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Running Styles and Their Impact on Foot Health

Running can take many forms, including jogging, sprinting, and treadmill training, and each places different demands on the feet. Jogging is steady and lower impact, while sprinting involves powerful bursts that increase stress on muscles and joints. Treadmill running offers a controlled surface, but may alter natural movement patterns. One important factor in all forms of running is proper foot strike, which refers to how the foot meets the ground. Poor foot strike can lead to strain, discomfort, and overuse injuries. These issues may develop gradually and affect performance and comfort. A podiatrist can assess gait, identify imbalances, and recommend proper support or footwear to reduce stress on the feet and ankles. If you notice foot pain during or after running, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an evaluation and appropriate treatment solutions.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . 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 Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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Painful Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are small growths that develop on the bottom of the foot after the skin is infected with the human papillomavirus, also called HPV. These warts often appear on weight-bearing areas, such as the heel or ball of the foot. They may feel like stepping on a pebble or rough surface while walking. The skin can look thickened or grainy, sometimes with tiny black dots that are clotted blood vessels inside the wart. Plantar warts may cause discomfort when pressure is applied and can spread, if left untreated. The virus commonly enters through small cuts or cracks in the skin. It is often picked up in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms, pools, or shared showers. A podiatrist can identify whether the lesion is a wart or another skin condition and recommend the most effective treatment. Care may include topical medication, removal procedures, or other treatments to reduce pain and prevent spreading. If you have plantar warts, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

  • Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
  • Hard or thick callused spots
  • Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
  • Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

  • Freezing
  • Electric tool removal
  • Laser Treatment
  • Topical Creams (prescription only)
  • Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

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

Read more about All About Plantar Warts

Why Live with Pain and Numbness in Your Feet?

Suffering from this type of pain? You may have the foot condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma may develop as a result of ill-fitting footwear and existing foot deformities. We can help.

What Can Cause Swelling in a Toe?

Swelling in a toe can develop when fluid builds up in the surrounding tissue because of injury, inflammation, infection, or joint disease. A swollen toe may appear enlarged, red, shiny, or tender. Some patients notice warmth, stiffness, or difficulty bending the toe. Pain can range from mild soreness to severe throbbing, especially when pressure is applied while walking or wearing shoes. Common causes include fractures, gout, and arthritis. Ingrown toenails or poor circulation that allows fluid to collect in the area are other factors. Swelling may occur suddenly after trauma, while other conditions develop more gradually. A podiatrist can examine the toe, evaluate joint movement and circulation, and determine the source of the swelling. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options include wearing protective footwear, medication, or drainage of fluid. Imaging studies may be ordered to assess damage to the bone or joint. If you have a swollen toe or fluid build-up, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate relief solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

  • Trauma
  • Sports injury
  • Wearing shoes that are too tight
  • Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Corns and calluses
  • Hammertoe
  • Bunions
  • Blisters
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Sprains
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

  • Severe pain
  • Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
  • Signs of infection
  • Continued swelling
  • Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These 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

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Progression of Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a common infection that affects the nail and surrounding tissue, often causing changes in color, thickness, and texture. In the early stage, the nail may show slight discoloration or small white or yellow spots. During the moderate stage, the nail can become thicker, more brittle, and harder to trim. In advanced stages, the nail may become distorted, separate from the nail bed, and cause discomfort or odor. Risk factors include warm moist environments, wearing tight footwear, poor circulation, and underlying health conditions like diabetes. A podiatrist can diagnose the infection, recommend effective treatments, and monitor progress to prevent complications. If you have symptoms of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, which may include prescribed medication.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz of Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Treatment

If self-care strategies and over-the-counter medications does not help your fungus, your podiatrist may give you a prescription drug instead. Even if you find relief from your toenail fungus symptoms, you may experience a repeat infection in the future.

Prevention

In order to prevent getting toenail fungus in the future, you should always make sure to wash your feet with soap and water. After washing, it is important to dry your feet thoroughly especially in between the toes. When trimming your toenails, be sure to trim straight across instead of in a rounded shape. It is crucial not to cover up discolored nails with nail polish because that will prevent your nail from being able to “breathe”.

In some cases, surgical procedure may be needed to remove the toenail fungus. Consult with your podiatrist about the best treatment options for your case of toenail fungus.  

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Bowie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Treating Toenail Fungus

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