Morton’s toe is a foot condition that is obvious as the second toe is longer than the first toe, or big toe. Research has indicated it affects approximately ten percent of the population, and may cause foot pain. Many people may refer to this ailment as Greek toe, and this is a common sight on classic Greek sculptures. Morton’s toe develops from purely genetic reasons, and it is determined by the long bones in the foot, which are called the metatarsal bones. Pain may gradually develop during the beginning stages of taking a step, and this is the result of pressure that is exerted on the longest toe, which is the second toe in patients who have this condition. It can cause the foot to roll excessively inward, and may be controlled by wearing custom-made orthotics. Mild relief may be found when shoes a half size larger are selected, and this may help to diminish some of the pressure. If you have Morton’s toe, and are experiencing foot pain, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can help you to manage this foot condition.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Queen Mbanuzue, DPM from In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Ankle pain can be a result of a sprain, rolling the ankle, arthritis, gout, nerve damage, injury, blocked blood vessels, or infection in the joint. An ankle sprain is the most common cause of ankle pain, and is often caused by rolling or twisting the ankle so that the outside of the ankle moves towards the ground. With a sprain, the ligaments of the ankle holding bones together can get strained or torn. Arthritis - especially osteoarthritis - can also cause pain and inflammation of the joint because it causes wear and tear on the joint. Immediate action to take for ankle pain is rest and elevation of the foot. Compression of the ankle may also help. When the pain subsides, it is a good idea to exercise the ankle by rotating it in circles and flexing it up and down, which can help improve range of motion and reduce swelling. If these actions do not stop the pain completely and/or if there is extreme swelling or bruising, it is time to see a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Queen Mbanuzue, DPM from In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Foot and ankle injuries are sometimes an unavoidable part of a dancer’s life, and particularly so for ballet dancers. Overuse injuries are more common in ballet than traumatic injuries, as they can be attributed to repetitive movements and extraordinary stress on bones and soft tissue structures. Achilles tendinopathy is one example of this type of injury. This is often the result of excessive stress on the Achilles tendon due to exaggerated positions such as demi-plié, demie point, and en pointe. Flexor hallucis longus tendinopathy is an overuse injury that can occur from repeated pushing off from the big toe. The pirouettes ballet dancers perform put an incredible amount of pressure on the forefoot, which can cause a nerve disorder called Morton’s neuroma. Landing after jumps and rolling the foot down from demie point places repeated tension on the plantar fascia tissue on the sole of the foot. This can cause the tissue to become inflamed or torn (plantar fasciitis). A podiatrist has immeasurable experience in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions of all kinds, and should be consulted for any such injury a dancer or athlete may incur.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Queen Mbanuzue, DPM of In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lanham, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Several illnesses that affect your body also have a deleterious effect on your feet. In addition, simply aging can negatively affect the health of your feet. Anyone who has diabetes is at risk of developing serious foot and ankle problems. Two common side effects from this disease are nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation (peripheral artery disease), and both are the result of high blood sugar levels. Neuropathy causes numbness and inhibits the ability to detect sores and wounds that may then become infected. Poor circulation limits blood flow to the extremities, slowing down the ability of the sores to heal. This combination can lead to the formation of ulcers on the feet and ankles, which if not treated properly may cause gangrene and in serious cases lead to amputation. Another condition that can seriously affect the feet is arthritis. This includes rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and gout, which can result in pain, joint damage, and deformity. The aging process itself affects the feet as the skin loses its elasticity, protective fat pads get thinner, and the likelihood of falling increases. It is a good idea, especially if you have any of these conditions, to begin seeing a podiatrist for regular checkups designed to keep your feet healthy. 

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Queen Mbanuzue, DPM from In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

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

Preventing running injuries is a common concern for people who enjoy running, even though they may feel that there is not enough time to effectively warm up and cool down. This can be detrimental to incurring injuries. It takes minimal effort to practice good running habits. Preventing running injuries can consist of gradually increasing speed and distance and this is important so that the legs and feet can become acclimated to running. Some people prefer to use props to stay strong and healthy, including a foam roller that can help to increase range of motion and flexibility. Additionally, when a medicine ball is used, it may increase overall body strength. People who enjoy running often set goals as part of their running strategy, and it is beneficial to the body to consistently stay on point. If you would like more information about how running injuries can affect the feet and injury prevention methods, please consult with a podiatrist who can address any concerns you may have.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Queen Mbanuzue, DPM of In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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

Breaking any bone in the body is nothing to take lightly. When you break a bone in the toes of your feet you should take it just as seriously as any other broken bone. A broken toe, also known as a fractured toe, occurs when one or more bones in a toe become fractured. If you have a broken toe, you may experience a variety of symptoms. You could feel pain in the toes or feet, a swelling sensation, or a feeling of stiffness. You might also notice bruising around the affected area. It can be important for you to become familiar with the different causes of broken toes to try to prevent toe fractures from occurring in the future. First, broken toes can be caused by direct injuries to the toes. Commonly, this could include dropping a heavy object onto your toe or you might manage to forcefully stub your toe into a hard surface. Second, you might experience a broken toe from performing repetitive motions over a prolonged period. This can result in a stress fracture which is commonly developed by playing certain sports. No matter the cause, broken toes should be taken seriously. Reach out to a podiatrist if you suspect a fractured toe. The podiatrist will be able to help you identify and address the problem.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Queen Mbanuzue, DPM from In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

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

If you are a senior citizen you may have noticed changes in your feet as you have aged. For example, you might have noticed that your feet could have lost cushioning or padding that can provide much-needed support and stability. You might have also noticed that your toenails have changed, growing potentially more brittle and dry. Therefore, foot care becomes more and more of a necessity as one ages. One tip for senior foot care is to increase blood flow and circulation to and throughout your feet. This can be achieved by avoiding wearing tight socks or shoes, engaging in physical activity throughout the day, and stretching periodically. Good circulation is important in senior citizens because poor circulation can impair foot sore healing. Additionally, another tip for senior foot care is wearing the right kind of footwear. High heels, for instance, can be problematic for seniors because they can decrease stability and mobility. Ill-fitting shoes that are too tight can also make a senior more susceptible to developing several foot conditions such as corns and bunions. If you are a senior citizen, consider reaching out to a podiatrist who can help your feet age with grace.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Queen Mbanuzue, DPM from In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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

Foot massage therapy, a type of massage that focuses on the feet and lower legs, is often used to relieve stress, tension, fatigue, and pain. It also can be used to improve blood circulation to help prevent injuries and alleviate symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis. This form of massage utilizes gentle pressure to the feet and legs. Swedish or trigger point massage techniques are typically employed. Risks of foot massage therapy include infection from the spread of bacteria and injury, such as cuts and bruises from over-massage. If you have pre-existing medical conditions (like heart disease or stroke history), it is important to consult with a podiatrist before getting such therapy. A podiatrist can also provide additional information about foot massage therapy and provide additional suggestions to treat foot and ankle discomfort.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with Queen Mbanuzue, DPM from In Step Podiatry Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

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