A foot stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force or overuse. It often feels like a dull ache that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Over time, the pain may become more intense, accompanied by swelling and tenderness at the fracture site. Common causes include sudden increases in physical activity, improper footwear, and weakened bones due to conditions like osteoporosis. Athletes and others who engage in high-impact activities are at higher risk of developing foot stress fractures. Healing time varies but typically takes several weeks, depending on age, nutrition, and activity level. Rest, proper footwear, and a gradual return to activity are essential for recovery. If you have sustained a foot stress fracture, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can effectively diagnose and treat this foot condition.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

Stress fractures occur in the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use.  The feet and ankles then lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection, the bones receive the full impact of each step. Stress on the feet can cause cracks to form in the bones, thus creating stress fractures.

What Are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

• Runners                                  
• People affected with Osteoporosis
• Tennis or basketball players
• Gymnasts
• High impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves high impact will aggravate pain.

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

Hammertoe is a condition in which a toe bends at the middle joint, causing it to look like a hammer. Hammertoe is often caused by muscle imbalance that leads to pain, stiffness, and difficulty wearing shoes. If conservative treatment measures do not help, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to correct the deformity. The type of procedure depends on the flexibility of the toe. If the toe is still movable, a tendon transfer can help straighten it by repositioning tendons. For a rigid hammertoe, joint resection involves removing a small section of bone to allow the toe to extend. Joint fusion surgery permanently realigns the toe by securing the bones together with pins or screws until they heal. These procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis, with recovery taking several weeks. Swelling can last for months, but pain generally recedes early in the healing process. Possible risks include infection, nerve damage, or recurrence of the deformity. If you have a painful hammertoe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options, which may include surgery.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

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

Fungal nail infections primarily affect toenails, causing them to thicken, become discolored, and occasionally separate from the nail bed. In mild cases, fungal toenail infections might not require immediate treatment, yet some patients have a higher risk of complications and should seek professional advice promptly. Risk factors include diabetes, psoriasis, peripheral arterial disease, smoking, or medications that weaken the immune system. Fungal infections typically develop from minor injuries near the nail. They can be spread by sharing personal items like nail clippers or towels, walking barefoot in moist public areas, or transferring athlete’s foot from the skin between toes to the toenails. Treatment is often challenging due to frequent recurrences, and may include prescription antifungal nail lacquers, or oral antifungal medications prescribed by a podiatrist. In severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend surgery to remove the affected nail completely. If you notice that your toenail appears infected, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options.

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 one of our podiatrists of Family Foot Health Center. Our doctors 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 Rogers and Berryville, AR . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.