Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.
Your feet can provide important clues about your overall health. Changes in their appearance, sensation, or function may indicate underlying medical conditions. Cold feet could suggest poor circulation, while persistent swelling might be a sign of heart, kidney, or venous issues. Discoloration, sores that do not heal, or numbness may point to diabetes or nerve damage. Brittle or discolored toenails can indicate fungal infections or nutritional deficiencies. Foot cramps or muscle weakness could be linked to dehydration or vitamin imbalances. Additionally, dry, cracked heels may suggest thyroid problems. If you notice persistent discomfort, swelling, or unusual changes in your feet, it is suggested that you seek a medical evaluation from a podiatrist who can offer you advice and appropriate treatment.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.
Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Bunions are a common foot problem that causes a bump to form at the base of the big toe. They happen when the bones in the front of your foot shift out of place, making the big toe lean toward the second toe. This can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty finding comfortable shoes. Many people get bunions because of the shape of their feet, which they inherit from their family. Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes can make bunions worse. Other causes include flat feet, arthritis, and foot injuries. Bunions can get worse over time, if not treated. Early treatment, like wearing wider shoes or using custom orthotics, can help relieve discomfort and slow the bunion’s progression. If you notice a bump forming or feel pain in your big toe joint, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for relief options.
If you are suffering from bunions, contact Gregory Rorick, DPM of Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
What Is a Bunion?
A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.
Why Do Bunions Form?
Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary
Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions
How Are Bunions Diagnosed?
Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.
How Are Bunions Treated?
Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
Orthotics or foot inserts
Surgery
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Cuboid syndrome occurs when the cuboid bone in the foot becomes misaligned or partially dislocated, leading to pain and discomfort. The cuboid bone is located on the outer side of the foot, near the midfoot region, and plays a vital role in stability and movement. This condition often results from repetitive stress, overuse, or sudden trauma such as an ankle sprain. Poor foot biomechanics, tight calf muscles, or wearing inadequate footwear can also contribute to its development. Symptoms include pain along the outer edge of the foot, difficulty walking, and swelling in the affected area. Some individuals may experience weakness or instability while bearing weight. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you appropriate treatment solutions.
Cuboid syndrome, also known as cuboid subluxation, occurs when the joints and ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot become torn. If you have cuboid syndrome, consult with Gregory Rorick, DPM from Rorick Podiatry, PC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Cuboid syndrome is a common cause of lateral foot pain, which is pain on the outside of the foot. The condition may happen suddenly due to an ankle sprain, or it may develop slowly overtime from repetitive tension through the bone and surrounding structures.
Causes
The most common causes of cuboid syndrome include:
Injury – The most common cause of this ailment is an ankle sprain.
Repetitive Strain – Tension placed through the peroneus longus muscle from repetitive activities such as jumping and running may cause excessive traction on the bone causing it to sublux.
Altered Foot Biomechanics – Most people suffering from cuboid subluxation have flat feet.
Symptoms
A common symptom of cuboid syndrome is pain along the outside of the foot which can be felt in the ankle and toes. This pain may create walking difficulties and may cause those with the condition to walk with a limp.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome is often difficult, and it is often misdiagnosed. X-rays, MRIs and CT scans often fail to properly show the cuboid subluxation. Although there isn’t a specific test used to diagnose cuboid syndrome, your podiatrist will usually check if pain is felt while pressing firmly on the cuboid bone of your foot.
Treatment
Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are ice therapy, rest, exercise, taping, and orthotics.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New York Mills, Utica, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
