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October 2020

There are several types of foot conditions that may require surgery for permanent relief. Bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails are a few examples. A bunion is a bony protrusion on the side of the big toe, and can be quite painful. Surgery can be performed to remove this deformity and help relieve the pain. Hammertoe is a common foot condition that causes the toe to bend downward at the middle joint. Surgery can be performed to correct the joint and straighten out the toe. An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail grows into the outer edge of the skin, and this can cause severe pain and discomfort. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the nail. If you are considering any type of foot surgery, it is strongly recommended that you speak with a podiatrist who can help you to determine if this is the correct choice for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM of Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor 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 one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. The most common symptom of this condition is a sharp or stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot. The pain is often worse in the morning after a period of inactivity, however, pain may also be worse after long periods of standing, walking, or running. Certain risk factors can make one more likely to develop plantar fasciitis. These include being overweight, participating in activities that repeatedly put pressure on or stretch your foot, being between the ages of 40 and 60, having abnormal foot mechanics, having flat feet, having a tight Achilles tendon, standing all day, wearing shoes that do not have arch support, and suddenly changing your activities. If you suspect that you have plantar fasciitis, please see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and advised plan of treatment. 

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM  from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Excessive running
  • Non-supportive shoes
  • Overpronation
  • Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

  • Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
  • Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
  • Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Diabetes is a medical condition that often affects the feet. Elevated blood glucose levels can cause a lack of sensation in the feet, and existing cuts, bruises, and wounds may be difficult to notice. An untreated cut may lead to a diabetic foot ulcer, which may develop on the top or sides of the foot. It is important to check the feet daily, and to notice if there is swelling or a change in skin color. There are measures which can be implemented that may help to prevent the potential foot problems that are caused by diabetes. These measures can include controlling your blood glucose levels, wearing shoes that fit correctly, and avoiding walking barefoot. If you have diabetes, it is strongly recommended that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can help you manage your foot health.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

  • Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
  • Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
  • Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Diabetic Foot Conditions
Monday, 05 October 2020 00:00

Different Forms of Neuropathy

Research has indicated that many patients who have neuropathy may be diabetic. Peripheral neuropathy is defined as nerve damage that can affect the feet, and can happen from elevated glucose levels in the blood. It can cause the inability to feel sensation, and there may be muscle weakness and slowed reflexes. Patients who have autonomic neuropathy may experience difficulty in swallowing, or have abnormal blood pressures and heart rates. Damage that is inflicted on the hips, thighs, or legs may be indicative of radiculoplexus neuropathy, and this may be linked to diabetes. An additional form of neuropathy is referred to as mononeuropathy, and this may cause difficulty in focusing the eyes. If you are experiencing weakness or a lack of sensation in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Massimo Pietrantoni, DPM from Rochester Podiatry, LLP. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

  • Numbness
  • Sensation loss
  • Prickling and tingling sensations
  • Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
  • Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Brighton and Greece of Rochester, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Neuropathy
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