Items filtered by date: July 2023

Ankle pain can affect the ability to complete your daily activities and in some cases, if left untreated can develop into a chronic condition. The main causes of ankle pain include sprains, arthritis, and Achilles tendonitis. Other causes are gout, damage to cartilage, and fractures. If you have broken an ankle bone, seeking immediate medical attention is a must. Other symptoms that indicate a trip to the podiatrist include the inability to bear weight, a deformity developing on the ankle, and pain occurring at night or while the ankle is at rest. Further indicators are pain that persists over a few days, trouble bending the ankle joint, swelling into the calf area, or signs of infection. Treatment options for ankle pain are dependent on the cause and can range from rest to surgery. In many cases, changes in footwear and wearing a brace or other orthotic device will be necessary. Specific stretching exercises and types of medication can help to relieve the pain. If you believe you have injured your ankle, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment. 

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Many people will develop athlete’s foot at some point in their lives. It is a common foot condition that can cause the skin on the soles of the feet to itch, crack, and appear generally unattractive. It may also affect the skin between the toes and can cause discomfort. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that lives in warm and moist areas. These can include locker rooms, public swimming pools and surrounding areas. The fungus can enter the body through small cracks in the skin, and it is beneficial to wear appropriate shoes while in these types of environments. Many people choose to seek relief from a podiatrist when their feet are unsightly and uncomfortable. A sample is often taken from the affected skin which can confirm athlete’s foot, and medication can be prescribed. If you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can help you with correct treatment options.

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 Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. 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 Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Morton’s neuroma, known as intermetatarsal neuroma, is an inflamed nerve in the ball of the foot, typically behind the third and fourth toes. It can occur from wearing tight shoes or from having foot deformities. Morton’s neuroma presents itself as pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or burning of the front of the foot. Those who have had this condition liken it to the feeling of walking on a pebble or rolled-up sock. This nerve is sensitive to excessive weight on the foot and scar tissue can form around the nerve and sometimes enlarge it. Those who wear high heels or tight-fitting shoes are susceptible to this condition. Treatments vary by the severity of Morton's neuroma. Resting the foot, cushioning the ball of the foot with padding, and wearing orthotics to take pressure off of the nerve can help. If more conservative treatment does not relieve discomfort, surgery can be performed to remove the inflamed nerve segment. If you are suffering from pain in your midfoot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan that is customized to your situation.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

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

Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading foot conditions among Americans causing heel pain. The condition is characterized by the aggravation of the plantar fascia. Depending on your particular case of plantar fasciitis, a medical professional might recommend that you perform any number of stretches to mitigate the pain. For example, a medical professional, such as a podiatrist, might recommend that to combat plantar fasciitis, you can perform toe extensions. This stretch can be performed by putting the affected foot behind the other in a standing position. Then, contract the calf muscles and lift the back heel to essentially extend the toes. If you are someone that is living with plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you contact a podiatrist today for an exam and treatment options.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM  from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

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