A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that develops from repetitive force rather than a single injury. The metatarsal bones, which help bear weight during walking and running, are commonly affected. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Causes often involve over-training, improper footwear, or sudden increases in activity. Risk factors include low bone density, poor nutrition, and high-impact sports. A podiatrist can confirm the diagnosis through examination and imaging, then provide a care plan that may include ceasing the activity, specific exercises and guidance on protective footwear. If you suspect you have a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat it.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors 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 office located in Contact Us . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral neuropathy can significantly impact the health of the feet, making them vulnerable to serious complications. When sensory nerves in the lower extremities are damaged, it can result in the loss of the ability to feel pain, temperature, or pressure, especially in the toes and soles. This loss of sensation in the feet, termed peripheral neuropathy, can lead to unnoticed injuries, such as cuts, blisters, or pressure points from shoes, which may worsen over time. Motor nerve damage can cause muscle weakness or foot drop, which affects walking and balance, increasing the risk of falls or sprains. In more severe cases, muscle wasting in the feet may lead to deformities. A podiatrist can evaluate nerve function, identify pressure areas, and recommend proper footwear or orthotic support to prevent further injury. In advanced cases, a podiatrist may suggest surgery to relieve nerve compression or correct deformities caused by neuropathy. If you have any of these symptoms, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for guidance in managing this condition.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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

An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection. When conservative care does not resolve the issue, surgical procedures called a partial or total nail avulsion may be performed. In this procedure, the podiatrist numbs the toe, removes the offending portion of the nail, and may apply a solution to prevent it from growing back. This treatment offers lasting relief and promotes proper healing. If you struggle with recurring ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an expert evaluation and a permanent solution to restore comfort and function.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Kokomo Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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