Items filtered by date: November 2022

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, CMT,  is an inherited nerve condition that attacks muscles in the feet, legs, arms, and hands. The disease, which is named after the three doctors who first described it, is progressive and incurable. It is thought to be caused by a disorder in a particular gene that controls the peripheral nervous system. In short, the peripheral nerves have trouble sending the correct messages to the extremities. Symptoms often are noticed in the feet and legs first, causing weakness and balance problems. Often, sufferers may think they are clumsy or accident-prone. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease also causes the ankles to become weakened. This further affects the gait, and falling is prevalent. A visit to a podiatrist for an examination and diagnosis is suggested, because there are some ways to treat the symptoms. People with CMT can benefit from custom shoes and leg braces, along with other walking aids to improve mobility and balance. In some cases, surgery can correct bone abnormalities. For more information, contact a podiatrist.  

Some foot conditions may require additional professional care. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Rare Foot Conditions

The majority of foot conditions are common and can be treated by a podiatrist.  Standard diagnostic procedures are generally used to identify specific conditions and treatment can be rendered. A podiatrist also treats rare foot conditions which can be difficult to diagnose and may need extra attention and care. 

There are many rare foot conditions that can affect children. Some of these can include:

• Freiberg’s disease
• Kohler’s disease
• Maffucci syndrome

Freiberg’s disease - This can be seen as a deterioration and flattening of a metatarsal bone that exists in the ball of the foot. It typically affects pre-teen and teenage girls, but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms that can accompany this can be swelling, stiffness, and the patient may limp. 

Kohler’s disease - This often targets the bone in the arch of the foot and affects younger boys. It can lead to an interruption of the blood supply which ultimately can lead to bone deterioration. The patient may limp or experience tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Maffucci syndrome - This affects the long bones in a child’s foot leading to the development of abnormal bone lesions. They are benign growths and typically develop in early childhood and the bones may be susceptible to breaking. 

A podiatrist can properly diagnose and treat all types of rare foot conditions. If your child is affected by any of these symptoms or conditions, please don’t hesitate to call our office so the correct treatment method can begin.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
 

Sesamoiditis is a foot condition that you might have heard of. It can occur in an individual when the two small sesamoid bones in the ball of the foot become inflamed. Interestingly, these two bones do not directly connect to any other bones. Rather, the sesamoid bones connect to tendons and muscles. When an individual has sesamoiditis, they may feel any number of symptoms. Most commonly, a patient might feel some kind of pain in the forefoot. This pain may be especially pronounced when putting weight on the feet. Additionally, a patient with sesamoiditis may unintentionally shift the weight of their body to the outside of their feet to avoid putting weight on the sesamoids when walking. These are just some of the many different symptoms that patients with sesamoiditis might demonstrate. Contact your podiatrist today for more information. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

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

A hammertoe is a deformity that affects the first joint of the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toe, medically known as the proximal interphalangeal joint. This joint forms a peak rather than lying flat, and is generally believed to be caused by a muscle imbalance from wearing ill-fitting shoes. A weakened muscle can put pressure on a tendon, resulting in a lifting of the joint. The top of the joint then rubs against the inside of the shoe, causing pain. In some cases, only surgery can correct a hammertoe.  Among the surgical options available are tendon transfer, joint resection, and fusion. During a tendon transfer, a nearby tendon is pulled across the joint, causing it to become straighter. This is used with a flexible hammertoe, one that still can be pushed flat manually. Joint resection involves cutting tendons and ligaments in a fixed hammertoe to straighten the joint and removing a portion of the bone. Pins may be put in place to keep the joint stable for a few weeks and then removed. Fusion calls for removing part of the joint to let the bones grow together. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an examination and treatment options. 

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from David A. Scalzo, DPM, PC and Associates. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Duryea and Bangor, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.