The Importance of Foot Health: Everything You Need to Know

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Article featured on Santiam Hospital & Clinics

Have you ever stopped to think about just how vital our feet are? They’re our primary mode of transportation and are essential in facilitating our mobility. However, we often overlook their health, even when we experience pain.

Our feet are important and we need to take better care of them. In this blog, we’ll talk about the importance of foot health and how to maintain healthy feet.

Why Foot Health Matters

Our feet are composed of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When these parts work together in unison, we can stand, walk, run, and jump without any problems. However, when some of these parts are out of sync, it can cause a variety of foot problems.

Ignoring foot pain can cause the problem to worsen, leading to more severe discomfort and pain. Worse yet, untreated foot problems can lead to long-term joint or muscle damage, making it harder to walk and move.

That’s why it’s essential to take good care of our feet because they play a significant role in our overall well-being.

How to Maintain Healthy Feet

There are many things you can do to maintain your feet’s health. Here are some tips:

Choose the Right Shoes – Wearing the right shoes that fit correctly and offer support is essential in preventing foot problems. When shopping for shoes, look for those that provide adequate arch support, a firm heel counter, and room for your toes to move. Avoid shoes with pointed toes and high heels.

Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry – Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap, making sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections.

Trim Your Toenails Regularly – Trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short, as this can lead to ingrown toenails. File your nails gently afterward to smooth any rough edges.

Maintain a Healthy Weight – Being overweight can put additional pressure on your feet, leading to foot pain and discomfort. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and maintain a healthy weight to avoid these problems.

Visit a Podiatrist for Regular Check-ups – Podiatrists are foot and ankle specialists trained to treat a wide range of foot conditions. They can assist you in maintaining healthy feet and address any problems that arise.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

How to Select the Best Athletic Shoes for You

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Article featured on Foot Cared MD

How Do I Pick Athletic Shoes?

Gym shoes, sport shoes, sneakers — whatever you call them, proper-fitting athletic shoes can enhance performance and prevent injuries. Follow these fitting tips from foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons when purchasing your next pair.

  • Purchase shoes from a specialty store, if possible. The staff will provide valuable input on the type of shoe needed for your sport as well as help with proper fitting.
  • Try on athletic shoes after a workout or run and at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest. Fit your shoe to your largest foot.
  • Wear the same type of sock that you would wear for that sport.
  • Re-lace the shoes. You should begin at the farthest eyelets and apply even pressure as you create a crisscross lacing pattern to the top of the shoe.
  • Check the fit. When the shoe is on your foot, you should be able to freely wiggle your toes. Make sure you can fit at least one thumb between your longest toe and the end of the shoe’s toe box. The shoes should be comfortable as soon as you try them on. Don’t plan on them fitting better after “breaking them in.”
  • Walk or run a few steps in the shoes and make sure they are comfortable.
  • Check the heel. There should be a firm grip of the shoe to your heel and your heel should not slip as you walk or run.
  • Consider a sport-specific shoe. This may be necessary if you participate in a sport 3 or more times a week.
  • Change shoes regularly. After 300-500 miles of running or 300 hours of exercise, the cushioning material in a shoe is usually worn down and it’s time to replace the shoes.

What Type of Athletic Shoe Should I Get?

Athletic shoes can vary in design, material, and weight. These differences have been developed to protect the areas of the feet that are most stressed during a particular athletic activity.

  • Running, training, and walking shoes, including shoes for hiking, jogging, and exercise walking.
  • Court sport shoes, including shoes for tennis, basketball, and volleyball. Most court sports require the body to move forward, backward, and side-to-side. As a result, most court sport shoes are subjected to heavy abuse.
  • Field sport shoes, such as those for soccer, football, and baseball. These shoes are cleated, studded, or spiked. The spike and stud formations vary from sport to sport, but generally there are replaceable or detachable cleats, spikes, or studs affixed onto nylon soles.
  • Track and field sport shoes that often come in many models to meet the specific needs and training styles of individual runners.
  • Specialty sport shoes, including shoes for golf, aerobic dancing, and bicycling.
  • Outdoor sport shoes, including shoes used for recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and boating.

What Should I Look for in an Athletic Shoe?

Running Shoes
Conventional thinking suggests that a good running shoe should have ample cushioning to absorb shock, but there are advocates for minimalist running shoes that have almost no cushioning. No data exist to say which type of shoe is better.

If you choose a cushioned shoe, look for overall shock absorption, flexibility, control, and stability in the heel counter area (a hard insert used to reinforce the heel cup of a shoe), as well as lightness and good traction. These features may help prevent shin splints, tendinitis, heel pain, stress fractures, and other overuse injuries.

Walking Shoes
If walking is your activity of choice, look for a lightweight shoe with extra shock absorption in the heel of the shoe and especially under the ball of the foot. This will help reduce heel pain as well as burning and tenderness in the ball of the foot. A shoe with a slightly rounded or rocker sole (the entire part of the shoe that sits below the foot) also helps to encourage the natural roll of the foot during the walking motion. You should also look for a comfortable soft upper (the entire part of the shoe that covers the foot) and smooth tread (the part of the sole that touches the ground).

Aerobic Shoes
Shoes for aerobic conditioning should be lightweight to prevent foot fatigue and have extra shock absorption in the sole beneath the ball of the foot, where the most stress occurs. If possible, work out on a soft surface (e.g., a carpet).

Tennis Shoes
Tennis players need a shoe that supports the foot during quick side-to-side movements or shifts in weight. Look for a shoe that provides stability on the inside and outside of the foot. Flexibility in the sole beneath the ball of the foot allows repeated, quick forward movements for a fast reaction at the net. On soft courts, wear a softer soled shoe that allows better traction. On hard courts, you want a sole with greater tread.

Basketball Shoes
If basketball is your sport, choose a shoe with a thick, stiff sole. This gives extra stability when running on the court. A high-top shoe may provide added support but won’t necessarily decrease the risk of ankle sprain or injury.

Cross Trainers
Cross-training shoes, or cross trainers, combine several of the above features so that you can participate in more than one sport. A good cross trainer should have both flexibility in the front of the foot needed for running and lateral control necessary for aerobics or tennis.

You do not necessarily need a different pair of shoes for every sport in which you participate. Generally, you should wear sport-specific shoes for sports you play more than 3 times a week.

You may need a special shoe to address specific foot and ankle problems. For example, if your ankles turn easily, you may need to wear a shoe with a wide heel. If you have trouble with shin splints, you may need a shoe with better shock absorption. Talk to your foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon if you have concerns.

Other Design Features

Special features in construction will make athletic shoes more comfortable as well as help prevent injury:

  • A slip-lasted shoe is made by sewing together the upper like a moccasin and then gluing it to the sole. This lasting method makes for a lightweight and flexible shoe with no torsional rigidity.
  • A board-lasted shoe has the “upper” leather or canvas sewn to a cardboard-like material. A person with flat feet (pes planus) feels more support and finds improved control in this type of shoe.
  • A combination-lasted shoe combines advantages of both other shoes. It is slip-lasted in the front and board-lasted in the back. These shoes give good heel control but remain flexible in the front under the ball of the foot. They are good for a wide variety of foot types.

What If I Develop Foot Problems?

If you begin to develop foot or ankle problems, simple adjustments in the shoes may relieve the symptoms. Many of these devices are available without prescription.

  • A heel cup provides an effective way to alleviate pain beneath the heel (such as plantar fasciitis). Made of plastic or rubber, the heel cup is designed to support the area around the heel while relieving pressure beneath the tender spot.
  • A metatarsal pad can help relieve pain beneath the ball of the big toe (sesamoiditis) or beneath the ball of the other toes (metatarsalgia). Made of a felt material or firm rubber, the pad has adhesive on its flat side. Fixed to the insole behind the tender area (closer to the heel or further from the toes), the pad shares pressure normally placed on the ball of the foot. This relieves pressure beneath the tender spot.
  • An arch support (orthosis) can help treat pain in the arch of the foot. Made of many types of materials, arch supports can be placed in a shoe after removing the insole (the removable inner sole) that comes with the shoe.
  • Custom arch supports may be necessary for chronic (long-term) and complicated problems, including severe flat foot, high arches, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and turf toe. Custom arch supports are specially designed inserts that concentrate relief on a particular area while supporting other areas.

Talk to your foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon if you are experiencing foot or ankle problems. Working with your surgeon along with pedorthists and orthotists (specialists trained to make and modify shoe inserts) will ensure you get the right shoe for the best possible treatment.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Causes & Treatments for Arch Pain

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Article featured on Sydney Heel Pain

Arch pain can be the result of one or a combination of conditions that develop in the sole of the foot. Patients will often describe a tightness, pulling, strain, burning or ripping sensation through the mid arch of the foot, in front of the heel but behind the ball of the foot.

The pain in the arch can come on suddenly as in a one off day of increased walking or a sporting event, or progressively over a period of time as in walking in inappropriate shoes. Arch pain can be present every day and can be consistently present, in that it interferes with day to day activity. It will often feel worse in bare feet or thongs or flat and flimsy shoes such as ballet flats.

In extreme cases the pain can be excruciating and can cause burning and throbbing in bed at night. The soft tissue in the arch can be torn and this can be detected via ultra sound or MRI.

Conditions Causing Arch Pain

Do You Have Burning Arch Pain in Your Foot?

Discover this leading Podiatrist’s exciting new approach to arch pain treatment, for Plantar Fasciitis, by reading this un-missable article here.

ARCH PAIN TREATMENT

It is important to assess and diagnose which part of the foot is affected and causing the pain. Physical examination is usually sufficient but in complex cases the patient can be referred for ultra sound imaging. An MRI is not usually necessary.

It is also important to determine whether or not the ligament, fascia or tendon has been torn as this will determine which treatment path to take. If the tissue is not torn, then it is important to determine what has caused the condition so that these contributing factors can be resolved. Factors such as footwear, exercise or even stretching techniques are common contributing factors.

If there are bio mechanical issues affecting the patients foot then these need to be addressed also. Orthotics can be arranged and shoes can be changed. Strapping can be applied to the foot and in extreme cases an immobilisation boot can be used.

Shock wave therapy can applied to the foot which can stimulate blood flow and accelerate healing in addition to relieving pain. Correct stretching techniques must be instructed and followed.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

  • Strapping
  • Orthotics where necessary
  • Footwear changes
  • Shock wave therapy
  • Stretching
  • Immobilisation boot

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

 

Foot, Leg & Ankle Swelling

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Article featured on Mount Sinai

Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, especially among older people.

Abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs can cause swelling. This fluid buildup and swelling is called edema.

Considerations

Causes

Home Care

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Common Heel Pain

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Article featured on OrthoInfo

Every mile a person walks puts 60 tons of stress on each foot. Feet can handle a heavy load, but too much stress pushes them over their limits. The result is often foot pain — the most common problem affecting the foot.

Anatomy

The bones of the feet are commonly divided into three parts:

  • The hindfoot (back of the foot)
  • The midfoot (middle of the foot)
  • The forefoot (front of the foot)

The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot. It lies at the back of the foot (hindfoot).

  • The Achilles tendon extends down from the calf muscle and attaches to the back of the heel.
  • The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and attaches to the plantar surface of the heel bone.

Both of these attachments — the places where soft tissues attach to bone — can become inflamed and be the source of heel pain.

Cause

Heel pain can have many causes, which generally fall into two categories.

Pain beneath the heel may be caused by:

  • Stone bruise. Stepping on a hard object, such as a rock or stone, can bruise the fat pad on the underside of the heel. The bruised area may or may not look discolored.
  • Plantar fasciitis. Too much running or jumping can inflame the tissue band (fascia) connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes. This inflammation can be worsened by performing these activities in older shoes with worn-out cushioning. Learn more: Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs
  • Heel spur. When plantar fasciitis goes untreated for a long time, a heel spur (calcium deposit) may form where the fascia tissue band connects to the heel bone. A heel spur is usually the result of the problem (long-standing plantar fasciitis) and not the cause of the pain.
  • Calcaneus stress fracture. Repetitive stress to the calcaneus from high impact activities can eventually wear out and fracture the bone. Learn more: Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle
  • Nerve entrapment. Repetitive impact activities can cause swelling and nerve inflammation underneath the heel bone.

Pain behind the heel may be caused by:

  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis. People who have pain behind their heel may have inflamed the area where the Achilles tendon inserts onto (attaches to) the heel bone. This can be the result of running too much, or wearing shoes that rub or cut into the back of the heel.
  • Insertional Achilles tendinosis. This condition results from the breakdown of collagen in the Achilles tendon at the place where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. Over time, the tendon becomes thickened, causing pain.

Whatever the cause, continued impact on a sore heel will only worsen the pain and may lead to additional problems.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms of heel pain often include swelling and tenderness.
  • With plantar fasciitis, the pain is centered under the heel and may be mild at first. The pain flares up when taking first steps out of bed in the morning or when stepping out of a car after a long drive.  Even rising from a chair after sitting for awhile can cause pain.
  • Pain behind the heel may build slowly over time, causing the skin to thicken, get red, and swell. The pain flares up when first starting an activity after resting. Wearing normal shoes often also causes pain.
  • People with pain behind the heel may also develop a bump on the back of the heel that feels tender and warm to the touch. People born with this bump are more likely to experience heel pain as they get older.

Doctor Examination

Medical History and Physical Examination

During the appointment, your doctor will:

  • Ask you about your heel pain and symptoms.
  • Examine the bottom and back of your heel, looking and feeling for signs of tenderness and swelling that may indicate plantar fasciitis or retrocalcaneal bursitis.
  • Possibly squeeze your heel to determine if you have a stress fracture.
  • Possibly ask you to walk, stand on one foot, or do other physical tests to help your doctor pinpoint the cause of your pain.
  • Check your range of motion and flexibility.

Imaging Tests

X-rays. When heel pain continues for a long time, your doctor may order X-rays to evaluate the root cause of the pain. X-rays can help your doctor diagnose heel pain due to plantar fasciitis, calcaneus stress fracture, insertional Achilles tendinosis, and other issues that cause heel pain.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan. An MRI is rarely needed to diagnose heel pain. However, if initial nonsurgical treatment is not effective, and X-rays do not reveal the cause of your heel pain, your doctor may order an MRI scan. An MRI can help your doctor better evaluate the Achilles tendon, or diagnose a calcaneus stress fracture, retrocalcaneal bursitis, plantar fasciitis, or other soft tissue-related sources of pain.

Treatment

If your heel hurts, see your doctor right away to determine why it hurts and get treatment.

Treatment will depend largely on the cause of the pain.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Heel pain rarely requires surgery. Conservative (nonsurgical) treatments include:

  • Rest. Rest your foot as much as you can until the pain goes away. Heel pain that is the result of a stone bruise will gradually go away completely with rest.
  • Icing. If your pain is located behind the heel, consider placing ice on the back of the heel to reduce inflammation. Apply ice 20 minutes on/20 minutes off. Do not apply ice directly to the skin; use an ice pack, or wrap the ice in a towel or cloth.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Your doctor may recommend you take an NSAID, such as ibuprofen, to reduce swelling.
  • Tape. Placing tape around the heel may help reduce pain and promote healing in patients with plantar fasciitis.
  • Shoe inserts. Your doctor may recommend that you wear heel pads or heel cup inserts. Patients with a torn Achilles tendon may also want to wear open-backed shoes.
  • Night splinting: Your doctor may prescribe a splint for you to wear at night, which can be effective in reducing pain first thing in the morning.
  • Exercises. Your doctor may suggest special exercises. For example, leaning forward against a wall with your foot flat on the floor and heel elevated with the insert to stretch the Achilles tendon. Restoring flexibility in the calf muscle, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia is a critical step in relieving heel pain and keeping symptoms from coming back.

Note: Heel pain that has been going on for a long time often requires a long time to improve. Your doctor will likely recommend several of these conservative treatments and explain that it may take several months of treatment before your symptoms improve.

Surgical Treatment

Most heel pain can be treated without surgery. If your heel paint has not improved after months of conservative treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Surgical solutions target the anatomic source of the heel pain. Learn more about specific surgical treatment for:

Conclusion

Heel pain is a common foot problem. There are multiple causes of pain on the back, side, or bottom of the heel.

Clinical evaluation with a thorough exam is needed to diagnose the root cause of heel pain and to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

A sore heel will usually improve on its own without surgery — if you avoid placing significant impact on the heel and perform exercises to improve the damaged tissue.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

What Should I Do When My Foot or Ankle Pain Won’t Go Away?

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Article featured on PennMedicine

Foot and ankle pain is a common source of frustration because it often involves small bones, ligaments, and/or tendons, all of which can heal at somewhat unpredictable rates. A little patience is in order. But what can you do when your patience starts to wear thin because your pain doesn’t feel like it’s gotten any better over time? This article will offer some guidance.

Managing Foot or Ankle Pain Caused by an Injury

Foot or ankle pain caused by an injury occurs suddenly and includes conditions such as sprains and fractures.

What should I do after a foot or ankle injury?

If your foot or ankle pain is the result of an injury, in the moments immediately following, treating it with the tried-and-true acronym RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Try to spend as little time on your feet over the next few days as work and life will allow.

Light compression and keeping your injured foot or ankle elevated above the level of your heart will help minimize swelling. She says a heating pad can make the injury feel better initially, but because it opens blood vessels in the injured area, it can ultimately make the inflammation worse. Ice, on the other hand, will constrict the blood vessels, reducing inflammation.

When should I see a doctor for my foot or ankle injury?

Many foot and ankle injuries may be treated at home, but there are some symptoms that require immediate medical attention. They include:

  • A significant deformity. Compare your injured ankle or foot to the other one. If there’s a clear difference in appearance, seek medical attention.
  • Any large open wounds or significant bleeding
  • You’re unable to put any weight on your injured foot or ankle

Otherwise, if the pain hasn’t lessened after about three to five days of treating your injury at home, it is best to  see your primary care physician. They may order x-rays and, depending on what they show, refer you to a specialist.

Managing Foot or Ankle Pain Caused by Overuse

Foot and ankle pain can also occur slowly over time as a result of overuse and include conditions such as Achilles tendinitis and stress fractures.

The hallmark of an overuse foot or ankle injury is an aching pain that comes on gradually. You may start to notice discomfort in the area of the injury during certain activities. Eventually, it will become more persistent. Achilles tendonitis, for example, may be agitated only during runs or long walks initially. Left unchecked, running will become impossible, and simple everyday activities, like making dinner, will feel like they’re straining the tendon.

What should I do at the first sign of foot or ankle pain caused by overuse?

Similar to the advice above for an injury, treat the initial pain with RICE and acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In some cases, overuse injuries will heal on their own with at-home treatment and time off from activities that put stress on the injured area.

Exactly how much time off will depend on the type and severity of the injury. In general, you can return to light activity that involves the injured area if you haven’t experienced pain there, without the use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for a week. If, after another week, you’re still pain-free, you can gradually ramp up your intensity. But be honest with your self-assessments. If you feel any discomfort, limit your activity and continue resting.

When should I see a doctor for my foot or ankle pain caused by overuse?

The vast majority of overuse foot or ankle injuries do not require immediate medical attention. The exception is those that escalate to the point of causing any of the symptoms listed above for an injury that would prompt urgent treatment.

Aside from these instances, the guidance is similar to that of a foot or ankle injury: If the pain hasn’t diminished or resolved after about three to five days of treating it at home, see your primary care physician. They will help address your concerns by performing a thorough examination, obtaining x-rays, and initiating a consultation/referral to an orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist.

Why should I consult an orthopaedic surgeon for my foot or ankle pain?

As mentioned earlier, feet and ankles can be finicky. For that very reason, consulting an orthopaedic surgeon should be your next step if your primary care physician refers you to a specialist. Orthopaedic surgeons undergo rigorous training.

While waiting for the x-rays, the Dr will ask about the patient’s medical conditions, past injuries, general lifestyle, and what sorts of physical activity they engage in on a regular basis. The responses, along with the x-rays and observations during a physical exam, will help develop a more complete understanding of the injury and inform treatment strategy.

Often, patients will want to know if they did anything that made their foot or ankle more susceptible to injury so that they won’t unknowingly cause another injury. They sometimes also ask if this is something that could get better on its own.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Why Go See a Podiatrist?

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Article featured on Northwest Extremity SpecialistsWhen your feet and ankles are tired, in pain, or not working as they should, everything else grinds to a halt. An 8-hour workday feels like 80. Daily chores, exercise, and activities that used to be fun now seem difficult to even contemplate, let alone enjoy.

You could go see your primary care physician, but there are several reasons why you should consider seeing a podiatrist—that is, a foot and ankle specialist—instead.

  • Podiatrists work exclusively on the feet and ankles, and receive extensive training in all aspects of foot and ankle care. If you’re experiencing significant foot pain, would you rather receive care from someone who treats feet once in a while, or someone who works on them all day, every day?
  • Rather than specializing in one just one area of medicine (nerves, bones, etc.), podiatrists are multi-disciplinary doctors trained to “do it all” when it comes to foot and ankle pain and conditions—everything from fungal infections to tendinitis to neuropathy to arthritis to surgery. You are more likely to get a quick and accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist than a generalist.
  • Feet are complex—they have 26 bones and 33 joints each, along with an intricate layering of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Fully a quarter of your bones are at the ankle level and below!

So, now you have an idea of why a podiatrist is the best choice to provide your foot and ankle care. But how do you know when it’s time to go? How do you separate a minor ache or pain from something you should talk to a doctor about?

There are no firm rules, but any of the following scenarios would be solid grounds for booking an appointment as soon as possible:

  • You are experiencing foot pain or motion loss that is affecting your daily life in a negative way.
  • Symptoms are lingering or getting worse over time, rather than better.
  • You notice any changes to the structure or appearance of your feet—bunion, hammertoes, flattening arches, etc.
  • You notice discoloration, swelling, or pain in and around the toenails.
  • You struggle with persistent skin problems or irritation along the feet, such as corns, calluses, or chronically dry and cracked skin.
  • You have diabetes. (Because of the risks to foot health, people with diabetes should see a foot specialist at least once per year.)
  • You experienced an injury (traumatic or overuse) to your lower limb, such as an ankle sprain or Achilles tendinitis.

In short—if your feet are causing you any kind of problem, and you need help, a podiatrist is the person you want to call.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

What is Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery?

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Article featured on FootCareMD

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) treats foot and ankle conditions and deformities using very small incisions. In these procedures, your foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon uses special instruments to cut bones under X-ray guidance and inserts screws through very small incisions. Advantages of minimally invasive surgery over traditional surgery include faster healing, smaller scars, and less stiffness. The main disadvantage is that it takes additional training and practice for your surgeon to feel comfortable performing these procedures without the traditional open visualization.

Diagnosis

A variety of foot and ankle problems, including big toe arthritis, bunions, and hammertoes, can be treated with minimally invasive surgery. Importantly, not all patients are good candidates for minimally invasive surgery, and not all surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery. If you are interested in the procedure, talk to a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon with experience in minimally invasive surgery to see if you are a good candidate for it.

Recovery

Recovery is often faster from minimally invasive procedures compared to open procedures. Some weight-bearing can be allowed immediately after surgery, but this depends on the procedure you are having done.

Risks and Complications

The risks of minimally invasive surgery are similar to traditional, open surgeries, although the risks of infection and wound healing problems may be lower with minimally invasive surgery because the incisions are so small.

While the small incisions used in minimally invasive surgery can make it easier to damage unseen structures like nerves and tendons, research studies have not shown a higher rate of these injuries. With good technique and surgeon experience, these surgeries may even have lower risk compared to open surgeries. More research still needs to be done on these procedures to determine their risks and benefits relative to more traditional surgical methods.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

What’s to Know About Extensor Tendonitis?

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Article featured on MedicalNewsToday

The most common cause is overuse of the muscles, bones, and tendons in the feet or hands.

In the feet, it’s most often caused by:

  • spending a lot of time on the feet
  • wearing shoes that are too tight
  • using inappropriate footwear for a sport or activity

In the hands, the most common cause of extensor tendonitis is doing an activity that uses the hands and wrists in a repetitive motion such as:

  • prolonged or high-impact typing with a non-ergonomic keyboard
  • practicing or playing an instrument, such as piano or guitar, excessively
  • regularly playing sports that stress hands and wrists, including baseball or racquetball

Mallet finger is a common type of injury that occurs to the fingers, especially in athletes. It occurs when the tip of the finger is struck hard, such as with a ball, which injures the tendon that runs along the top of the finger.

Without treatment, the tendon can become permanently damaged, causing the tip of the finger to fail to straighten completely.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The most common symptom of extensor tendonitis, whether it occurs in the foot or the hand, is pain. In the feet, the pain is usually localized to the top of the foot, usually close to the center of the foot. In the hands, pain tends to occur on the top of the hand.

Other symptoms of extensor tendonitis include:

  • redness, warmth or swelling near the injury
  • increased discomfort with activity
  • crepitus, which is a crunchy feeling or sound over the affected tendon
  • stiffness of the joint

Diagnosing extensor tendonitis usually requires a physical exam and history with a physician. The doctor will ask questions about the pain and other symptoms.

Common questions are about whether anything makes the pain better or worse, the history of the symptoms, and if anything triggered the discomfort.

Sometimes, the doctor will order an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test to get a detailed look at all the bones, muscles and tendons around the injury. These images can help the doctor look at the structures around the pain to see where the damage is and if there is another cause for the symptoms.

Treatment

Injuries to the hands and feet are common and usually resolve within a few days with basic care at home.

However, if the pain doesn’t start to improve after a couple of days, or a person experiences swelling, redness, warmth or other symptoms, they should visit their doctor.

There is a range of treatment options available for extensor tendonitis.

Rest and Relaxation

Resting the affected joint is crucial, especially if the tendonitis is caused by overuse. It is essential to stop the activity that is causing the pain until the tendon has healed, to prevent further injury. In less serious cases, rest may be all that is needed until the tendon has healed.

Finger or toe splints

Mallet finger may require splinting for several weeks so that the tendon returns to its previous position and completely heals in place.

It is important to clarify with the doctor about the length of time that the finger must remain in the splint. It is common to have to wear the splint continuously, even in the shower.

Removing the splint and moving the finger before the tendon has healed, could re-injure the tendon.

Physical therapy

Extensor tendonitis of the foot may require physical therapy and special stretches for a tight calf muscle. Also, some orthopedic surgeons or podiatrists will recommend the use of a splint or orthotic shoe inserts.

Surgery

Surgery to repair extensor tendonitis is rare and usually reserved for very special or unique cases. If considering surgical repair of the extensor tendons, people should ensure they see a surgeon who has experience performing these types of procedures.

Outlook

The prognosis of extensor tendonitis is excellent; in most cases, a person with this condition makes a full recovery without any lasting problems in the affected joints. How long it takes to recover depends on how severe the tendonitis was, and how well a person managed it.

For example, a person who rests properly will recover more quickly than someone who “pushes through” and continues to use the affected joint.

Although it can be painful, extensor tendonitis is a fairly preventable and easily treatable disease. It is important to see the doctor with any pain, especially in the hands or feet.

Quick diagnosis and treatment is the key to minimizing tendon damage and recovery.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Could Your Foot Pain Be Caused by a Problem in Your Spine?

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Article featured on Spine-Health

This blog provides a list of common causes of foot pain and helpful pointers to help you understand the origin of your foot pain.

Foot pain caused by a spinal problem

Nerve root irritation or compression in the lumbar or sacral spine (lower back) may cause sciatica pain to radiate down your leg and into the foot. Specifically, compression of the S1 nerve root, also called classic sciatica, can cause pain along the outer side of your foot.

Nerve roots may be compressed or irritated due to a number of causes. Common examples include:

  • Lumbar herniated disc: Leaking of the inner contents of an intervertebral disc
  • Lumbar degenerative disc disease: Age-related changes causing narrowing and shrinkage of the disc
  • Spondylolisthesis: Slipping of a vertebra over the one below it
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the bony openings for spinal nerves and/or the spinal cord

The inability to lift the front part of your foot or frequent tripping while walking may be due to a condition called foot drop. This condition is typically caused due to compression of the L5 nerve root. Rarely, compression of the L4 and/or S1 nerve roots may also cause foot drop.

Foot pain caused by compression of nerves in the hip, knee, or leg

Foot pain can also occur when nerves are compressed or damaged along their path in the hip, knee, or leg. For example:

  • Peroneal neuropathy, a condition where the peroneal nerve is compressed or injured near the knee may cause foot pain and foot drop when you try to move your foot.
  • Sciatic neuropathy or damage to the sciatic nerve in the pelvic region (hip) may cause foot pain along the top of your foot with some degree of weakness.
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome or dysfunction of the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel of the inner ankle may cause a sharp, shooting pain in your ankle area and along the sole of your foot.
  • Sural nerve entrapment can occur in the leg or near the ankle and typically causes shooting pain along the outer side of your ankle and/or foot.

Additionally, a corn may develop on the skin around your toes. Corns grow over time as a result of excessive friction, and they can compress nearby nerves, causing pain and other symptoms. Another possible cause of nerve pain in your foot is Morton’s neuroma, which is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve in the foot.

How to identify the source of your foot pain

With all the possible causes of nerve pain in the foot, it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact underlying cause. Here are a few useful signs to help you identify the source of your foot pain:

  • Foot pain that follows recent trauma to the lower back, hip, knee, or ankle may help indicate the site of nerve damage
  • Foot pain due to nerve root compression or sciatica may also be associated with other symptoms, such as pain, numbness, and/or weakness in the buttock, thigh, and leg; and typically affects one leg at a time
  • Foot pain that develops after wearing tight boots or shoes may indicate peroneal or sural nerve compression near the knee or ankle
  • Foot pain that develops after a hip injection or hip surgery may indicate sciatic neuropathy.

Nerve pain in the foot may also occur due to nerve damage from systemic conditions, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.

Twisting, bending, or a direct hit on your ankle and/or foot may injure the foot bones, ankle joint, blood vessels, muscles, and/or tendons, causing foot pain.

Schedule a visit with your doctor

It is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor to accurately diagnose the cause of your foot pain. Treatments for foot pain can differ widely and must be directed at resolving the underlying cause; not just masking the symptoms. For example, a lumbar herniated disc may require heat therapy and exercise, while a corn on your toe can often be treated with special shoes and warm water.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:
503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm