Items filtered by date: November 2023

Foot stress fractures, though diminutive in size, can pack a punch when it comes to discomfort and disruption in daily activities. These fractures occur when the normal balance between bone formation and breakdown is disrupted, often due to repetitive stress or overuse. High-impact activities like running or jumping, sudden increases in physical activity, or wearing inadequate footwear can all contribute to the development of stress fractures. The bones in the foot, particularly the metatarsals, are vulnerable to micro-cracks when subjected to repetitive loading without sufficient time for recovery. Factors such as improper training techniques, changes in exercise surfaces, or underlying conditions that affect bone density can heighten the risk. If you have developed a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel bone spurs, or calcaneal spurs, are abnormal bone growths that look like hard lumps on the back of or underneath the heel. These formations are caused by persistent irritation or stress on the heel bone. This prompts the cells responsible for bone growth to produce excess calcium deposits over time. One of the causes of heel spurs is tightness in soft tissues like ligaments, muscles, and tendons. When these tissues are under increased tension, they exert excessive force on the attached bone, leading to inflammation and the development of bone spurs. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, characterized by heightened tension in the plantar fascia under the sole of the foot, can also be a factor. Wearing shoes that are too tight, lack support, or have an improper shape create repetitive friction on different foot areas. The back of the heel is particularly susceptible to this friction, resulting in the accumulation of calcium deposits and the subsequent formation of calcaneal bone spurs. Women, who frequently wear tight fitting shoes that have high heels or pointed toes, are at a higher risk of developing such heel bone spurs. If you believe you may have developed a heel bone spur, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation. 

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick tissue band connecting the heel to the toes. This inflammation typically occurs due to excessive stress on the feet, which can be caused by activities such as running, prolonged standing, or wearing improperly fitted footwear. To alleviate the pain and prevent future flare-ups, begin by avoiding activities that make the condition worse. Daily stretching exercises prescribed by a podiatrist can help improve flexibility and strengthen the foot muscles. Choosing footwear with proper arch support and heel cushioning is essential, and in some cases, custom orthotic shoe inserts may be needed. When conservative treatments are ineffective, corticosteroid injections can help to reduce inflammation and pain. If plantar fasciitis pain is affecting your ability to carry out daily activities, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an appropriate treatment plan.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

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

Various forms of arthritis can have specific effects on the feet. Osteoarthritis, or OA, most often affects the first metatarsophalangeal joint, connecting the big toe to the foot. It can also be found in the midfoot and ankle. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, typically appears in both feet and affects the same joints symmetrically. Gout is known for frequently targeting the feet, particularly the big toe, and causing intense pain during flares ups. Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, can impact the toes, leading to swollen, sausage-like digits known as dactylitis. Additionally, it often involves inflammation at the points where tendons and ligaments attach to bones. The feet can be affected, resulting in plantar fasciitis and painful bone spurs, among other conditions. Ankylosing spondylitis also brings about plantar fasciitis and discomfort at the Achilles tendon, affecting the feet. Each of these types of arthritis presents distinct challenges and symptoms in the foot region. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether arthritis may be the cause. This type of doctor can determine what type of arthritis has developed and guide you toward the necessary treatments for relief. 

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna from Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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