Items filtered by date: March 2022

Playing sports is common among youth and often continues as you become an adult. Kids and adults are both at risk of sports-related injuries. A few simple ways to prevent getting hurt while playing sports include warming up before you start, not exercising more than necessary, and stopping when you feel extreme pain. Most sports injuries are the result of doing too much too fast, thinking you can do more than you can, over training, faulty equipment, and accidents. The most common sports injuries are heel pain, stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis. Athletes also are at risk of twisted or sprained ankles and, in some cases, broken bones. In case of a sports-related injury, it is suggested that you resist the idea of playing through the pain and, instead, stop the activity immediately. Ice, compression and elevation should follow. It is wise to consult a podiatrist as soon as possible for a full diagnosis and treatment options.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM of Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Not all sweaty feet are odorous. Sweaty feet become smelly when bacteria break down sweat that is unable to evaporate by wearing shoes that are too tight or unbreathable, practicing poor hygiene, or wearing socks that do not draw sweat away from skin. It is normal for feet to be sweaty occasionally due to heat, strenuous exercise, and the type of shoes we wear, among other things. Sweat is usually the body’s way of regulating its temperature. However, when sweating is not caused by these common factors and is excessive or persistent, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) may be the culprit. Hyperhidrosis is either generalized (affects the whole body) or focal and it typically affects the hands, armpits, groin, or—in the case of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis—the feet. You may have palmoplantar hyperhidrosis if you sweat through your socks frequently, slip around in your shoes, or if your feet look wet, or white. Consult with a podiatrist if you believe your feet sweat excessively. They may treat your hyperhidrosis with prescription topical medications and antiperspirants, Botox injections, or by disabling the sweat glands in your feet temporarily using a gentle electrical current through water.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM of Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

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

The most common type of athlete’s foot is referred to as chronic interdigital. Symptoms that are associated with this condition often include itchiness between the toes and on the bottom of the foot. It can develop as a result of wearing shoes that are too small, and this can create a warm environment that is perfect for fungus to grow in. The least common type of athlete’s foot is known as vesicular, and this can produce blisters that are painful on the bottom or top of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and may be prevented by wearing appropriate shoes in public showers. If you have developed this uncomfortable foot condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can begin the correct treatment for you.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

• Thoroughly washing and drying feet
• Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
• Using shower shoes in public showers
• Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
• Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes poor circulation in the extremities due to a narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that supply those areas. PAD is particularly dangerous because it is often asymptomatic, especially in its initial stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as leg pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and skin discoloration may appear. PAD is more common in people who smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of atherosclerosis or diabetes. It is also more common in older adults than it is in those under age 60. After age 60, PAD is seen in men more frequently than in women. For more information about PAD, please consult with a podiatrist. 

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with Edward S. Pozarny DPM from Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

The Achilles tendon is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg, connecting the heel bone to the calf muscles. When the Achilles tendon is injured, resulting symptoms may include pain, aching, stiffness, soreness or tenderness in the heel or back of the leg, enlargement of the tendon, and damage to the surrounding tissues. There are two main types of Achilles tendon disorders – Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendonosis. Tendonitis is a typically short-lived inflammation of the tendon. Tendonosis, which can evolve from tendonitis if the former is not treated promptly, can lead to tears in the tendon and degeneration over time. If you have symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Edward S. Pozarny DPM of Arlington Podiatry Center. Our doctor 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 office located in Arlington, VA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.