Items filtered by date: December 2022

There are several reasons the feet might feel numb and tingly ranging from an issue with a muscle to a more serious metabolic issue to physical compression of the nerves. There is nerve tissue running from the spinal cord to the feet and this informs the body of temperature, touch, and balance. Any ligament, tendon, or muscle tissue along the path can entrap or compress a nerve and cause pain, tingling, or weakness further down the line. Arthritis, an inflammatory process of the bone, and inflammation can cause pain and put pressure on nerves. Uncontrolled diabetes or other health issues can lead to nerve damage, which can eventually lead to amputation of toes or the whole foot. If you have numbness or tingling in your feet, it is important that you see a podiatrist who can access the problem and get you on your way to the management of a possibly dangerous condition or healing.

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 Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . 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 Owensboro, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Each year millions of seniors over 65 years old fall, putting them at risk of serious injury, including broken bones or head wounds. Further, experts say that falling once increases a senior’s chances of falling again. It is well known that most falls by seniors happen in or around the home. Fortunately, there are a number of things that can help to prevent falling in your home. Simple changes in the home include removing throw rugs that are easy to trip over and clutter on the floor or hallways. In addition, it is wise to eliminate other tripping hazards, such as wires, boxes, and furniture, from pathways you are likely to use. Fixing steps and walkways that may be uneven, both inside and outside the house, is suggested. Installing adequate lighting or night lights in higher-traffic areas is essential. Adding grab bars in the bathroom and shower areas, and banisters on stairways is recommended. Getting regular light exercise to keep the leg muscles strong is also a good idea. For more information on more ways to prevent falling, please consult a podiatrist. 

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

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

People of all walks of life are prone to getting ankle sprains, despite that many people refer to them as being a sports injury. An ankle sprain happens when the ankle is twisted or rolled beyond its normal range of motion which can happen for various reasons. These can include stepping off of a curb unexpectedly, or clumsily landing after turning or jumping. Ankle sprains fall into two categories, consisting of inversion and eversion sprains. The former is considered to be the most common type of sprain, and happens when the ankle rolls outward while the foot turns inward. An eversion sprain is the opposite, and can damage the inner ligaments. Common symptoms that can accompany both types of sprains can include swelling, bruising, and it can be difficult to walk. If you have endured an ankle sprain, please connect with a podiatrist who can determine which type it is, and offer you correct treatment options.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Mild to moderate bruising
• Limited mobility
• Swelling
• Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

• Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
• Stretching before exercises and sports
• Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity.  Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

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

The base of the big toe is a common site for degenerative changes in the foot. Wear and tear and loss of elasticity in the cartilage cushioning the joint of the big toe can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the area. With the big toe moving up each time a step is taken, walking can be uncomfortable. Bone spurs can develop on the joint aggravating the pain already felt when walking with big toe arthritis. A bump, like a bunion or a callus, can also develop on the top of the foot with this affliction. When rest, medication, and exercise stop working, surgical options are considered. One such option is toe joint replacement. This is usually done among older sufferers with advanced arthritis. With toe joint replacement, an artificial joint made from ceramic, plastic, or metal, is surgically implanted after removing damaged parts of bones and cartilage in the big toe. This can be done under general or regional anesthesia and usually takes less than one hour. If you have advanced arthritis in your big toe and other less invasive treatments have not provided you enough relief to live life comfortably, talk to a podiatrist to see if you might be a good candidate for joint replacement surgery.

In certain cases, in which the patient suffers from extreme pain or damage in a joint, joint replacement surgery may be deemed useful. If you have constant pain in a foot joint, consult with Dr. Sheldon D. Simon from Kentucky . Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

Over time, joints wear down; this can be exacerbated by diseases and conditions. Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is when a damaged joint is surgically removed and replaced with a prosthesis. Prostheses, which can be made of ceramic, plastic, or metal, act as joints in lieu of an actual joint. One of the most prevalent causes for joint replacement is arthritis.

Arthritis in the Foot

Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including in the feet. Common types of arthritis in the foot are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. The big toe is usually where arthritis occurs in the foot; this is known as hallux rigidus.

Joint Replacement Surgery in the Foot

The most common form of joint replacement in the foot is a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint placement. MTP joint replacement surgery is designed to treat hallux rigidus. Surgery is not intensive, and recovery occurs within one to two months after the procedure has been done. Overall, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to treat pain in the joint of the foot.

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