Items filtered by date: October 2023

Tailor's bunion, also known as a bunionette, is a painful condition that develops on the outer side of the foot, specifically over the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint, or the 5th MPJ. This condition causes pressure pain, the formation of painful calluses, and difficulty when wearing shoes. One cause of tailor's bunion is a biomechanical abnormality where changes in your foot’s structure gradually cause the metatarsal bones to separate and a bunion to form. Conservative treatment options include padding, footwear modification, and custom-made orthotics. This condition is progressive and generally does not improve on its own. Surgical options include ostectomy, which removes the painful bump from the head of the fifth metatarsal. This type of surgery involves cutting the fifth metatarsal bone and realigning it. Surgical intervention may also include the removal of a painful bursa, if present. If tailor's bunion significantly hinders daily activities, causes discomfort while wearing shoes,  or leads to excessive pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist who can determine what the most appropriate course of action is.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

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

Morton's neuroma, a common and painful foot condition, affects the nerves in the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. This ailment involves a thickening of the tissue around the nerve, causing sharp, burning pain, or a sensation that is similar to standing on a pebble or marble. It predominantly affects middle-aged women, but anyone can be susceptible. The exact cause is often associated with wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, which can compress the toes and aggravate the nerve. Other potential factors can include foot deformities or repetitive stress on the forefoot. The symptoms of Morton's neuroma can disrupt daily activities and diminish the quality of life. Treatments may range from changing footwear and utilizing orthotics to corticosteroid injections or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the affected nerve. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you seek professional advice from a podiatrist who can provide timely treatment that can manage the condition, alleviate pain, and restore comfort in your daily stride.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. 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 offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

High heels are a popular fashion choice, often adding a stylish touch to special occasions. However, one should be aware of the potential negative effects on foot health when worn regularly. High heels can lead to various foot problems, including bunions, blisters, corns, and calluses. One common side effect is lower back pain, as these shoes lack adequate foot support, causing an uneven weight distribution. Foot pain is prevalent due to circulation problems and metatarsalgia. Ankle sprains, broken ankles, and awkward spinal curvature may result from wearing high heels, especially on uneven surfaces. Furthermore, high heels can constrict blood vessels and hinder natural blood flow, potentially leading to varicose veins and deformities such as hammertoe. They can also weaken ligaments and increase pressure on the knee joint, possibly causing osteoarthritis. If you enjoy wearing high heels, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss the frequency of wear and consider alternative footwear choices that may help prevent potential health issues.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Fencing is a thrilling dance of swords, a clash of sharp intellects, and a showcase of exceptional skills. However, within the fluidity of each swift lunge and precise comeback, the potential for injuries lurks in the shadows. It can help to be aware of early indicators of injuries in fencing to proactively try to evade them. Foot and ankle injuries such as sprains and strains can emerge from absorbing the impact of swift maneuvers and changes in direction. Typical signs encompass discomfort, swelling, and challenges in walking or bearing weight. Safeguard against foot injuries by investing in top-tier fencing footwear, executing thorough warm-up routines, and upholding precise footwork techniques. In cases of foot injuries, the recommended course of action is resting, elevating, and compressing the affected limb. If you participate in fencing and have sustained a severe or persistent foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

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

Toenail fungal infections, known as onychomycosis, are typically treated with antifungal medications. This type of infection is hard to cure. A complete cure of toenail fungus is considered an eradication of the fungus and a healthy-looking toenail. Lasers are being used to treat these infections and are being considered as an alternative treatment worthy of consideration. This may be particularly true among older patients, or those with health conditions that make traditional antifungal medications unsuitable or ineffective. If you have toenail fungus and it is not responding to antifungal medicines, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist to discuss whether laser treatment may be correct for you.

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

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