Lots of people suffer from foot pain, and in many cases, discomfort is ignored or “written off” as just part of the natural wear-and-tear of everyday living, the effects of aging or wearing ill-fitting shoes. But is it? The feet are some of the most complex structures in the body, comprising dozens of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and other components, and that means there are a lot of factors that can cause or contribute to foot pain. And while aging, strain and bad shoes can cause foot pain, there are other issues – often overlooked – that may also be at play. Among the more common issues are plantar warts.
Lots of people suffer from foot pain, and in many cases, discomfort is ignored or “written off” as just part of the natural wear-and-tear of everyday living, the effects of aging or wearing ill-fitting shoes. But is it? The feet are some of the most complex structures in the body, comprising dozens of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and other components, and that means there are a lot of factors that can cause or contribute to foot pain. And while aging, strain and bad shoes can cause foot pain, there are other issues – often overlooked – that may also be at play. Among the more common issues are plantar warts.
What are Plantar Warts?
Plantar warts are growths that occur on the bottom of the foot, and like other types of warts, they’re caused by a viral infection that can be spread from one person to another. You can “catch” the virus that causes plantar warts by walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms or public showers, pools or hot tubs, or by wearing the shoes of someone who’s infected.
The virus usually enters the skin through a tiny cut or abrasion on the foot, and skin that’s been softened by soaking in water is especially prone to becoming infected. People with diabetes and those with compromised immune systems are also more likely to contract the virus.
Once inside the body, the virus puts down “roots” deep beneath the skin and grows upward, causing the fleshy portion you see. In fact, the wart extends into the deeper tissue, which is why you need to see a skilled orthopedic doctor to eradicate it completely.
How are Plantar Warts Treated?
Sometimes, a wart may be treated with a prescription topical medication designed to penetrate to the base of the wart and destroy the virus. More often, the wart – and the virus that causes it – must be destroyed with cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen to “freeze” it off or with lasers to destroy the virus with heat. Very deep warts including those resistant to lasers and cryotherapy can be removed with minimally invasive orthopedic surgery designed to remove the wart while preserving the healthy tissue that surrounds it.
If you have foot pain, delaying care can cause symptoms and the underlying cause to become worse, making treatment more difficult and more costly. Having an evaluation is the best way to relieve painful symptoms so you can get back to enjoying your life. To schedule your evaluation with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists in Jacksonville, call (904)634-0640 or use our online form.
Staying Germ Free at Work
It happens every year at the office. Employees go home with a stomach bug, the flu or another virus from the workplace. The germs that cause these illnesses can scatter throughout the workplace in just a few hours. And those germs lurk in the most unexpected places. Here are some tips on how to get rid of those germs.
Same Day Joint Replacement Procedures
One-day joint replacement today can have you home tomorrow. It’s an innovative approach that means patients can have surgery one morning and return home the next day. There have been advances in pain management with knee joint or hip joint replacement procedures where rehabilitation can begin just hours after surgery with minimal discomfort. Previously, joint replacement patients would have a hospital stay of three to four days. Also, joint replacement surgery used to require the cutting of tendons and muscles, but not any longer. Only a small incision is made. It’s known as natural interval, and the risk is minimal.
The Advancements in Joint Replacements
There have been a number of advancements in joint replacement surgery that yield positive results for patients. The SuperPath hip approach allows the surgeon to perform a hip replacement without having to twist the leg or dislocate the hip joint. This advancement gives the patient a quicker recovery period and less chance of a post-operative hip replacement. The direct anterior hip replacement procedure is minimally invasive and replaces the damaged joint with polyethylene and titanium components. It’s known as muscle sparing surgery and the muscles are not cut during the procedure. Only a small incision is made. The end result is a quicker recovery period like the SuperPath hip method.
What Happens When You Crack Your Knuckles?
You might say that good news has popped up in recent years for people who find it soothing to crack knuckle joints.
Scientific research hasn’t come to a firm conclusion about what happens when you pop your knuckles. However, one thing that recent research indicates is that the cracking doesn’t cause arthritis.
Instead, two studies in 2015 shared the conclusion that knuckle cracking seems to improve range of motion. Also, researchers in both studies question the results of 1990 research showing that knuckle cracking may cause swelling and loss of grip.
Know More About Hand Surgery
Our hands are very important. They help us accomplish a wide variety of tasks, such as dressing, eating, writing, creating art and earning a living. To perform properly, the hands must have muscle contraction, tendon gliding and joint motion. An orthopedic hand specialist is trained to diagnose and care for hand problems, with or without surgery.
How to Deal With a Traumatic Event
People are severely hurt each day, whether in a car accident, a sudden fall, or another unexpected source of trauma. It’s hard enough to cope with one’s injury or situation in the moment, and the long-term healing can also be very challenging. We discuss ways to deal with the after effects of a trauma, including tips on how to care for your body, and your mind, while you heal.
Why Foot Care is Important
Your feet were made for walking, and it’s important not to tiptoe around the importance of foot health. Despite the distance from your heart, the health of your feet can impact your overall health. It’s important not to ignore foot pain. If your feet hurt, it’s time to see your doctor or schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. As a matter of fact, your feet should be checked regularly even before there is a problem. Comprised of over 50 bones, 200 muscles, 60 joints, tendons and ligaments, feet are really a true marvel of engineering.
Physical Therapy Can Help With Lower Back Pains
Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, such as heavy lifting, herniated disc and degenerative disc disease. Heavy lifting can strain and tear the lower back muscles, a herniated disc can impinge upon the sciatic nerve and degenerative disc disease can cause inflammation and soreness. Symptoms may include a combination of the following:
7 Reasons to Try Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has been proven to help people of all ages who have injuries, illnesses or medical conditions that limit their ability to function and move. A customized treatment program by a physical therapist can help people return to their previous lifestyle, prevent future injury and improve overall health. Here are 7 reasons to try physical therapy.
