Items filtered by date: October 2022

When an individual suffers a stress fracture, they essentially have developed tiny cracks in the bone, often due to repetitive or prolonged pressure. There are a number of different symptoms that are characteristic of a stress fracture. Namely, if you suffer from a stress fracture, you may develop bruising on the skin in the affected area. Typically, this might involve discoloration of some sort around the skin. The skin, for example, may appear to have a red, blue, or purple tint. Additionally, stress fractures may create poignant, localized pain at the site of the fracture. This pain can be worse when putting weight on the feet. Many individuals suffer from stress fractures—if you are one of them, consult with a podiatrist today.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor 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 offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ingrown toenails can be an annoying and potentially painful affliction of the foot. This condition occurs when the side of a toenail essentially grows into the skin of the toe. In severe cases, a surgical procedure may be needed to resolve the issue. For example, a surgical procedure might involve removing a part or all of the nail. Sometimes, before a surgical procedure of this kind, you might need to receive local anesthesia to numb the affected toe. Additionally, the procedure may take about an hour in time. Following the operation, your toe might need to be protected with some sort of bandage. The medical professional performing the procedure might then give you instructions on caring for your toe following the operation. If you have a persistent or infected ingrown toenail, contact a podiatrist today for help.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Darren Day, DPM of Hawaii. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

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

People who have endured an Achilles tendon injury are often not mistaken about it. A common sign is an immediate pain and discomfort, and it can be extremely difficult to walk. It can happen as a result of increasing running speed and mileage too quickly, and this type of injury can fall into two categories. Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis affects the middle of the tendon, and younger people are prone to developing this type of injury. The lower part of the tendon is affected where it attaches to the heel bone during insertional Achilles tendinitis and can affect people of all ages. Additional symptoms can include heel and calf pain, and there can be a limited range of motion. Some people develop Achilles tendon injuries from not warming up or cooling down properly, in addition to wearing shoes that do not fit properly. This is an injury that needs prompt medical attention for a complete recovery so it is suggested that a podiatrist be contacted who can guide you toward the best treatment techniques. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Darren Day, DPM of Hawaii. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Honolulu and Kahuku, HI . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

If you are a worker that spends the vast majority of the workday on your feet, you might be putting yourself at an increased risk of developing a foot condition or affliction. For example, if someone stands for a prolonged period of time, experiencing swollen feet, heart problems, or circulatory problems could become more likely. To address these issues, one might consider intentionally taking breaks throughout the workday to sit down and rest. During these breaks, an individual might also consider stretching the feet, perhaps flexing and pointing them. Reach out to your podiatrist to schedule an appointment today if you spend the workday on your feet. This foot specialist can help you identify and address any problems you may have.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Darren Day, DPM from Hawaii. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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