Items filtered by date: March 2021

Shin splints are a painful, yet sometimes avoidable, common form of shin pain among athletes. Shin splints—also known as Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS)—are usually associated with runners and gymnasts, and occur when the muscles that attach to the tibia, or shin bone, are overused and become inflamed. Athletes can sometimes get shin splints if they increase training too rapidly, or don’t warm up properly or wear proper shoes. The pain associated with shin splints can cover the entire inner part of the shin, and unlike exertional compartment syndrome—a more serious condition often mistaken for shin splints—usually goes away with proper self-care. A podiatrist can recommend a treatment/management plan which may include massaging or icing after activity, orthotics, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and switching to more appropriate footwear.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Gabe Rodriguez, DPM of Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis, is an overuse injury of the growth plate in the heel. This condition is common among active children between the ages of 8 and 14. While the child is still growing, the growth plates in their heel bones are vulnerable to injury and inflammation. This is often caused by participating in repetitive activities that put excess strain on the heels, such as the running and jumping common in sports like soccer or basketball. Sever’s disease is also more common in children who are overweight, as the extra weight can put pressure on the heels. Symptoms of Sever’s disease include heel pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected foot. If your child complains of heel pain, please seek the care of a podiatrist. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. 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 Sioux Falls, SD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek the professional help of your podiatrist and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Big toe pain is often characterized by discomfort while walking, tenderness, swelling, bruising, discoloration, misalignment of the toe, and bumps or other disfigurements of the feet. The big toe can hurt for a variety of reasons. Injuries, such as a fracture, sprain, bruise, or dislocation of the toe can occur when the toe is struck by an object or stubbed. Nerve damage to the toe can be caused by Morton’s neuroma, a thickening of the nerve tissue in the foot in response to injury, irritation, or compression. Inflammatory conditions such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint pain. Bunions are also a common source of pain and disfigurement of the big toe. If you have pain in your big toe, please see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. 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 Sioux Falls, SD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a hereditary condition that causes nerve damage in the peripheral nerves of the limbs. It can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, spasms, a loss of sensation, and difficulty walking. This disease can also lead to other foot problems, including high arches, hammertoes, and an abnormal gait or walking pattern. Symptoms often begin in adolescence or early adulthood, but they may also start in midlife and often affect the legs and feet first. While there is no cure, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease progresses slowly and there are various treatments aimed at reducing symptoms and maintaining mobility. If you are experiencing symptoms of this disease in your lower limbs, please consult with a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Gabe Rodriguez, DPM from Sioux Falls Foot Specialist. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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