Items filtered by date: July 2023

Kohler disease is categorized as a rare foot condition. It is considered to be a bone disorder and can result from compression caused by stress during a critical growth period. A common symptom of this condition is a swollen foot, which can be painful. It may be especially sensitive in the arch of the foot, which can appear to be red. Children between the ages of 3 and 7 are generally affected by Kohler disease, and parents may notice their child is limping. Walking can be difficult, and this may be from an interruption of blood flow to one of the bones in the foot. Research has shown the exact cause of Kohler disease is not known, but some specialists speculate it can be related to an injury that may have occurred before the child was 2 years old. Many cases of Kohler disease will gradually resolve, and the time frame can depend on the severity of the symptoms. If your child has a swollen foot, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can diagnose and treat this rare foot condition.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. 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.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

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.
 

The toenails can look disfigured with a severe case of toenail fungus. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and is considered to be highly contagious. This virus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments, such as public swimming pools, shower rooms, or similar areas. Some of the symptoms that are associated with toenail fungus can include yellowed nails that can become brittle, and the affected nails may emit an odor. It is beneficial to implement certain methods that are successful in preventing toenail fungus. These can consist of wearing appropriate shoes, such as flip flops or water shoes, and refraining from sharing shoes, socks, and towels. Toenail fungus does not improve without medical attention. If you have developed this condition, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment options, which may include prescribed medicine.

For more information about treatment, 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.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

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.

Heel pain is common and there are several causes. It can occur as a result of an injury or from wearing shoes that do not have adequate cushioning in the heel area. The foot condition known as plantar fasciitis can cause severe heel pain and a podiatrist is often consulted for relief. Additionally, enduring an Achilles tendon injury can also produce heel pain, and it can become difficult to walk. People who are afflicted with arthritis in the feet may have swollen heels and a reduced range of motion. For moderate heel pain, performing gentle stretches can help to strengthen the heel and it is helpful to avoid wearing high heels. A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the bottom of the heel that causes heel pain, too. A heel spur can be diagnosed by having an X-ray taken to determine its size. If you have heel pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can analyze the cause and offer you the correct treatment solutions.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. 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.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

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

An unfortunate reality that many Americans face every day is that foot pain can be quite a disruption to everyday life. Many patients of podiatrists often ask what exactly causes foot pain. The answer is that there are a multitude of different potential causes of foot pain, and so the precise cause is very specific to the individual patient. For example, being obese can cause foot pain because of the extra weight that is exerted on the feet. Additionally, wearing shoes that are not supportive, such as flip flops or high heels, can trigger sensations of pain in the feet. It is possible that a person may also be experiencing foot pain due to an underlying foot condition, such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. If you are someone that is experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today who can determine what the cause is, and offer correct treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, 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.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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.