May 2023

People who are afflicted with plantar warts may have difficulty walking. These growths are found on the soles of the feet and can cause severe pain and discomfort. This is a result of the consistent weight the feet endure while walking and standing during the day. Plantar warts are caused by a virus that is known as the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This virus is contagious, and lives in warm and moist environments. These can consist of public swimming pools, locker rooms, and shower room floors. It is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas, such as flip flops or water shoes. This type of wart will generally take several weeks or months to completely disappear. Many patients seek treatment to relieve the pain, which may include removal for faster relief. If you have a plantar wart, it is suggested that you speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward the treatment that is correct for you.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors 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 offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Lower back pain is not something to take lightly, as it can dramatically affect your overall health and well being. Interestingly, lower back pain has a notable connection to the feet, since the feet are essentially the foundation of the entire human body. Orthotics, or shoe inserts that are custom or over-the-counter, can be used to address lower back pain. Orthotics are a non-surgical, non-invasive option that might be used by patients to address their lower back pain without undergoing a surgical procedure. The orthotics can be used to put the feet in optimal alignment and motion, thereby supporting the back. If you are someone that is struggling with lower back pain or chronic back pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can provide guidance, advice, and assistance regarding custom orthotics.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the lower leg, and it connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is responsible for pointing and flexing the foot, which is done during routine activity. Having an Achilles tendon injury may cause difficulty in completing daily tasks. An injury can cause this tendon to partially or completely tear and often causes severe pain and discomfort. It can happen for various reasons, including increasing speed and distance too quickly while running and not stretching properly before running or jogging. The Achilles tendon may gradually weaken when shoes that are worn do not fit correctly or if some weight has been gained. Recovery can take several months for complete healing, and wearing supportive shoes may help to accelerate this. If you have endured an Achilles tendon injury, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you with the correct treatment techniques.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

The nerve between the third and fourth toes is affected by the foot condition known as Morton’s neuroma. An injury can cause this nerve to become compressed, or the neuroma may happen as an effect of a separate medical condition, such as a bunion or hammertoe. Additionally, a common reason for Morton’s neuroma to develop is from wearing shoes that are especially tight in the toe area. High heels can fit into this category, and relief may be found when lower-heeled shoes are worn. This condition can cause severe pain and discomfort, and it may help to take pressure off of the affected foot by wearing a boot or using crutches. Some people experience a burning sensation with Morton’s neuroma, in addition to having it feel tingly or numb. Patients may feel like there is a pebble or marble in their sock and may be surprised when there is nothing there. If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are various reasons why falling may occur. One reason may be a lack of awareness of surroundings, and this can happen from a lack of sleep. The general health of the body may also contribute to the act of falling, which may determine the reaction speed. Getting adequate sleep may enhance the ability to avoid a fall, in addition to having a healthy and strong body. This is especially true of the feet, which can propel the body to stand up after a fall and maintain balance. Effective fall prevention methods can include regular physical and eye examinations. This can be helpful in updating existing medications and eyeglasses. Taking supplements daily may possibly have a positive effect on the brain and nervous system, in addition to having increased awareness. If you would like more knowledge about fall prevention techniques, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct information.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.