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Taking care of your feet is essential for overall well-being, given that the average person takes between 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day. Daily foot care helps to prevent injuries and alleviate discomfort in the feet, knees, hips, and back. Wearing appropriate shoes tailored to specific activities will ensure adequate support. When purchasing new footwear, factors such as cushioning, arch support, and shock absorption should be prioritized. Regularly inspecting shoes for wear and tear is also important, as worn-out shoes can contribute to foot problems. Additionally, it's advisable to minimize walking barefoot on hard surfaces to avoid inflammation. Pedicures can be beneficial for foot maintenance, provided personal tools are used to reduce the risk of infections. Incorporating stretching exercises and regular foot massages into your routine can further enhance foot health and overall well-being. By following these practices, you can improve comfort, productivity, and quality of life, one step at a time. If foot or ankle issues occur from time to time, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to have your feet examined, a proper diagnosis made, and appropriate treatment administered.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, 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.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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.

A fractured bone occurs when external force exceeds bone strength, resulting in pain, limited function, and potential bleeding. Bones are composed of calcium reinforced connective tissue with bone marrow producing blood cells. Bones support the body, aid movement, and shield internal organs. Fracture severity varies based on force, bone involved, age, and health. Common fractures include ankle fractures, more prevalent among older adults. Causes include accidents and conditions like osteoporosis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and deformity. If you have sustained an ankle fracture, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist as quickly as possible to ensure proper healing and regain optimal function.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, 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. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

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.

Gout, a form of arthritis, affects the feet due to high uric acid levels. It is well-studied, with genetics playing a significant role. Symptoms can range from none to acute attacks and chronic conditions. Diagnosis involves tests and imaging, such as finding monosodium urate, or MSU, crystals in fluid, and advanced scans help to monitor it. Treatment includes managing flares, chronic issues, and preventing future attacks. Medication, lifestyle changes, and education are key. If you have gout and it is affecting the joints of your feet, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and advice in managing this painful condition.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors 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 offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care 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 one of our podiatrists from Foot and Ankle Clinics, PA. Our doctors 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 offices located in Woodbury, West St. Paul, and Edina, MN . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.