Items filtered by date: March 2022

If you feel numbness, pins and needles, or pain in the bottom of your foot, you may have a condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. These symptoms may also extend to the toes and heel. The cause is likely to be an obstruction under the band of tissue that attaches the inner ankle to the heel and forms the tarsal tunnel. A number of blood vessels and tendons, along with the tibial nerve, pass through the tunnel. Pressure on the posterior tibial nerve may be caused by excess fluid following an ankle injury, fallen arches, footwear that is too tight, obesity, cysts, or bone spurs. A podiatrist can help determine the exact cause of the pain and offer treatment options such as steroid injections, orthotics, and/or braces. In some cases, surgery is necessary. It is a good idea to consult a podiatrist for an examination and diagnosis.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

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

Cuboid syndrome (also known as cuboid subluxation) involves a tear or injury to the joint and/or ligaments near the cuboid bone in the foot. The bones move but are not fully displaced when one has this condition. Ankle sprains or injuries are often the culprit of this syndrome, but it can also be caused by repetitive strain of the foot or having flat feet. As with many foot problems, this syndrome is more likely to affect those who are: overweight, have arthritis or bone conditions, wear improperly fitting shoes, do not stretch well before exercise, do not allow enough rest of the foot before resuming physical activity, exercise on uneven surfaces, or fracture a bone connected to the cuboid. One can suspect cuboid syndrome if there is pain on the side of the foot near the baby toe, which may intensify with weight bearing or pushing on the arch on the bottom of the foot. The pain can also spread to other parts of the foot when pressure is exerted on the front of the toes, there may be redness near the injured area, swelling of the injured area and ankle due to fluid buildup, less movement of the ankle or lateral side of the foot, weakness in toes on this side of the foot and an altered gait to compensate for pain. Treatments for cuboid syndrome vary and it is suggested that a podiatrist be consulted for proper diagnosis of the condition and pinpointing the best course of action for your case.

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 one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors 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 Hudson, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Peripheral neuropathy causes damage to the nerves outside of the spinal cord and brain, which can result in a host of symptoms, starting in the feet. You may have peripheral neuropathy if you feel tingling or pins and needles in your feet. You may also experience stabbing, shooting, or burning pain in your feet, which tends to be worse in the evening. Your feet may feel numb, weak, or “dead.” They may even be so sensitive that the bed sheets brushing against your feet causes pain. You may have difficulty sensing temperature in your feet, or you may get the sensation of wearing socks even if you are barefoot. In some cases, you may develop ulcers (open wounds) on your feet or legs. While there is no cure for nerve damage, you can help prevent the condition from worsening by keeping blood glucose levels in target range. A podiatrist can also help you keep your feet and legs as healthy as possible and help manage the pain and discomfort caused by peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral artery disease can pose a serious risk to your health. It can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, consult with one of our podiatrists from Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is when arteries are constricted due to plaque (fatty deposits) build-up. This results in less blood flow to the legs and other extremities. The main cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Claudication (leg pain from walking)
• Numbness in legs
• Decrease in growth of leg hair and toenails
• Paleness of the skin
• Erectile dysfunction
• Sores and wounds on legs and feet that won’t heal
• Coldness in one leg

It is important to note that a majority of individuals never show any symptoms of PAD.

Diagnosis

While PAD occurs in the legs and arteries, Podiatrists can diagnose PAD. Podiatrists utilize a test called an ankle-brachial index (ABI). An ABI test compares blood pressure in your arm to you ankle to see if any abnormality occurs. Ultrasound and imaging devices may also be used.

Treatment

Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking, can all treat PAD. Medications that prevent clots from occurring can be prescribed. Finally, in some cases, surgery may be recommended.

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

The Achilles tendon is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the back of the lower leg, connecting the heel bone to the calf muscles. When the Achilles tendon is injured, resulting symptoms may include pain, aching, stiffness, soreness or tenderness in the heel or back of the leg, enlargement of the tendon, and damage to the surrounding tissues. There are two main types of Achilles tendon disorders – Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendonosis. Tendonitis is a typically short-lived inflammation of the tendon. Tendonosis, which can evolve from tendonitis if the former is not treated promptly, can lead to tears in the tendon and degeneration over time. If you have symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Southern NH. Our doctors 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 office located in Hudson, NH . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.