Sesamoiditis is irritation or inflammation of the two sesamoid bones beneath the big toe joint. These tiny bones help absorb pressure and support movement. Sesamoiditis causes pain under the ball of the foot, especially beneath the big toe. Discomfort may develop gradually and worsen during activity. Tenderness, swelling, and pain when bending the big toe can also occur. Pain may increase with weight-bearing and repeated push-off. This condition affects the underside of the forefoot.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing sesamoiditis. Activities that place repeated pressure on the forefoot can contribute, particularly running, dancing, or jumping. Wearing high-heeled or poorly cushioned shoes may increase stress around the sesamoids. Foot structure can affect pressure distribution and place extra stress on the sesamoids. A sudden increase in activity may trigger symptoms. Repetitive stress, direct injury, and prolonged standing are common causes. People who participate in sports requiring push-off may have a greater risk.

A podiatrist begins treatment by reviewing symptoms, activities, and history. A foot examination helps identify tenderness and pain with movement. X-rays may be recommended to check the bones and rule out a fracture. Treatment options include activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, or temporary immobilization when appropriate. Medication may help control pain, when appropriate. Activity is gradually adjusted as healing progresses, helping prevent a flare-up.

Sesamoiditis can improve when repeated stress is addressed early. Wearing comfortable shoes with adequate cushioning and avoiding painful activities can help protect the area during recovery. Do not ignore persistent pain beneath the big toe, especially when walking becomes difficult. A podiatrist can determine whether sesamoiditis is responsible for your symptoms and create a treatment plan suited to your needs. If you have symptoms of sesamoiditis, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

Rare foot conditions can cause unusual pain, stiffness, or changes in the structure of the feet. One example is a complex regional pain syndrome. It often begins after an injury and can cause persistent burning pain, swelling, and skin changes. Symptoms may make it difficult to move the affected foot comfortably. Another rare condition is tarsal coalition, which occurs when two bones in the foot are connected where a movable joint would normally be present. Although people are born with this condition, pain may not appear until later in life.

Tarsal coalition can make the foot stiff and more likely to experience sprains or other injuries. Reduced movement may also place greater stress on nearby joints and contribute to early osteoarthritis. Another uncommon problem is Bessel-Hagen disease. This inherited condition causes abnormal bony growths that can affect the feet and other areas of the body. Some growths cause no discomfort, while others can become painful if they press against nerves or interfere with normal movement. These rare foot conditions can affect mobility in different ways, making an accurate diagnosis important.

A podiatrist can evaluate unexplained foot pain and determine whether a rare foot disorder may be contributing to the symptoms. Medical imaging may be used to identify conditions such as tarsal coalition. Depending on the diagnosis, professional treatment may include foot orthotics or other approaches designed to improve function. Surgery may be considered in certain cases when a condition seriously limits foot mobility. Some rare foot diseases may produce few noticeable symptoms, which can make professional assessment especially valuable when unexplained problems continue. A podiatrist can determine the source of discomfort and develop a treatment plan based on the specific condition. If unexplained foot pain, stiffness, or structural changes are affecting your comfort or mobility, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment options.

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors 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 Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail develops when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. It most often affects the big toe and can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling. The skin beside the nail may look irritated or raised, while the nail edge can appear buried under the skin. In more advanced cases, drainage or infection may develop.

Several factors can contribute to ingrown toenails. Cutting nails too short or rounding the corners may encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight shoes can also create pressure around the toes. Some people are more prone to ingrown toenails because of naturally curved nails, repeated toe injuries, or nail changes. Recognizing these risk factors can help reduce future problems. Proper nail trimming and comfortable footwear may lower pressure around the affected toe.

When an ingrown toenail keeps returning or causes significant pain, a podiatrist may recommend surgery. A partial nail avulsion removes the portion of the nail growing into the skin while leaving the remaining nail in place. A total nail avulsion removes the entire nail and may be considered for certain conditions. A podiatrist may also perform ablation of the nail matrix, which prevents the treated nail portion from growing back. The procedure selected depends on the nail and individual needs.

During treatment, a podiatrist evaluates the toe, checks for infection, and determines the appropriate procedure. Afterward, the toe is dressed and home-care instructions are provided to support healing. Patients may be advised to keep pressure away from the toe and attend follow-up visits. If you have painful ingrown toenails, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include minor surgery. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our doctors of Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health 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 Astoria, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

The arch of the foot helps absorb shock, support body weight, and keep the body balanced. Pain in this area can make standing or walking uncomfortable. It can develop suddenly after an injury or begin gradually from repeated strain. The pain can feel sharp, aching, or burning. It may stay in the arch or spread toward the heel and ankle. Some patients notice worse pain with their first steps in the morning. Others feel it after long periods of standing, running, or other weight-bearing activity.

Plantar fasciitis is a frequent cause of arch pain. It affects the strong band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes and supports the arch. Other causes include flat feet, high arches, and a strained tendon. A tendon is a firm cord that connects muscle to bone. Pain can also result from a stress fracture, which is a small crack in a bone caused by repeated pressure. Sudden increases in activity and shoes that lack proper support can raise the risk. Swelling, tenderness, or changes in foot shape can help point to the underlying problem.

A podiatrist can examine the foot, review when the pain began, and check how the patient stands and walks. The evaluation can also include tests of strength, movement, and balance. It may also reveal areas receiving too much pressure. X-rays or other imaging tests can help identify a fracture or damage to soft tissue. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain. A podiatrist can provide custom orthotics to improve support and reduce strain. Care can also include bracing or a walking boot. Severe problems that do not improve with conservative care may require surgery. Early diagnosis can prevent the condition from worsening and help patients return to comfortable movement. If you have pain in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our doctors from Andrea Hyperbaric Wound Care & Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Biomechanics in Podiatry

Podiatric biomechanics is a particular sector of specialty podiatry with licensed practitioners who are trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower leg. Biomechanics deals with the forces that act against the body, causing an interference with the biological structures. It focuses on the movement of the ankle, the foot and the forces that interact with them.

A History of Biomechanics

• Biomechanics dates back to the BC era in Egypt where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded.
• In 1974, biomechanics gained a higher profile from the studies of Merton Root, who claimed that by changing or controlling the forces between the ankle and the foot, corrections or conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area.

Modern technological improvements are based on past theories and therapeutic processes that provide a better understanding of podiatric concepts for biomechanics. Computers can provide accurate information about the forces and patterns of the feet and lower legs.

Understanding biomechanics of the feet can help improve and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot.

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