Tarsal tunnel syndrome, or TTS, is a condition characterized by compression of the tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel, located on the inner side of the ankle beneath the ankle bone. This compression leads to various symptoms affecting the foot and ankle. Diagnosis of TTS involves a thorough examination by a podiatrist, including a detailed medical history and physical assessment. Common symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include tingling, burning, or shooting pain along the inner ankle and the sole of the foot. Some individuals may experience numbness or weakness in the affected area, which can worsen with prolonged standing or walking. As the condition progresses, symptoms may intensify, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is strongly suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, 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.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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 and ankle needs.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, quietly lurks in the shadows of our nails, often unnoticed until it progresses to more severe stages. In its infancy, this fungal infection may exhibit subtle signs that easily escape attention. One common indicator is a slight discoloration of the nail, typically appearing as a yellow or white spot beneath the tip. As the fungus infiltrates deeper into the nail bed, the nail may become thickened or brittle, making it prone to crumbling or flaking. Additionally, affected nails may develop a distorted shape or exhibit a foul odor. Although these symptoms may seem inconsequential at first glance, they serve as crucial warning signs of an underlying fungal infection. Recognizing and addressing toenail fungus in its early stages is paramount for successful treatment. Consulting a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized management strategies can halt the progression of the infection and restore nail health. If you begin to see signs of toenail fungus, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist sooner rather than later who can effectively treat this condition.

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

Foot pain is a prevalent complaint that can disrupt daily activities and diminish quality of life. Several factors contribute to this discomfort, ranging from overuse injuries to underlying medical conditions. One common cause of foot pain is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the band of tissue supporting the arch of the foot becomes inflamed due to excessive strain or stress. Similarly, Achilles tendonitis, characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, often results from overuse or improper footwear. Bunions, structural abnormalities of the foot, and ingrown toenails can also cause significant discomfort and pain. Additionally, conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and neuropathy may manifest as foot pain. Seeking medical advice from a podiatrist is vital for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to alleviate foot pain and prevent further complications. If you have developed foot pain, it is suggested that you are under the care of this type of doctor who can provide an accurate diagnosis and offer correct treatment options.

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.

Selecting the right running shoes for women is essential for a comfortable injury-free running experience. When considering footwear, it is important to understand one's foot type and running style. Women should prioritize shoes that offer adequate support and cushioning, tailored to their unique needs. Assessing factors like arch height, pronation, and foot width helps to make the best selection. For individuals with low arches stability shoes provide support, while neutral shoes suit those with normal arches. Additionally, women with high arches benefit from shoes that offer extra cushioning and flexibility. The shoe's fit should feel snug yet allow room for natural foot movement. Investing in quality footwear that aligns with your specific biomechanics enhances comfort and reduces the risk of injury, enabling women to enjoy their runs to the fullest. If you are purchasing running shoes, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to select the appropriate pair.

If you are a runner, wearing the right running shoe is essential. For more information, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

To increase performance and avoid the risk of injury, it is important to choose the right running shoe based on your foot type. The general design of running shoes revolves around pronation, which is how the ankle rolls from outside to inside when the foot strikes the ground.

• Neutral runners are able to choose from a wide variety of shoes, including minimalist shoes or even going barefoot.
• Runners who overpronate, or experience an over-abundance of ankle rolling, should choose shoes that provide extra motion control and stability.
• Runners who underpronate, or supinate, have feet that have high arches and lack flexibility, preventing shock absorption. They require shoes with more flexibility and cushion.

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 and ankle needs.

Arch pain can be a discomforting ailment that affects many individuals, particularly those who spend long hours on their feet or engage in high-impact activities. Fortunately, several exercises can help alleviate arch pain and promote foot health. One beneficial exercise is the towel scrunch, where you place a towel on the floor and use your toes to scrunch it toward you, strengthening the muscles in the arch of your foot. Another effective exercise is the toe spread, which is done by spreading your toes as far apart as possible and holding them for a few seconds before releasing them. This is helpful to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the foot. Additionally, performing calf stretches can help alleviate tension in the Achilles tendon, which can contribute to arch pain. Finally, incorporating exercises that focus on improving overall foot and ankle strength and flexibility, such as ankle circles and calf raises, can provide further relief. If you have pain in the arch of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can guide you toward additional specific stretches for relief.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Howard Horowitz from Bowie Foot & Ankle . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

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 and ankle needs.