purpose-designed diabetic shoes, and special shoe inserts. Infections are typically treated through disinfection, special foot baths, enzyme treatments, and specialized dressings.
Flat Feet Correction
Flat feet occur when the feet don’t develop a normal arch, with the entire foot making contact with the ground when standing or walking. Flat feet can be diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, and are sometimes naturally corrected without treatment. When flat feet continue into adulthood, intervention is necessary. Flat feet can cause pain or difficulty walking, and can lead to swelling or even pain throughout the legs and up into the back. Pain relief is an effective treatment for symptoms, and physical therapy and prescribed orthotics can help to correct problems. Surgery is also a potential treatment in severe cases and can include removal of abnormal bone growths, fusing of bones, or tendon transfer or bone grafting.
Fungus Toenail Treatment
Toenail fungus is closely related to athlete’s foot and can impact both children and adults. The fungus that causes this condition is highly contagious and can lead to ongoing and progressive problems. Crumbled nail edges, cracking, discoloration, and thickened nails are all indicators of fungus toenails. A foul odor may also be present in some scenarios. Treatment includes topical medication which eliminates fungus and returns toenails and the underlying skin to normal health. Oral fungicides can also be used to eliminate fungus when a topical solution is ineffective. Surgical removal of a nail may be required in some cases where the body is unresponsive to medication.
Geriatric Foot Care
Feet and ankles are some of the most stressed points of the body. As age increases, it’s possible to develop deformations, pain, and injury to feet. Mobility loss is a real possibility for the elderly, which is why geriatric foot care is so important. Problems with the feet can include dry skin, brittle nails, sensations of numbness and tingling, or discoloration. Regular and severe pain is also a warning sign of geriatric foot problems that require specialized care. The best way to treat and prevent further problems is through regularly a scheduled consultation, which will ensure that issues are detected early and that the right treatment options are provided. Dr. Maraist can provide essential diagnosis and treatment to ensure that geriatric patients don’t lose freedom and mobility throughout their golden years.
Hammertoe Therapy
The condition of hammertoe refers to abnormalities in any of the smaller toes where the joints are permanently bent to resemble a hammer or claw shape. Advanced cases can lead to pain when the toes are fully extended, which can be exacerbated with some footwear. Sufferers may also find that they are no longer able to bend toes, or that pain progresses to the ball of an impacted foot. Expert podiatrist diagnosis will confirm that hammertoe exists, and specialist physical therapy can be recommended to help rehabilitate the toes and reduce pain while improving mobility. Special exercises, footwear, and straps can be used as part of the treatment process.
Heel Spur Treatment
Heel spurs are relatively common and can be painless and go unnoticed in many cases. However, in severe cases, Spurs will lead to pain and can reduce mobility for sufferers. Highly active people, particularly those who engage in running and jumping sports, are more likely to develop a buildup of calcium that leads to heal spurs. Non-surgical treatments involve specialized physical therapy that reduces pain and improves mobility, and medication can be used to reduce pain while it is still present. Corticosteroid injection may also be used in some cases. Severe heel spurs can be removed through surgery, which is an option that may be recommended when other treatments are ineffective.
Ingrown Toenail Treatment
Ingrown toenails require treatment to provide pain relief and to help the nail begin regrowth in a healthier pattern. Ingrown toenails are often visible when examining where nails meet the sides of the toes, and will be painful to the touch, and can also be accompanied by redness, swelling, or pus discharge. Ingrown nails can be caused by trauma, incorrect footwear such as tight shoes, or incorrect nail trimming. Severe cases can be treated with pain medication and removal of the ingrown toenail. Recurring examples can be eliminated through permanent removal of the toenail, which is something that can be discussed at the Maraist Foot and Ankle Center. For infected toenails that are unresponsive to regular cleansing, antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Injuries and Trauma Care
General injuries and trauma to the ankles and feet should not go ignored. Swelling and ongoing pain are signs of damage, which could lead to serious conditions if left untreated. Feet and ankles are essential for mobility and any loss of mobility can have a significant impact on quality of life. Dr. Maraist can provide expert consultation and diagnosis for any foot injury, ensuring complete peace of mind and prevention of progressive foot and ankle conditions. When ongoing pain, swelling, or other abnormalities are observed after trauma or a sporting injury, visit the Maraist Foot and Ankle Center.
Neuroma Care
Neuroma is a condition that will be immediately noticeable due to the intense pain that it can lead to. In addition to area-specific pain, a neuroma can also cause burning sensations, numbness, or a loss of feeling around the toes or in the ball of the foot. Neuromas are caused due to abnormal growth of nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes. The condition can occur due to abnormalities like a high arched or flat foot or may occur due to trauma and inflammation, or ongoing stress through physical activity or inappropriate footwear. Dr. Maraist will perform a diagnosis to confirm the presence of neuromas and can recommend a treatment like physical therapy, orthotics, medication for inflammation and pain, or surgical solutions for severe cases.
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Heel pain can be extremely frustrating and can impair mobility in the very worst cases. Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and occurs when the thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. The pain is unlike some other common foot pain due to its sharp and stabbing sensations and can be more severe in the mornings for some sufferers. It’s a common condition for runners and other athletes but may also impact those who are overweight or who are regularly on their feet. When Plantar fasciitis is not addressed through diagnosis and treatment, it can progress to become severe and regular pain. Diagnosis is often performed through symptom analysis and physical examination, however, X-ray or other imaging techniques can be used if other complications are suspected. Rest, icing to reduce inflammation, physical therapy, and painkillers can all be used for treatment. A final resort treatment of surgery to detach the plantar fascia is used in the most severe cases. All options can be discussed at the Maraist Foot and Ankle Center.
Wart Removal
Plantar warts develop on the soles of the feet and can grow to become painful and inconvenient, particularly for highly active people. An examination can determine the extent of a wart, allowing for the best treatment options to be recommended. Warts can be identified by a hard and flat area on or around the sole of the foot, a small rough surface, or a darkened surface with black points. Warts can appear in large clusters in extreme cases. Treatment can involve taping until a wart has healed, using padding or orthotics to reduce pressure and eliminate pain, or surgical removal may also be advised.