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Achilles Surgery
Category:
Medical Care, Surgical Procedures
Surgery to repair a torn (ruptured) Achilles tendon is conducted on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic. It involves making an incision or cut in the back of the leg above the heel to access the torn tendon. The tendon is then sewn back together. Surgery may be delayed for about one week after
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Achilles Tendonitis
Category:
Foot Problems, Achilles Problems
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body and can withstand forces of 1,000 pounds or more. It also is the most frequently ruptured tendon, usually as a result of a sports injury. Both professional and weekend athletes may suffer from Achilles tendonitis, a common overuse injury and
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Acrocyanosis
Category:
Foot Problems, Vascular/Nerve Problems
Acrocyanosis is a painless disorder that affects the arteries supplying blood to the skin of the hands and feet. These small arteries carry oxygen and nutrients through the blood to the skin of the extremities. Spasms in the arteries block blood flow in people with this condition. Without adequate blood
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Aerobics
Category:
Fitness and Your Feet
More than 24 million people participate in some kind of aerobic exercise, which offers a host of health benefits, including increased cardiopulmonary efficiency, strengthened heart and lungs, improved circulation, lowered cholesterol levels, and stress and anxiety reduction.Because aerobic exercise involves
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Alcoholic Neuropathy
Category:
Foot Problems, Vascular/Nerve Problems
Alcoholic peripheral neuropathy is a nerve loss condition in the foot caused by the prolonged use of alcoholic beverages. Ethanol, the alcoholic component of these beverages, is toxic to nerve tissue. Over time, the nerves in the feet and hands can become damaged resulting in the same loss of sensation
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Allergies
Category:
Foot Problems, Skin Problems
Two kinds of skin allergies, or dermatitis, are caused by substances coming in contact with the skin: primary irritant dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Primary irritant dermatitis is a non-allergic reaction of the skin resulting from exposure to an irritating substance. Allergic contact dermatitis
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Amniotic Band Syndrome
Category:
Foot Problems, Deformities
Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) is an uncommon congenital abnormality that causes entrapment of fetal parts (usually a limb or digits) in fibrous amniotic bands while in utero. It can result in disfigured feet. ABS affects about one in every 1,200 births and is believed to be the cause of 178 in 10,000
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Anatomy of a Shoe
Category:
Shoes
Understanding the basic construction of shoes will help you make more informed decisions and select shoes that fit your foot and needs.
Shoes are made up of five major components:
The toe box is the tip of the shoe that provides space for the toes. Toe boxes are generally rounded, pointed, or squared
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Ankle Sprain
Category:
Foot Problems, Ankle Problems
Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, which may result in excessive stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The severity of the sprain can impact the degree of damage as well as the type and duration of treatment.
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Ankle Sprain Injuries
Category:
Foot Problems, Common Foot Injuries
Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, which may result in excessive stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The severity of the sprain can impact the degree of damage as well as the type and duration of treatment.
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Ankle Surgery
Category:
Medical Care, Surgical Procedures
Ankle surgery may be required to correct a serious deformity of the ankle and its bone structure. Injury (such as a fracture), birth defects, or changes throughout the course of life are the usual culprits. Diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and neuromuscular conditions, may cause severe
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Arthritis
Category:
Foot Problems, Diseases of the Foot
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a chronic illness that causes swelling or inflammation in one or more joints in the body. Over 100 different types of arthritis currently exist. Approximately 1 in every 4 Americans are affected by arthritis. While most forms affect the cartilage or lining around the joints,
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Arthritis Surgery
Category:
Medical Care, Surgical Procedures
Patients who undergo surgery to correct arthritis in the foot are often diabetics with a type of arthritis known as Charcot Foot. The average age of patients developing a Charcot foot is 40 years. About one-third of patients develop a Charcot foot in both feet and/or ankles. This form of arthritis can
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Arthroscopy
Category:
Medical Care, Surgical Procedures
Arthroscopic surgery on the foot and ankle may be used as a diagnostic or treatment procedure, or both. A small instrument, called an arthroscope, penetrates the skin through small incisions.Tiny cameras can be inserted through the arthroscope, allowing the surgeon to accurately see the area and/or damage.
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Associations/Groups
Category:
Links
American Diabetes Associationhttp://www.diabetes.org 800-342-2383
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicinehttp://www.aapsm.org 888-854-FEET
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeonshttp://www.aaos.org 6300 N. River RoadRosemont, IL 60018847-823-7186
American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeonshttp://www.acfas.org
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Athlete's Foot
Category:
Foot Care, Fungus Problems
A chronic infection caused by various types of fungus, Athlete's foot is often spread in places where people go barefoot such as public showers or swimming pools. The condition ranges from mild scaling and itching to painful inflammation and blisters. It usually starts between the toes or on the arch
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Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Category:
Foot Problems, Fungus Problems
Athlete's Foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus that usually occurs between the toes. The fungus attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment that encourages fungus growth. Warm, damp areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms,
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Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis)
Category:
Foot Problems, Skin Problems
Athlete's Foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus that usually occurs between the toes. The fungus attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment that encourages fungus growth. Warm, damp areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms are
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Athlete's Foot Treatment
Category:
Medical Care, Therapies
If untreated, skin blisters and cracks caused by Athlete's Foot can cause serious bacterial infections. The treatment of Athlete's Foot depends on the type and extent of the fungal infection, so it is important to consult our practice before choosing a therapy. Athlete's Foot can usually be treated with
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Athletic Foot Care
Category:
Foot Care
Whether you are a professional athlete or play sports just for fun, the demands made on your feet and lower limbs can lead to a range of injuries, including blisters, sprained ankles, torn ligaments, shin splints, knee pain, lower back pain and other joint or muscle problems. Added to these are common
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Athletic Shoe Guidelines
Category:
Shoes
Athletic footwear should be fitted to hold the foot in the position that's most natural to the movement involved. Athletic shoes protect your feet from stresses encountered in a given sport and to give the player more traction. The differences in design and variations in material, weight, lacing characteristics,
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Baseball
Category:
Fitness and Your Feet, Sports and Your Feet
Baseball is the national pastime in America. From kids to adults, playing baseball is one of the most enjoyable team sports. But as with other sports, its important that you keep yourself in good condition and have the right equipment to play safely and enjoy the health benefits of the game. Baseball
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Basic Foot Care Guidelines
Category:
Foot Care
1. Don't ignore foot pain. It's not normal. If the pain persists, contact our office.
2. Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the
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Basketball
Category:
Fitness and Your Feet, Sports and Your Feet
With all its running, twisting, turning, and jumping, basketball is one of the hardest games on feet. Different movements put all the areas of the foot at risk. That is why proper conditioning, stretching, and well-fitted shoes are critical to a healthy enjoyment of the sport.
Ankle sprain is a particularly
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Black Toenails
Category:
Foot Problems, Nail Problems
Black or darkened toenails are essentially bruised nails and can result from a variety injuries or problems. Darkened nails may occur as a result of the toe hitting the end or the top of the shoe toe area. Sometimes, the bruise can lead to a fungal nail infection.
Treatment may include trimming the
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Blisters
Category:
Foot Care
Most blisters on the feet are caused by friction and do not require medical attention. New skin will form underneath the affected area and the fluid built up in the blister is simply absorbed back into the tissue. You can soothe ordinary blisters with Vitamin E ointment or an aloe-based cream.Do not
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Blisters
Category:
Foot Problems, Skin Problems
Most blisters on the feet are caused by friction and do not require medical attention. New skin will form underneath the affected area and the fluid built up in the blister is simply absorbed back into the tissue. You can soothe ordinary blisters with vitamin E ointment or an aloe-based cream.
Do not
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Broken Ankle
Category:
Foot Problems, Common Foot Injuries
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, doctors have noticed an increase in the number and severity of broken ankles since the 1970s, due, in part, to the Baby Boomer generation being active throughout every stage of their lives.
The ankle has two joints, one on top of the other, and
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Bunion Prevention
Category:
Foot Care
Because bunions develop slowly, taking care of your feet during childhood and early adulthood can pay off later in life. Keep track of the shape of your feet as they develop over time, especially if foot problems run in your family.Exercising your feet can strengthen them. Learn to pick up small objects
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Bunion Surgery
Category:
Medical Care, Surgical Procedures
Bunions are progressive bone deformities of the foot that often cause recurring or chronic inflammation, irritation, and pain that require surgical correction. Surgical removal of a bunion is called a bunionectomy. However, there are multiple types of bunionectomies, each designed to resolve different
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Bunions
Category:
Foot Problems, Toe Problems
What are Bunions?
Also known as a hallux valgus, bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. Bunions are a common toe disorder that affects about a third of all adults in the US. They form due to the big toe pointing inward to the other toes of your feet. As a result, the metatarsophalangeal
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Bunions
Category:
Foot Problems, Deformities
What are Bunions?
Also known as a hallux valgus, bunions are bony bumps that form at the base of the big toe. Bunions are a common toe disorder that affects about a third of all adults in the US. They form due to the big toe pointing inward to the other toes of your feet. As a result, the metatarsophalangeal
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Burning Feet
Category:
Foot Care
Burning feet are a common complaint among many groups of people, most commonly those over 50 years of age and in diabetics. There are many causes. Heavy alcohol use may lead to the condition. Neuropathy and loss of sensation often are contributors as well. Other causes include thyroid dysfunction and
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Burning Feet
Category:
Foot Problems, Skin Problems
Burning feet refers to a foot sensation that is most frequently experienced by adults over age 50 and those who are diabetic. Thyroid dysfunction, gastric restriction in morbidly obese people, and heavy use of alcohol also have been linked with burning feet. Nerve problems, such as neuromas and tarsal
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Calluses
Category:
Foot Problems, Skin Problems
A callus, also known as hyperkeratosis, is an area of hard, thickened skin that can occur across the ball of the foot, on the heel, or on the outer side of the big toe. Although many consider them a skin problem, they are indicative of a problem with the bone.Calluses form from repeated friction and
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