There are over 100 muscles, 30 joints, and 28 bones found in each foot. The foot is a complex structure, and the condition that is known as cuboid syndrome may be difficult to diagnose. There are seven tarsal bones in the foot, and the cuboid bone is one of these. Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone moves out of alignment, which can happen from a sudden injury or from repetitive use. Pain from this condition is generally felt on the side of the pinky toe and can radiate to the middle of the foot. Additional symptoms include swelling, limited range of motion, and difficulty walking. Patients who frequently participate in such sporting activities as tennis and racquetball may be more prone to developing Cuboid syndrome. Relief may be found by elevating the affected foot, and taping the foot may help to provide additional stability. If you have pain in this part of your foot, please speak to a podiatrist who can provide you with a proper diagnosis, and determine what the best course of treatment is for you.
Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.
Causes
The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:
Symptoms
A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
When children experience a growth spurt during puberty there can be an imbalance in the growth rate of their muscles, bones, and tendons. This is termed Sever’s disease, which generally affects children between the ages of 8 and 14. This condition occurs because the muscles and tendons in the heel become tight, pulling on the growth plate (cartilage) in the back of the heel. It is quite common in children who are particularly active in sports with a lot of running and jumping or other strenuous activities, such as gymnastics and dancing. Your child may experience redness or swelling in the back of the heel, stiffness in the feet first thing in the morning, and pain when the heel is squeezed on both sides. You also may notice them limping or walking on their tiptoes. Cutting down on the activities which induce the pain is one way to help alleviate symptoms of Sever’s disease, which may last for a few months. To be on the safe side, however, it is a good idea to introduce your child to a podiatrist who can conduct a full examination and suggest a program of treatment.
Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. 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 Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.
Gout is a painful, inflammatory form of arthritis. Those affected will typically feel an intense stiffness in the joints of their feet, particularly in the big toe. Schedule a visit to learn about how gout can be managed and treated.
An effective form of foot therapy is known as foot reflexology. There are many patients who enjoy the benefits of this type of therapy, including a general feeling of well being and even stress reduction. Zone therapy is another name for reflexology, and it is practiced by applying pressure to the feet with the hands. Additional benefits include improved blood circulation, balanced energy, and nerve responses may increase. There are zones in the feet that correspond to different organs in the body and can be stimulated when pressure is applied. Research has shown that there are certain ailments that may be helped while practicing foot reflexology, such as migraine headaches and digestion problems. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of foot reflexology and how it is performed, please consult a podiatrist.
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
Sever’s disease is related to swelling and irritation of the growth plate in the heel of the foot during puberty (typically 9 to 14 years of age). The growth plate, an area of the foot that is weaker and more apt to sustain injury than the rest of the bone, is a layer of cartilage in the foot near the end of a bone where most of bone growth occurs. During a growth spurt, muscles and tendons can become tight and pull on the growth plate. Activities like sports or prolonged standing can aggravate this condition. A child who has Sever’s disease might complain about tenderness or pain in one or both of their heels, experience stiffness in their feet upon awakening, start limping or walking on their tiptoes, or feel pain when their heels are squeezed from both sides. If your child is experiencing heel or foot pain of any sort, a visit to a podiatrist is suggested for proper diagnosis of the problem and appropriate treatment. If properly treated (with rest, ice packs, over-the-counter pain relievers, shoe inserts, or more), Sever’s disease is usually not long-lasting or chronic.
Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Keeping Children's Feet Healthy
Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...
Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.
Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.
Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.
As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’.
As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.
Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.
Be watchful for any pain or injury.
Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
The feet, and the arch, bear the body’s weight, and provide support and shock absorption. The arch is composed of several different structures, with the ligaments providing the lion’s share of stability and support. Excessive forces placed on the feet due to obesity can change the foot’s structure, negatively affecting the ligaments of the arch, and even causing flat feet in many overweight people. Studies even suggest that the degree of an overweight person’s flat footedness is directly correlated to their level of obesity, with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) correlated with a lower plantar arch height. People with flat feet might experience complications such as plantar fasciitis, muscle cramping, arthritis, Achilles Tendonitis, and other forms of foot discomfort or pain. A podiatrist can help anyone, regardless of weight, who is experiencing discomfort from flat feet with custom orthotic devices, supportive shoes, stretching exercises and stretches, physical therapy, pain management medication and more.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Ankle sprains are a fairly common injury to the rubber band-like ligaments that connect and hold the ankle bones together. Not all ankle sprains are the same. Severity depends upon how many ligaments are affected, and whether they are overly stretched, or partially/fully torn. Having weak ankles, running on uneven surfaces, playing sports, wearing inappropriate shoes, and having prior ankle sprains can increase a person’s risk of spraining their ankle. Along with pain, an ankle sprain may cause bruising, swelling, stiffness, soreness and even difficulty walking. If your ankle does not heal properly, it could lead to future ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability. Sometimes an ankle sprain will occur along with another type of foot or ankle injury that should be addressed as well. To avoid these problematic situations, contact a podiatrist if you believe you have sprained your ankle.
Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?
Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Preventing a Sprain
Treatment of a Sprain
Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.
If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
A heel spur is actually referred to medically as a calcaneal spur. It is a small, bony protrusion that forms on the back of the heel, and it can cause pain and discomfort while walking. It can develop as a result of excessive strain on the foot muscles and ligaments, or it may come from a torn membrane that covers the heel bone. The pain from a heel spur is felt in back of the heel, which can cause the Achilles tendon to become inflamed. Heel spurs may be mistaken for the painful foot ailment known as plantar fasciitis, which can produce similar symptoms. Pain from a heel spur can make completing daily tasks difficult, and it is strongly advised that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can properly diagnose and treat heel spurs.
Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact Bruce Smit, DPM from Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will do everything possible to treat your condition.
Heels Spurs
Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.
Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.
Pain
The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.
Treatments
There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.
It is common for elderly people to undergo changes in their circulatory system. This can be a normal part of the aging process as a result of strain on the veins and arteries. Some of the symptoms that are associated with poor circulation include a tingling sensation, pain, and muscle cramps. Additionally, the feet may turn blue or purple, the toenails can become weak, and there can be hair loss on the legs. Mild relief can be found by massaging the feet, staying active, and it can help to refrain from drinking caffeine and alcohol. Poor circulation may be a symptom of an underlying condition. If you have signs of this ailment, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist as quickly as possible who can properly assess and treat your circulation issues.
While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Bruce Smit, DPM of Frankfort Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:
Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Frankfort, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
