Items filtered by date: August 2023

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, can cause discomfort and impact your overall foot mechanics. While nonsurgical treatments such as wearing orthotics, can provide moderate relief, some cases may require surgical intervention. Surgical procedures aim to correct the structure of the foot and restore its natural arch. One common approach involves realigning the bones to improve arch height. Another technique focuses on repairing or transferring tendons that can enhance arch support. The decision to undergo flat feet surgery should be well considered by taking into account the severity of the condition, lifestyle, and medical history. Recovery and rehabilitation are crucial for optimal results. Consulting a podiatrist is vital in determining whether surgical intervention is the best path to help you regain comfort and mobility. If you have flat feet, it is strongly suggested that you contact this type of doctor who can guide you toward the treatment that is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor 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 Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

When rheumatoid arthritis, RA, targets the feet and ankles, life can feel unsteady. Foot and ankle arthritis not only brings pain but also disrupts balance and movement, making tasks like standing and walking difficult. Experts say 90% of RA patients experience foot or ankle pain, a rate twice that of the general population and primarily affecting women under 60. RA's impact is profound, and crippling foot pain can curtail daily activities. Symptoms of RA in the feet include swelling, stiffness, and deformities. Common issues include painful nodules, dislocated toe joints, bunions, and Achilles tendon pain. RA can strike the forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot, and ankle, altering mobility and causing distressing discomfort. While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, various treatments alleviate RA-related foot pain. Strategies include gentle exercises, ice application, orthotics, braces, and accommodating shoes. Other measures include physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgical procedures. Surgery is a last resort and ranges from joint fusion to a replacement, each with unique risks and benefits. If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis that is affecting your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care  

Arthritis is a term that is commonly used to describe joint pain.  The condition itself can occur to anyone of any age, race, or gender, and there are over 100 types of it.  Nevertheless, arthritis is more commonly found in women compared to men, and it is also more prevalent in those who are overweight. The causes of arthritis vary depending on which type of arthritis you have. Osteoarthritis for example, is often caused by injury, while rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a misdirected immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Decreased Range of Motion

Arthritic symptoms range in severity, and they may come and go. Some symptoms stay the same for several years but could potentially get worse with time. Severe cases of arthritis can prevent its sufferers from performing daily activities and make walking difficult.

Risk Factors

• Occupation – Occupations requiring repetitive knee movements have been linked to osteoarthritis
• Obesity – Excess weight can contribute to osteoarthritis development
• Infection – Microbial agents can infect the joints and trigger arthritis
• Joint Injuries – Damage to joints may lead to osteoarthritis
• Age – Risk increases with age
• Gender –Most types are more common in women
• Genetics – Arthritis can be hereditary

If you suspect your arthritis is affecting your feet, it is crucial that you see a podiatrist immediately. Your doctor will be able to address your specific case and help you decide which treatment method is best for you.

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.

Sever's disease is a common condition that causes heel pain in children experiencing growth spurts. It primarily affects active kids involved in sports and physical activities. This condition occurs when the growth plate at the back of the heel becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress and tension on the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone. As children grow, the bones often grow faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons, leading to this painful condition. Sever's disease usually affects children and young teenagers between the ages of 8 to 14 years old. The treatment for Sever's disease focuses on relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Rest, and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition are the primary treatment measures. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may help improve flexibility and reduce stress on the affected area. In some cases, heel pads or orthotic shoe inserts may be recommended to provide additional support and cushioning. If the pain persists or worsens, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for proper evaluation and guidance on managing Sever's disease effectively.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

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 injuries.

The Brannock device, a seemingly simple yet ingenious tool, is the key to accurately measuring shoe size. Invented in 1927 by Charles Brannock, it remains the industry standard for footwear fitting across the globe. The Brannock device consists of a metal platform with graduated scales for the length and width of the foot, a sliding pointer, and a movable heel cup. To determine shoe size, the individual places the heel against the heel cup and stretches the foot along the platform. The pointer slides to the tip of the longest toe, while the width scale ensures a comfortable fit. This measurement provides the foot's length and width, aiding in selecting the perfect size shoe and ensuring optimal comfort and support. The Brannock device remains an indispensable part of the shoe fitting process, guaranteeing a seamless experience for finding the ideal pair of shoes for every foot. If you would like additional information on how to select a proper shoe size, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist. 

Getting the right shoe size is an important part of proper foot health. Seek the assistance of Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Getting the Right Shoe Size

There are many people who wear shoes that are the incorrect size, negatively affecting their feet and posture. Selecting the right shoes is not a difficult process, so long as you keep several things in mind when it comes to choosing the right pair.

• When visiting the shoe store, use the tools available to measure your foot.
• Be sure there is ‘wiggle room’. There should be about an inch between your toes and the tip of your shoes.
• Do not always assume you are the same size, as manufacturers run differently.
• Purchase shoes later in the day, as your feet swell as the day progresses.
• If a shoe is not comfortable, it is not suitable. Most shoes can’t be ‘broken in’, and comfort should be the ultimate goal when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes

As our feet hold our body weight and keep us moving, it is important to treat them right. Picking the right pair of shoes can provide your feet comfort and mobility without pain.

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.

Research has shown that approximately 20 percent of adults have foot pain regularly. There are various reasons why this can happen, including the wear and tear that can come from being obese. Stress fractures are a common source of foot pain among physically active people. This can happen from repetitive motion while frequently running or jogging, and the number of cases may have increased during the pandemic. Plantar fasciitis can begin with heel pain and often becomes worse without medical treatment. Diabetic patients experience foot pain which may be due to the nerve damage that often accompanies this condition. Psoriatic arthritis may begin with foot pain, and the ankle joints can become inflamed, too. If you have any type of foot pain, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat foot pain conditions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. 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 Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.